In a thrilling match in Sydney, co-hosts Australia secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over debutants the Republic of Ireland in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Steph Catley stepped up as captain in the absence of the Matildas’ forward (and appointed captain) – who was injured – Sam Kerr. Catley did her team and her Aussies proud with a brilliant penalty shot in the 52nd minute.
The decisive goal that propelled the Matildas to victory.
It’s about entertainment and having fun and showing what football is about
A crowd of some 75,000 people attended the match. It is undeniable that it truly was the most significant sporting event in Australia hosted following the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
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During a pre-match press conference alongside coach Tony Gustavsson, Kerr showed nothing but confidence in her team. She pointed to the Matildas’ ability to play different roles as the reason for winning 9 of their 10 matches. This includes a 1-0 win over France in a friendly last Friday. Not forgetting their 2-0 win over England in April.
“It’s about entertainment and having fun and showing what football is about. Maybe it might [happen], maybe it won’t,” Kerr said.
How the Irish team are faring
Ireland, on the other hand, are at their first senior FIFA Women’s World Cup. And they head into the match with no big experience.
We’re Irish, we don’t shy away from physicality
The team got a boost with key midfielder Denise returning after suffering a shin injury during an abandoned friendly with Colombia last week.
The girls in green are coached by former Banyana Banyana boss, Vera Pauw. Team captain, Katie McCabe, was confident her team was ready to take on Australia.
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“We’re Irish, we don’t shy away from physicality. It’s ingrained in us, the hard-working team we are,” McCabe said.
If you’re a glass half full type of person, then the Irish can take pride in their spirited performance and will have to throw everything at their next opponents, Canada on 26 July and Nigeria on 31 July.
