Australia vs Republic of Ireland - Women's World Cup preview: TV channel, live stream, team news & prediction
- Australia & Ireland take the stage in the second game of the 2023 Women's World Cup
- Matildas have big expectations as co-hosts
- Girls in Green making their World Cup debut
The 2023 Women's World Cup kicks off on Thursday 20 July, with New Zealand getting things underway against Norway and then fellow co-hosts Australia quickly following it up with their Group B opener against first-time qualifiers Republic of Ireland.
It is a huge moment for both nations.
Australia were visited by national sporting icon Cathy Freeman, 400m Olympic champion from the 2000 Games in Sydney, in the build-up, to inspire them to glory. Ireland, meanwhile, want to prove that they are not just there to make up the numbers.
Canada and Nigeria complete a tough Group B, so a strong start is vital for any team seeking to make it into the knockout rounds.
Where to watch Australia vs Republic of Ireland on TV/live stream
- When is kick off? Thursday 20 July, 11:00 (BST), 20:00 (local), 06:00 (EST)
- Where is the match being played? Stadium Australia, Sydney
- What time does TV coverage start in the UK? 10:15 (BST)
- Referee? Edina Alves Batista (BRA)
- VAR? Daiane Muniz dos Santos (BRA)
Country/Region | TV |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | ITV1/ITVX |
United States | FOX, fubo, Sling |
Australia | Optus Sport |
Canada | TSN |
Ireland | RTE2/RTE Player |
Middle East/North Africa | beIN SPORTS |
Australia vs Republic of Ireland head-to-head
Australia and Ireland have only met once before and it was actually the latter who took a win. The September 2021 friendly in Dublin was the Matildas' first game since finishing fourth at the Olympics, having lost narrowly to the United States in the bronze medal match.
Ireland took an early lead through Lucy Quinn, which was cancelled out by Mary Fowler not long after. Denise O'Sullivan then re-established the Irish lead, before Fowler equalised a second time in first half stoppage time. But Ireland went ahead for the third and final time in the 3-2 win early in the second half when centre-back Louise Quinn found the net.
Australia team news
Experienced pair Kyah Simon and Tameka Yallop trained separately from the group on Wednesday and will miss out, meaning coach Tony Gustavsson has 21 available players to choose from.
Republic of Ireland team news
Denise O'Sullivan was hospitalised with a shin injury due to a bad tackle in the behind closed doors friendly against Colombia that led to the game being abandoned. But the North Carolina Courage forward has since returned to training and has been passed fit.
Captain Katie McCabe was back in training last week without issue after previously suffering an ankle problem in the warm-up game against France.
Australia vs Republic of Ireland score prediction
Ireland ought not to be be underestimated and do posses a handful of top quality players - the likes of the aforementioned McCabe and O'Sullivan. But this is Australia's tournament and Australia's game to lose, particularly in front of a sell-out crowd in Sydney.
We saw France willed on to a comfortable victory by the home crowd over South Korea in the opening game four years ago and this could be more of the same.
Prediction: Australia 4-1 Republic of Ireland
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