How Australia beat Republic of Ireland without Sam Kerr

FROM STADIUM AUSTRALIA - The biggest night in both Australian and Irish football history in front of a packed-out crowd of 75,784 fans - the world watched as the Matildas clinched their first win of the 2023 Women's World Cup that they are co-hosting.

Roaring crowds settled into Sydney Olympic Park, the opening game on Australian soil set to face fireworks and more as they lined up against tournament debutants Ireland.

It was Steph Catley's penalty that separated the two sides, decisively putting Australia 1-0 up in the second half. Afterwards, Catley revealed it was the first spot-kick she had ever taken for her country.

"I really enjoy taking set pieces," the stand-in skipper, deputising for the injured Sam Kerr, said. "I just kind of pick a spot and hit it where I want to hit it and I try to block out the crowd as best I can, take a breath, and focus, try and keep my mind pretty clear, but obviously a big occasion.

"I think when I hit the back of the net, I was very relieved, and I can see why strike as a striker cause that adrenaline is like nothing else."

But in the 52 minutes building up to the ball finally hitting the back of the net, Ireland had frustrated the home side, quietening the crowd and proving that the underdogs were up for a fight.

With Kerr ruled out, both sides were at a disadvantage to their own degree. Ireland would have prepared and set up with a plan of attack to mark her classic runs, now having to adapt to a whole new set-up. More obviously, Australia missing their star striker left a hole in their attack.

The controversial Colombia friendly in the days leading up to this opening game for Ireland nearly rendered Denise O'Sullivan, the glue that holds the Girls in Green's midfield together, out of the lineup. Yet, the luck of the Irish pulled the North Carolina Courage star through and into the starting XI.

She would prove pivotal for Ireland in their attempt to claw their way back into the game after giving away a foolish penalty. While the visitors would have been disappointed to lose hold of their even scoreline, the fight had not deterred the debutants, finding a way back into their rhythm as the Matildas fell back into a feeling of frustration and uncertainty.

Catley went on to say, "It was probably the biggest occasion of a lot of our careers.

"So we were expecting there to be moments where there was a little bit of sloppy. So we overcame that and were still able to get the job done."

While all eyes may have been on the sparks flying between Katie McCabe and Hayley Raso, it was the ingenuity and creativity of Kyra Cooney-Cross - dictating the pace of the midfield, using her distinct ability to play the long ball - that made the Matildas look increasingly more dangerous. Partner that with the physicality and dominance of Katrina Gorry, Ireland were struggling to find a way through with the pressure mounting.

The flurry of set pieces during added time ultimately counted for nothing for the underdogs. Despite a loss, not conceding during open play is something that Ireland can take into their following group games.

For Australia, this was about proving that even without Kerr they are indeed contenders for glory on home soil.

Summing up the game, Ireland boss Vera Pauw said, "I'm really proud; our game plan worked; they could not do what they wanted to do. Until the last second, we were able to put them under pressure.

"We do not fear anyone, and these players adapt so quickly, but we need to see where we stand again next game."

Exiting the press conference room, Pauw added, "I'm so proud of Denise O'Sullivan," referring to how quickly the midfielder bounced back after sustaining an injury in the pre-tournament friendly last week.

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