Topics: Australia, Ireland, Football, Womens World Cup
The Matildas opened up their World Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland.
They were without their captain and star player Sam Kerr after she was ruled out with a calf injury just an hour before kick-off.
The atmosphere inside the stadium was second to none as 75,784 Australians and Irish cheered on the two teams in fantastic scenes.
It was the Matildas’ highest attendance of all time and the ninth-highest in the history of women’s football.
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The Matildas played some brilliant offensive football to begin with, as Caitlin Foord and Cortnee Vine caused the Irish problems down the left flank.
Australia controlled much of the early parts of the game and was keen to quickly shut down any onset of an Ireland attack.
Hayley Raso narrowly missed from a header after a corner had been whipped in in the 27th minute, ensuring Ireland was kept on their toes.
Raso had an intense battle with Arsenal star Katie McCabe down the right flank with fouls committed both ways.
It was an intense first half which ultimately led to the teams going into the break with the scores 0-0.
Early into the second half, Hayley Raso found herself fouled in the box as a ball was whipped into the area.
Steph Catley had been named as captain in Sam Kerr’s absence and took on the responsibility with 75,000 plus looking on with nerves and anticipation.
She more than kept her cool as she slotted the ball into the top left corner to send Stadium Australia into raptures.
Ireland continued to pile on the pressure after going down as the Australian had to keep strong at the back to prevent any equalisers.
The Matildas had to withstand a late onslaught of chances to hold onto their lead.
The side showed incredible strength to keep the scores at 1-0 and ensure they kicked off their World Cup campaign with a victory.
