Australia 1-0 Republic of Ireland: Stephanie Catley ensures Matildas open World Cup campaign with win

Co-hosts Australia beat Republic of Ireland 1-0 in their first group match thanks to a Stephanie Catley penalty.

Australia controlled possession from the beginning, moving the ball confidently in defence and through midfield.

The Republic of Ireland set up in their familiar 3-4-3 structure, looking to frustrate the co-hosts when they entered the final third.

Vera Pauw would have been delighted with the defensive aspects of the Republic of Ireland’s performance in the first half as they completely nullified Australia – limiting the Matildas to just one shot on target.

It didn’t take long for Australia to take the lead in the second half, though. Stephanie Catley was on hand to convert from 12 yards after Marissa Sheva bundled Hayley Raso over in the box.

Australia continued to commit bodies forward in search of a second goal to kill off the contest but the Republic of Ireland held firm.

The Republic of Ireland poured players forward as the game went on in search of a precious equaliser but just couldn’t find the killer final ball. Katie McCabe put in a succession of terrific in-swinging corners but the Irish couldn’t capitalise.

McCabe had a huge chance to rescue a point for her nation in the dying seconds of the match but couldn't find a corner and saw her effort saved well by Mackenzie Arnold.

Australia’s victory courtesy of Stephanie Catley's penalty means it is the first time the Matildas have won their opening match of a FIFA Women’s World Cup since 2007. In all of the previous three World Cup’s (2011, 2015 & 2019), Australia had lost in their group stage opener but they did enough to end that trend today. Tony Gustafsson’s side weren’t perfect and at times missed the influential presence of the injured Sam Kerr, especially when the Australia midfield were firing balls over the top to the spaces Kerr would usually occupy, but they got the job done and picked up three precious points. The only time Australia really looked susceptible at the back was from corners and even then Mackenzie Arnold did enough to keep a clean sheet. It was important for the co-hosts that they started strongly in Sydney and they did just that.

The 30-year-old was terrific for Australia from the first minute to the last. She was constantly getting on the ball and trying to play through the Republic of Ireland and get her side into attacking situations. Her close control to get away from the opposition was superb too, seeing her complete three of her four attempted dribbles. Defensively she was superb too, making six tackles and one interception as well as winning 10 duels. A complete performance.

Australia: Arnold 7, Carpenter 7, Hunt 7, Kennedy 7, Catley 8, Raso 8, Gorry 8, Cooney-Cross 7, Vine 7, Foord 7, Fowler 7 Subs: Van Egmond 6, Polkinghorne 6

Republic of Ireland: Brosnan 6, Connolly 6, Quinn 7, Fahey 7, McCabe 7, Littlejohn 6, O'Sullivan 7, Payne 6, Sheva 6, Carusa 6, Farrelly 7 Subs: Larkin 7, Quinn 6, Atkinson 6

51’ PENALTY TO AUSTRALIA! - Sheva bundles Raso over in the box and Australia have a penalty!

52’ GOAL – AUSTRALIA - Stephanie Catley makes no mistake from the penalty spot! She fires her penalty into the top-left corner and the Matildas are 1-0 up!

77’ MORE IRISH PRESSURE! - Republic of Ireland are really pushing forward now, Heather Payne couldn't sort her feet out quickly enough to really get purchase on her effort but it's more encouragement for Ireland.

90+6 MCCABE IS DENIED! - That was the chance for the Republic of Ireland! The ball fell to McCabe in the box but her effort from point-blank range is saved by Arnold.

Australia have won their opening match at a FIFA Women's World Cup for the first time since 2007.

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