Host Australia narrowly wins opening match of 2023 Women's World Cup

Captain Steph Catley's penalty helped Australia beat Ireland 1-0 in the opening match of Group B of the 2023 World Cup.

*Goal scorer: Catley 52' (penalty).

After New Zealand created an earthquake with a 1-0 victory over Norway, 75,000 fans at the Australian stadium hoped their team could create a winning opening day for the two 2023 World Cup hosts. With that spirit, Australia rushed to attack after the opening whistle.

Casey celebrates with his teammates after opening the score. Photo: FIFA — Casey celebrates with his teammates after opening the score. Photo: *FIFA*

However, Ireland showed they were not to be trifled with, with a dogged defence and the brilliance of Everton goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan keeping the visitors at bay.

Australia’s attacks were also relatively monotonous. They mainly launched high crosses from the wings, or used their height in set pieces. However, the shots of Clare Hunt, Hayley Raso and Kyra Cooney-Cross were all off target.

Ireland took the initiative to play defensive counter-attacking. But their intention was only half successful. When they had the chance to counter-attack, their three attacking players Kyra Taylor Carusa, Sinead Louise Farrelly and Marissa Sheva either did not understand the idea or were out of breath in their acceleration due to the pressing to support the defense.

The turning point of the match came after the break. From a cross from Cooney-Cross, Raso was brought down in the box by Sheva. Referee Edina Alves Batista immediately pointed to the penalty spot. Given the responsibility of taking the kick, Australia captain Steph Catley made no mistake as her left-footed shot to the left of the goal fooled Brosnan.

Australian midfielder Cortnee Vine in a dispute with Irish midfielder Heather Payne. Photo: AAP — Australian midfielder Cortnee Vine in a dispute with Irish midfielder Heather Payne. Photo: *AAP*

After falling behind, Ireland fought back. The European team put considerable pressure on the home team's goal in the final 30 minutes. In the 74th minute, Ireland's playmaker Denise O'Sullivan gave the home fans a heart attack when her one-touch volley from inside the box went over the bar.

The eight minutes of stoppage time in the second half tested Australia’s mettle. In the first minute of stoppage time, Megan Connolly’s free kick hit the wall and went just over the bar. Ireland’s coaching staff and substitutes were on the sidelines, ready to celebrate, but were ultimately disappointed. In the seventh minute of stoppage time, midfielder Katie McCabe had space to shoot in the box but could not beat goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.

Australia will next face Nigeria on July 27 while Ireland face Canada, the top team in Group B.

Quang Huy

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