Fifa World Cup 2023 results, scores: Matildas defeat Ireland after devastating Sam Kerr injury
Four years after they had their hearts broken by penalties, the Matildas overcame a savage pre-match blow to secure a nail-biting opening victory.
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The Matildas overcame the bombshell withdrawal of Sam Kerr just an hour before kick-off to open their World Cup campaign with a pulsating 1-0 win over the Republic of Ireland on a night that will live long in Australian sporting folklore.
Four years after they had their hearts broken by penalties, there was a sense of poetic justice that skipper Steph Catley slotted a penalty to dethrone John Aloisi for the most famous 12-yard shot that he held for 18 years.
It was fitting that Catley scored the goal in the 52nd minute after Hayley Raso was bundled over in the box by Marissa Sheva given she was the only one who converted her penalty when the Aussies were bundled out of the 2019 World Cup in a shootout.
It was the only goal on a cagey night, with goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold producing a giant save in the 97th minute to seal all three points.
It wasn’t the prettiest win by a team that has improved greatly under coach Tony Gustavsson, but it’s one they’ll gladly take given they were without Kerr who will also miss their next game against Nigeria.
The superstar striker injured her calf on Wednesday and broke the news on social media that she would miss the biggest game of her glittering career.
“Unfortunately I sustained a calf injury yesterday in training,” Kerr said.
“I wanted to share this with everyone so there is no distraction from us doing what we came here to achieve.
“Of course I would have loved to have been out there tonight but I can’t wait to be a part of this amazing journey, which starts now.”
Kerr is Australia’s greatest ever goal-scorer and will be assessed by the team’s medical staff next week to see if she’s any chance of returning in time for the final pool game.
“My heart breaks for her… but the team isn’t just Sam Kerr,” injured Matilda Elise Kellond-Knight said in the pre-game coverage.
That may be true, but Australia desperately missed Kerr’s aerial ability, with the hosts unable to take advantage of their five first half corners, although Raso had a terrific opportunity only for her header to glance wide.
Mary Fowler had her moments but was unable to produce the magic that saw her score the winner against France last week, and coming up with a plan B without Kerr now looms as Gustavsson’s biggest challenge leading into the next game.
GOLDEN GIRLS
This World Cup was always going to be special, and not even Kerr’s injury could spoil the biggest party Stadium Australia has seen since Cathy Freeman’s famous win in 2000.
A record crowd of 75,784 looked like a sea of gold on Thursday night, with the roar when Catley scored washing over Sydney like a tidal wave that eroded some of the dramas Australian football has endured in recent times.
The biggest positive is that they have a load of improvement in them after handling the massive weight of expectation, and they have an entire country cheering them on.
PLUCK OF THE IRISH
The World Cup rookies had a strong game plan to park the bus, but they must have forgotten that Australians are used to dealing with dodgy public transport.
Ireland sat back and frustrated the hosts with a physical brand of defence and waited for opportunities to hit them on the counter attack with a couple of threatening raids down the flanks.
Ireland managed just one shot in the first half but peppered the Australian goal in the dying stages, with a free kick deflecting onto the roof of the net in stoppage time as the Matildas survived a nervy final few minutes.
FIVE THINGS WE LEARNT
By Tilly Werner
THE KERR CURSE
The news that Sam Kerr would be kept out of Australia’s first two matches with a calf injury was a devastating blow for Matildas fans and even more of a loss for her teammates. Kerr’s value to the team (and the tournament) is priceless, and irreplaceable.
Her absence from the frontline was felt both in the stands and on the pitch, with the Matildas only producing two shots on target for the match.
While Nigeria lacks the defensive chops of Ireland, the Matildas will need to come up with answers for Kerr’s absence. Australia can’t rely on penalties coming their way.
DON’T WORRY, THERE’S GORRY
Ireland undoubtedly spent hour-upon-hour working out Sam Kerr-containment strategies when they really should have been worrying about Katrina Gorry.
The Matildas pint-sized playmaker delivered a crucial performance for the Matildas. As important in stopping play at the baseline as she was in delivering balls to her forwards, Gorry was the key transition link and her work rate begged more of her teammates.
She matched Ireland for aggression, and drive and upped her intent even after Catley’s penalty gave the Matildas the lead.
Gorry had forced eleven turnovers before 70 minutes and left every part of herself on the pitch. .
If the Australians hope to go deep into this World Cup, she has set the benchmark they’ll need to match.
SET PLAY PITFALLS
The Matildas amassed a 5-0 corner count before the half-hour mark but struggled to find any power in their set plays.
Catley’s powerful left-foot deliveries went begging through the first four attempts, before Caitlin Foord sent a glancing header just wide of the back post.
The missed opportunities were crucial, given how few avenues into the final third the Matildas managed to find.
FOWLER POWER
The technical precision of Mary Fowler was on full display. There were moments of early nervousness for the Manchester City striker but, given the impossible task of filling Sam Kerr’s shoes, Fowler stood up. Her tight ball control and time holding it allowed Katrina Gorry more movement off the ball, which became crucially important against Ireland’s tight, deep defensive line.
NOW, TO NIGERIA
Though the Matildas camp never expected the opening match to be an easy win, the match showed just how difficult it is to succeed on football’s biggest stage. Ireland, in their first World Cup appearance played with the heart and desire of the entire country. And the Matildas can expect the same of every opponent they are set to face. It’s an even longer road to the World Cup final than it is to Tipperary. With Nigeria up next, Australia will be looking for a big win to put a buffer between themselves and Canada, before the two teams meet in the final group stage game.
RE-LIVE THE LIVE ACTION BELOW
FULLTIME: AUSTRALIA TRIUMPH 1-0
It wasn’t always pretty – and they had to do it without Sam Kerr – but Australia have opened their World Cup campaign with a win.
They defeat Ireland 1-0, care of a second-half penalty to stand-in captain Steph Catley.
Australia dominated much of the contest, but lacked the finishing touch that tends to come from Kerr.
With that said, they’ll gladly take the three points and the early boost to the campaign.
90’ MAD SCRAMBLE SAVES MATILDAS
Oh lordy. That was heart in mouth stuff, as Katie McCabe nearly finishes off a brilliant attacking raid from Ireland.
The scrappy defence does its job, and McCabe’s shot is scuffed and easily stopped by Mackenzie Arnold.
90’ SIX MINUTES OF INJURY TIME
75,000 people on the edge of their seats.
And just as in the first half, there’s six minutes of injury time following a super physical 45 minutes of football.
And it’s desperately tense for Australia, as Meghan Connolly hits a pearler of a free kick from the edge of the box – but it goes tantalisingly over the crossbar.
Relief, etched across the face of the Australians. But it’s not over yet.
87’ TENSE FINISH FOR AUSTRALIA
Hayley Raso is in the wars again – this time copping a stray elbow from Littlejohn.
From the subsequent free kick, a lofted cross holds up in the air for Caitlin Foord – but it sails just inches above her head.
A tense finish looms as the hosts hold onto a 1-0 lead.
81’ MATILDAS KEEPER NEEDS ATTENTION
It’s been a big night for Mackenzie Arnold – she has kept a clean sheet, and she’s worn the odd shoulder charge from Ireland’s strikers.
Arnold stays down for attention after again bravely protecting her goal to collect a corner.
Arnold seems ok after a brief check, and it looks as though Clare Polkinghorne is going to be thrown into the contest for the final 10 or so minutes.
The experienced defender will have one task: keep that clean sheet.
70’ MATILDAS PUSH THE TEMPO
With 20 minutes to go, Australia are going for the throat – and a second goal.
They have the running of the game here, and are absolutely dominating across the board.
With 10 shots on goal to Ireland’s one, to go with Steph Catley’s goal, the Matildas have grown into the contest after a cagey start.
Hayley Raso has been immense, the back four have rarely had much to worry about, and Australia are 20 minutes from escaping with as good a start as they could’ve hoped for after enduring the Sam Kerr bombshell.
63’ IRELAND RING THE CHANGES
After going down 1-0, Ireland have turned to their bench for some inspiration.
Abbie Larkin and Lucy Quinn have been hauled in give Ireland a spark.
Larkin, a young forward at just 18, has the world at her feel. And a huge job on her hands.
52’ PENALTY! AUSTRALIA IN FRONT
A huge moment early in the second half, and Australia has a penalty!
Hayley Raso is barrelled over while waiting for a cross to come in and the referee immediately points to the spot.
The experienced Steph Catley steps up to take the spot kick, and the skipper – the replacement skipper, in Kerr’s absence – smashes home the penalty into the top left.
Australia have the lead! Catley races to celebrate with her teammates and the Sydney fans.
A huge moment, after a momentous day.
48’ AUSTRALIA START WITH VIGOUR
Australia’s first attacking raid of the second half is a promising one.
Cortnee Vine dances her way through the Irish defence, but bites off a little more than she can chew and gives up position in the box before she can fire off a shot.
A more enterprising start for Australia, however.
9.10PM: SECOND HALF IS UNDERWAY
A huge 45 minutes looms for Australia – the first half was a battle and they came here with nothing in mind but a win.
They have lofty goals at this tournament and dropping points in the opening game would concern even the eternally positive Tony Gustavsson.
He’ll look to the bench at some point, no doubt, but he’d be looking for more up front from his rejigged frontline of Mary Fowler and Caitlin Foord to start the second half.
HALFTIME: AUSTRALIA 0 – 0 IRELAND
By Tilly Werner
The Matildas have found themselves in a tense battle for possession and tempo with Ireland who have proved almost impenetrable in defence through the first half.
With no Sam Kerr to help break down Ireland’s five-woman backline, the Matildas struggled to deliver many meaningful attempts on goal, with most of the play tightly contested in the middle third.
Ireland’s aggressive football has resulted in plenty of harsh challenges, leaving both Hayley Raso and Kyra Cooney-Cross clutching at ankles from late challenges.
Tony Gustavsson is likely to look to his bench as the Matildas will look to find new ways to break down the Irish wall in the final third.
With no Kerr to call upon, Alex Chidiac is shaping as a likely substitute for the hour mark.
45’ SIX MINUTES OF INJURY TIME
There’s not been a shot on target, yet. But there’s been plenty of physical challenges… which has led to six minutes of injury time to end the first half here.
38’ IRELAND’S MCCABE CONTINUES BATTLE WITH RASO
A bit of concern here for physical Irish midfielder Katie McCabe, who lands heavily after clearing a ball in front of Ellie Carpenter.
McCabe has thrown herself into every contest tonight, but she lands heavily on her left side which knocks the wind out of the Irish star.
She’s able to play on – and within minutes she’s clattered into Hayley Raso once again, continuing a their battle this evening.
Raso looks in some distress, but is good to continue after catching her breath.
33’ RASO FLOORED IN NASTY CHALLENGE
Nasty, nasty challenge from Katie McCabe who cleans up Hayley Raso with a crunching tackle – studs on top of the boot there.
Raso momentarily stays down before recovering to her feet. From the free kick, Ireland are put under pressure but again no clear chance to speak of.
There’s plenty of feeling in this one. This is the Irish team that called off their warm-up against Cameroon because they ‘feared for their bodies’! They’re holding their own in the physical stakes tonight.
29’ RASO FIRES WIDE IN EARLY WARNING SHOT
Australia’s best chance of the match. Steph Catley fires in a corner and it is the diminutive Hayley Raso who soars highest to get her head to the chance.
It’s fired wide, and just Australia’s second shot on goal. But promising signs that they’re starting to settle into this game.
24’ KERR ABSENCE MAKING HUGE IMPACT
Australia are dominating possession and look silky down the right, but there’s definitely a lack of precision up front.
Which is understandable, given the major shake-up to the team in the past 24 hours.
But it’s worth noting Australia did score their winning goal against France on Friday with Kerr off the field.
And the crowd have been taken out of the contest somewhat – after the raucous atmosphere to start the match.
Ireland slowly working their way into this contest.
15’ CRISIS AVERTED FOR MATILDAS
It’s been a nerve-settling opener for the Matildas, with the score still 0-0 after 15 minutes.
Australia have enjoyed the better of position in the early stages, but there were some nerves as Ireland were awarded a dangerous free kick following a Hayley Raso foul.
The ball was whipped in but Australia escape after a mad defensive scramble, with veteran Alanna Kennedy clearing the danger.
8’: EARLY MOVEMENT FROM MATILDAS
The emotion and energy of the home crowd seems to be pumping the Matildas up.
Hayley Raso and Ellie Carpenter combined for an attacking raid down the right flank, which come to nothing after a blocked final cross.
Raso is going to do a mountain of work down the right hand side of the field, but her pace can trouble the best of sides.
Ireland – with a back five defensive line – will back themselves on that front, of course.
8.00PM: MATILDAS’ TOURNAMENT BEGINS WITH KERR IN TEARS
After a minute’s silence for the victims of this morning’s Auckland shooting, Australia and Ireland’s World Cup clash is underway.
And to the side of the Australian bench, is injured superstar Sam Kerr.
The Australian captain was in tears as her teammates walked out ahead of the national anthem, with an enormous roar from the packed house triggering a flood of tears from Australia’s greatest ever goalscorer.
7.55PM: MATILDAS WORLD CUP ALMOST UNDERWAY
After the chaos of the past hour, the time is almost upon us for the opening game of Australia’s World Cup campaign.
This has been three years in the making, there’s a packed house at the Olympic Stadium in Sydney, and despite the devastating Sam Kerr news the Matildas looked calm in their warm-up.
This is their moment.
“You can’t forget the enjoyment level of this. It is not just pressure - it is a game and we love to play it,” says Elise Kellond-Knight on Channel 7.
7.45PM: FOORD’S TIME TO SHINE
Former England footballer Izzy Christiansen has heaped praise on Caitlin Foord – the new focal point of Australia’s attack, following the shock withdrawal of Sam Kerr.
Many had been tipping Foord for a breakout tournament, but the pressure will be piled high after Kerr’s news.
Foord will start up front with youngster Mary Fowler, a combination which Christiansen believes could still be effective despite the changes they’ll have to make.
“(Foord) has been one of the best players in the (English) league across the board,” she said.
“She will have to adapt her role, she is used to playing off the left for the Matildas and now she will have to play a central role.
“That must have been a debate with Tony Gustavsson with the absence of Sam Kerr - who plays the nine role?
“For me it is the best option with Caitlin down the middle, she is such a threat, she’s aggressive and strong and tenacious.
“She is able to find half a yard and find the corner of the box. I think that’s the best option, I think that the Matildas are in a really good place.”
7.30PM: IS KERR’S ENTIRE TOURNAMENT IN DOUBT?
The Matildas have officially ruled Sam Kerr out of their opening two World Cup matches, against Ireland and Nigeria, but are hopeful she will be fit for their final Group B fixture in 11 days.
However respected sports physiotherapist Brien Seeney gave a more ominous verdict on Kerr’s availability – saying a return in the knockout stages was the more likely outcome.
“No Sam Kerr for the Matildas tonight after suffering a calf injury at training - will miss the next 2 weeks before being reassessed,” Seeney wrote on Twitter.
“Minor calf strains can see a return in 3-4 weeks, but they are known for lingering symptoms/longer recovery times than first hoped.
“The common return range for minor calf strains is 1-3 weeks - with the medical staff looking to reassess Kerr in just over a week’s time it gives some hope she’s fit for their game on Monday 31st.
“Would think with the nature of calf injuries though the match after that more likely.”
No Sam Kerr for the Matildas tonight after suffering a calf injury at training - will miss the next 2 weeks before being reassessed. Minor calf strains can see a return in 3-4 weeks, but they are known for lingering symptoms/longer recovery times than first hoped 😬 #FIFAWWC
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) July 20, 2023
7.15PM: EX-MATILDA SEES KERR SILVER LINING
To many Australians, Sam Kerr IS the Matildas.
But Australian star Elise Kelland-Knight has said tonight will show the level of depth and talent on offer for Tony Gustavsson.
And that this team is bigger than any one player.
“Luckily there’s another 22 players amongst the team,” said Kelland-Knight on Channel 7.
“The team isn’t just Sam Kerr. We saw that on Friday night (in the friendly win against France), so I think we can all be really confident that we can go into this game with plenty more opportunities where we’re going to create really good attacks.
“I mean, a lot of people only know Sam Kerr for the Matildas, but I can guarantee you there are a lot of superstars in this team.
“I don’t think we need to be worried or concerned at all going into this game. We’ve got so much depth.
“If anything, it’s kind of great that we can rest Sam and afford to put her on the sidelines and then look at our other players and create our attacks through those players.”
7.05PM: NEW ZEALAND PULL OFF MAJOR UPSET
By Erin Smith
What an upset! New Zealand have defeated Norway 1-0 in the opening game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup - their first ever World Cup victory.
Norway were strong contenders to progress out of the group stage but their hopes are now in doubt after a lacklustre outing against co-hosts New Zealand at Eden Park.
The opening half was an even battle on the scoreboard ending 0-0 but New Zealand were the better team and looked the most like scoring.
Patience paid off with New Zealand tearing through Norway’s defence and striker Hannah Wilkinson slotting a clinical goal past the keeper in the 48th minute.
A late penalty for a handball allowed New Zealand’s Ria Percival a chance at a second goal but it was fired into the crossbar.
Former Matilda-turned-Kiwi Indiah-Paige Riley was a standout for the hosts in the second half.
New Zealand still have some big battles to go though with Philippines an Switzerland up next.
7.00PM: KERR SPEAKS ON SHOCK INJURY NEWS
Aussie sensation Sam Kerr will miss tonight’s World Cup opener against Ireland, and next week’s game against Nigeria after she picked up a calf injury at training, with the Matildas confirming the news on social media less than 90 minutes before they get their World Cup campaign underway.
“Unfortunately I sustained a calf injury yesterday in training. I wanted to share this with everyone so there is no distraction from us doing what we came to achieve,” Kerr posted on Instagram.
“Of course I would have loved to have been out there tonight but I can’t wait to be apart of this amazing journey which starts now.”
Kerr is Australia’s greatest ever goal-scorer and will be assessed by the team’s medical staff next week to see if she’s any chance of returning in time for the final pool game.
It’s a massive loss for the Matildas who have relied heavily on her incredible aerial ability, but it gives a chance to young gun Mary Fowler who will start after she came on and scored the lone goal in last week’s win over France.
6.45PM: KERR OUT IN WORLD CUP BOMBSHELL
Australia’s World Cup campaign has been rocked by a cruel injury to superstar Sam Kerr, who will miss the Matildas’ opening fixture – and potentially much longer.
Kerr picked up a calf injury at training on Wednesday, and is expected to miss at least two matches.
Coach Tony Gustavsson has opted to play Mary Fowler, who scored the winning goal against France, has been named as her replacement.
6.40PM: 80’ NORWAY HIT CROSSBAR
A thrilling finish looms in Auckland, with Norwegian defender Tuva Hansen thundering a strike into the crossbar with 10 minutes to play.
Meanwhile, the Matildas have arrived at the Olympic Stadium in Sydney.
Matildas arrive at Stadium Australia for a record-breaking night 🇦🇺
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) July 20, 2023
All eyes are on Sam Kerr.
Watch from 7.00pm AEST | https://t.co/vQsxk9GyRm#FIFAWWC#OptusSportpic.twitter.com/RM7dBvJa5K
6.35PM: FA BOSS’ MESSAGE TO AUSSIE FANS
Football Australia boss James Johnson has told Australian football fans to relish this ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’.
“Enjoy it - this is the World Cup, this is the biggest women’s sporting event in the world and one of the biggest sporting events there is,” he said.
“They only come around once in a lifetime and everyone has any opportunity to come and watch at stadiums or at fan festival sites throughout the country. Enjoy the moment, because it’s going to one to love.
“A women’s World Cup, here on our doorstep. It’s something we’ll remember for many years to come. It’s a good time to be alive and it’s a great time for Australian football. ”
6.25PM: 66’ ARE FOOTBALL FERNS ON VERGE OF HISTORY?
Whisper this one – because we don’t want to jinx it – but New Zealand are on the verge of creating history.
Because never before have their women won a World Cup game, from 15 previous attempts.
But Hannah Wilkinson’s goal has put them in the box seat to register their first ever tournament victory.
And they’re rising to the occasion, too, with former Matilda Indiah-Paige Riley thrashing a stinging shot from the edge of the box that forced an acrobatic save.
6.05PM: 48’ GOAL! NEW ZEALAND OPEN THE WORLD CUP
New Zealand have smashed open the World Cup – with Hannah Wilkinson scoring the first goal of the tournament.
And has she put her country on the path to the tournament’s first upset?
Her strike – from six yards out – was unstoppable, and sends the home crowd into raptures.
Norway will have to regroup, or their World Cup could be derailed before it even really gets going.
5.50PM: SCORELESS HALF IN WORLD CUP OPENER
An impressive start from New Zealand in their World Cup campaign – holding Norway to a scoreless half in the opening match of the tournament.
Norway are ranked 12th in the world to New Zealand’s 26th.
But the home side Football Ferns have had the better of the match so far, with a slight edge in the possession battle and more passes.
Clear-cut chances, however, have been hard to come by. There have been zero shots on target.
5.35PM: MASSIVE BETTING PLUNGE ON KERR
If Australia are to pull off a historic triumph in their home World Cup, chances are Sam Kerr is going to need to be in the thick of the action all tournament.
The Matildas’ all-time record scorer, Kerr is an obvious name to be angling for if someone asks you who might be banging in the goals for Australia over the next month and a bit.
But one punter has more faith in her than most – dropping $13,000 with one bookmaker on Kerr to be the tournament’s leading goalscorer, at 10-1, while outlaying a further $4,000 to score 10 or more during the World Cup.
And the punter would love Kerr to get off to a hot start tonight against Ireland – with another $1000 bet on the Matildas skipper to bag a hat-trick against Ireland, at 15-1 with the TAB.
5.25PM: EX-MATILDA PUSHING NZ IN OPENER
20 minutes into the opening match of the World Cup and we’re still scoreless between New Zealand and Norway.
Despite having the better of the chances to date, the home side is yet to trouble the scorers. But if they are able to get their tournament off on the right foot they may have the Matildas to thank in some part.
As Adam Peacock writes in this sensational feature for CODE Sports, Indiah-Paige Riley – who debuted for Australia just two years ago – is leading the line for the Football Ferns.
Riley’s first seven years on earth were spent in New Zealand’s biggest city, but football wasn’t on her radar.
“I grew up in Auckland, my dad played rugby league but I was more of a rugby union girl,” Riley tells CODE, explaining an early coach was All Black great Keven Mealamu.
Riley, aged seven, moved to Brisbane with her mum and four siblings and within five years, the quick, decisive attacking player, was representing Australia at under-17 level.
5.00PM: OPENING CEREMONY STUNS NZ CROWD
The plans for the opening ceremony were the best kept secret of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and it didn’t fail to amaze.
Held in New Zealand - ahead of the opening match between the Kiwis and Norway - the plans for the ceremony had been kept under lock and key.
The only details previously revealed was that female artists Mallrats and BENEE would perform the tournament’s official song Do It Again.
A well choreographed tribute to the First Nations and Māori people started the event- with traditional dancers and singers, all female, putting on a spectacular 10-minute show at Eden Park.
Female dancers, representing each of the 32 competing nations then appeared on the pitch ready to party as the main entertainment performed Do It Again.
And it wouldn’t be an opening ceremony without an impressive fireworks display to close.
4.30PM: FIFA’S NEW SECURITY PLAN, MINUTE’S SILENCE
FIFA have this afternoon confirmed that a minute of silence will take place before the opening two games of the World Cup, between New Zealand and Norway, and Australia and the Republic of Ireland, to honour the victims of the tragic shooting in New Zealand earlier today.
The Minister for Sport and Recreation Grant Robertson said a comprehensive security plan was in place for the tournament.
“We appreciate the collaboration with the New Zealand authorities from the earliest moment of this tragic incident,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“We have been involved in ongoing communication from the outset, and we have also received the necessary reassurances from Minister for Sport and Recreation Grant Robertson in relation to the safety and security of the participating teams and fans at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand.”
4.00PM: ‘FEARING FOR THEIR BODIES’: CAN IRELAND HANDLE MATILDAS?
Experienced midfielder Denise O’Sullivan is fit for Ireland’s opening match at the Women’s World Cup against co-hosts Australia after being hurt in the abandoned friendly with Colombia.
O’Sullivan was rushed to hospital last week after a fierce tackle in a closed-doors warm-up match against the South Americans that was called off after 23 minutes with the Irish players “fearing for their bodies”.
There was concern that the 102-cap star had sustained a leg fracture that could jeopardise her tournament.
But coach Vera Pauw said Wednesday that she had made a remarkable recovery and was fit to play in front of an estimated 80,000 fans at Stadium Australia in Sydney on the opening day of the World Cup.
“We are very open, we have nothing to hide. Denise is fit, she will play,” Pauw said, adding that the 29-year-old had resumed full-contact training.
Despite their worries over Colombia’s physicality captain Katie McCabe said they could give as good as they got and were ready for similar treatment from the Sam Kerr-led Australia, one of the World Cup favourites.
“We knew obviously that Colombia were going to be physical but that is going to be the case in every game,” said the long-time Arsenal player.
“We’re Irish, we don’t shy away from physicality, it’s ingrained in us, the hardworking team we are.
“So yes, we are ready for Australia to be physical tomorrow, we’ll be prepared to match it.”
Ireland are at their first World Cup and Pauw admitted that Australia’s greater experience could prove crucial.
But the Dutchwoman, who has previously coached the Netherlands, Russia, and South Africa, said Ireland had plenty of their own talent to trouble the hosts.
“They have huge experience, they have class players, they have immense pace so we know what we are going to face,” she said of the Matildas.
“We are very realistic of our chances here, but we play every game to win and hope we can also show our qualities.” Ireland head into the match having lost three of their last four games, twice against the United States and to France earlier this month.
Their only victory this year was a narrow 3-2 triumph over Zambia. But they will be buoyed by upsetting the Matildas 3-2 in 2021, the only time the two sides have previously met.
Foul on Denise O’Sullivan in Ireland v Colombia game. Match abandoned moments later. pic.twitter.com/CKrYsiT4xP
— Gavin Cummiskey (@Cumoski) July 16, 2023
3.00PM KERR: THIS IS OUR FINAL
Captain Sam Kerr on Wednesday said Australia were treating their opening game at the World Cup against Ireland like a final, vowing not to be overawed by playing in front of 80,000 fans in Sydney.
The co-hosts have been consistent performers on the international stage, qualifying for the Women’s World Cup repeatedly since 1995.
But they have never progressed past the quarter-finals and the pressure is on, having been billed as among the favourites.
The in-form Matildas start their World Cup title charge on Thursday and star Chelsea striker Kerr said: “We are really confident, but for us it’s just about the first game.
“Right now we are playing that game with no other game in mind, so that’s our final at this point.” Australia will be playing against the Irish in front of a sellout, partisan crowd at Stadium Australia.
Kerr said the team would feed off the support.
“I think everyone is looking forward to it rather than being nervous about the crowd. Everyone knows they’re on our side,” she said.
“It’s nice when you know they’re going to be cheering you on and not booing you.”
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