Ireland shows great heart despite starting defeat at World Cup

REPUBLIC of Ireland’s start to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup ended in a 1-0 defeat against co-hosts Australia, but the girls can take confidence from their hearty performance.

It was a Stephanie Catley penalty just after half-time which made the difference, after Marissa Sheva knocked Hayley Raso over inside the box.

Clear cut chances were few and far between, but with the clock ticking down and pressure mounting, both Katie McCabe and Louise Quinn drew near.

Kilnamanagh’s McCabe latched onto a ball inside the box with 96-minutes on the clock, but couldn’t shift her feet across quick enough and eventually toed the ball towards Mackenzie Arnold in goal.

The captain’s effort proved to be Ireland’s only shot on target for the entire game, with seven other shots being registered off target.

Quinn, who is from Blessington, also stayed up field in the closing stages and did rise above everyone else to get her head on a cross, but it lacked the proper connection and flew wide.

The atmosphere reached fever pitch in Kilnamanagh in support of Katie McCabe and the Republic of Ireland as the FIFA World Cup kicked off today

Megan Connolly also came close with a freekick from the edge of the box, but the shot nicked the Australian wall, and it was directed out for a corner.

There was a ferocity to the encounter, with both teams flying into challenges, much to the enjoyment of the biggest-ever crowd for a women’s football game in Australia, with 75,784 in attendance.

However, despite their high-energy, Ireland’s final ball lacked quality, with a 64 per cent passing accuracy ultimately pouring cold water on their hopes of a comeback.

Yet, their steeliness, grit and determination in the heat of battle is something Vera Pauw’s squad has in spades and is transferrable to their next Group B game.

Next, Ireland take on Canada at 1pm on Wednesday (July 26) at HBF Park in Perth.

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