It was hard work: After a disappointing first half, co-World Cup hosts Australia improved in the second round against Ireland. And in the end they were able to celebrate a 1-0 (0-0) win. Stephanie Catley scored the golden goal with a penalty (52′).
The first bad news reached the Australian team even before kick-off: their best player, goalscorer and face of the team – Sam Kerr – couldn’t play. In a statement, the captain revealed that she had injured herself in final training the day before. “I wanted to share this with everyone so there is no distraction from what we are trying to achieve here,” wrote the goalscorer.
Top star Kerr has to pass
The national team’s medical department will reassess the Chelsea striker’s health after the second group game against Nigeria on July 27, the federation stressed an hour before kick-off.
“Sam said it’s not about them, it’s about us, about the team,” said national team coach Tony Gustavsson after the game. Kerr’s failure was “devastating,” Gustavsson said. “She means a lot to us emotionally and spiritually.”
Before the ball could roll at the Australia Stadium in Sydney, both teams held a minute’s silence for the victims of the violence in Auckland. Those responsible for the tournament had emphasized that the incident had nothing to do with the World Cup.
Australia dominates – but remains harmless
But then it could finally start in front of more than 80,000 expectant fans in Sydney – and the hosts made a lot of steam right away. As if pulled by a string, the ball ran through the ranks of the Australians. Alone: Initially only up to midfield and thus in the field that is not dangerous for the Irish women.
The Europeans withdrew far and let Australia do their thing. It worked from their point of view – Australia didn’t get to the goal. The island kickers only had to be afraid of standard situations. When the “Matildas” took corners and free-kicks, the Irish penalty area went red alert. But there were no real chances here either.
Hard Irish gait
Although such opportunities quickly accumulated, because the Irish got down to business quite neatly. Denise O’Sullivan received a long-overdue first yellow card midway through the first half, while Katie McCabe should have been cautioned a little later when she tackled Hayley Raso after a straight-leg technical error.
Referee Edine Alves Batista from Brazil let it go, like so many other things. Slightly stricter game management would certainly have benefited the flow of the game.
No scoring opportunities in half one
So the whole thing remained rather bland in terms of scoring chances until the half-time whistle – there were none. Only Australia’s remaining top striker Caitlin Foord, who normally forms a top duo with Sam Kerr, caused danger at times with courageous dribbling. But she didn’t accomplish anything measurable either.
But then it rang very quickly in the second section. The Australians upped the ante and picked up the pace again. And benefited from a wooden save from Ireland defender Marissa Sheva, who clumsily outlined Australia’s Hayley Raso in Ireland’s Starfarum. There was a penalty. And Stephanie Catley made it 1-0 in the 52nd minute.
McCabe almost straight from the corner kick
Finally, the Irish also shed their restraint as far as attacking play is concerned. They attacked the opponents earlier, acted more courageously when in possession of the ball and used more personnel in the forward movement. Left-footed McCabe had the best opportunity, almost surprising Australia’s keeper Mackenzie Arnold with a direct corner kick (72′).
Despite their best efforts and another good chance for McCabe in injury time, the Irish team, who woke up too late, was no longer able to score. The women from the Emerald Isle are already under a lot of pressure in their second group match on Wednesday (07/26/2023) against Canada. Australia plays Nigeria the next day.