Match Report: Catley’s penalty propels Kerr-less Australia to victory over Ireland
Co-hosts Australia laboured initially in the absence of injured captain Sam Kerr, but a second-half penalty from Steph Catley got them off to a solid start at the Women’s World Cup with a 1-0 win over Ireland in Group B on Thursday.
The news that striker Kerr had been ruled out by a calf injury stunned the record crowd of 75 784 as it filtered into Stadium Australia, but Catley stepped up to take the captain’s armband and score the decisive goal in the 52nd minute.
Ireland, cheered on by a noisy band of compatriots, made life difficult for the Australians with their compact defence and might have forced an equaliser during a period of sustained pressure late in the second half.
Australia, however, held on to make a winning start to a tournament in which they feel they can be genuine contenders after wins over England, Spain and France this year.
How it happened
A fairly cagey first half saw Australia, whose star striker Sam Kerr was missing through injury, largely reduced to chances from set pieces, as a well-drilled Irish defence held firm on their global finals debut.
Ireland captain Katie McCabe’s full-blooded battle with Hayley Raso defined a combative first-half in which the Matildas’ best chance came from a Katrina Gorry pot-shot from range.
It took the co-hosts just six minutes to break Ireland’s resistance after the break. Raso was clumsily pushed over by Marissa Sheva in the box – giving Steph Catley the chance smash home the opener from the spot.
The Girls in Green responded by making attacking changes to try and rescue a result, but were unable to break through a defence that coach Tony Gustavsson shored up by introducing veteran Clare Polkinghorne in the final stages.
Megan Connolly’s late free kick hit the roof of Australia’s net, and McCabe’s last-second chance was scuffed towards goal, but after a hard-fought 96 minutes, the final whistle went to the delight of the Sydney crowd.
Official Player of the Match
Steph Catley (Australia)
