Catley penalty just enough as co-hosts Australia edge Ireland | OneFootball

Steph Catley’s second half penalty was enough to see co-host Australia beat Ireland 1-0 in their opening World Cup match.

Scorers: Catley (PEN) 52′

There was some bombshell news just minutes before the team news was announced as Sam Kerr – Australia’s most important player – was ruled out with a calf strain.

The Chelsea striker had pulled up in the warm-up leaving the door ajar for Ireland to produce a famous win.

After an edgy start to the game it was the Matildas who went closest to scoring on 25 minutes.

A corner from the left found Hayley Raso’s head but the Real Madrid star prodded it just wide.

But Vera Pauw’s side were at their resilient best as they held out and went into the break goalless.

Almost immediately in the second half though, the Aussies had the chance to open the scoring.

Raso won a penalty after a trip inside the area and Steph Catley slotted home brilliantly from 12 yards.

The hosts, despite their lead, looked nervy now with the Girls in Green finally using their physicality to get up and at Australia.

Ireland were peppering the Aussie goal with crosses but Mackenzie Arnold was equal to all of them.