The Republic of Ireland's FIFA Women’s World Cup debut ended in a spirited 1-0 defeat to co-hosts Australia at the Accor Stadium in Sydney.
Steph Catley’s 52nd-minute penalty settled a scrappy, hard-fought game after Marissa Sheva was penalised for a nudge on Hayley Raso.
In a frantic finale, Megan Connolly’s 90th-minute free-kick dropped inches over the bar, and Katie McCabe drew a smart low save from Mackenzie Arnold, but a typically resolute Ireland just couldn’t muster the quality required to nab an equaliser.
Although the Matildas captain and star striker Sam Kerr was ruled out with a calf injury, Tony Gustavsson's team found enough to dig out three points as they aim to mount a serious attempt to win this tournament.
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