Steph Catley spot on as Australia earn narrow Women's World Cup opening win over Ireland

20.07.2023 - 13:17 thenationalnews.com

Republic of Ireland's first ever appearance at the finals ended in defeat as Steph Catley's second-half penalty earned co-hosts Australia a 1-0 win in Sydney.

Australia had suffered a blow before the game when captain Sam Kerr was ruled out of their opening two Group B matches – against Ireland and Nigeria – due to a calf injury sustained in training.

The 29-year-old, Australia's all-time record scorer, hopes to be fit for the final group match against Canada on July 31. Ireland frustrated the Matildas in the first half but their good work was undone when Marissa Sheva pushed Hayley Raso and Brazilian referee Edina Alves point to the spot.

Stand-in captain Catley converted from the spot in the 52nd-minute to seal three points for Australia. “It's incredible to get the win, I think this is the longest build-up to a game in my entire life,” Catley told reporters. “Losing a player like Sam, probably the best player in the world and her as a person, obviously we were heart-broken.

World Cup win cup on as Sam Kerr Tony Gustavsson Hayley Raso Steph Catley Brazil Australia Canada Norway Ireland New Zealand Nigeria county Republic

As the world became enraptured with the 'will she play or won't she play' saga surrounding Sam Kerr's troublesome calf, Steph Catley went about her business for Australia. Without much fanfare, and with even less fuss, the 29-year-old defender stepped up to don the armband and lead the Matildas into the knockout stages of the FIFA Women's World Cup. When the side needed her, she was there.

How every team qualified from each Women's World Cup group - ESPN

Group play in the Women's World Cup is over, with nations 16 through to the knockout rounds.

Australia crush Canada 4-0 to reach World Cup knockouts

MELBOURNE: Hayley Raso scored a first half brace and Mary Fowler struck after the break as Australia crushed Canada 4-0 on Monday (Jul 31) to storm into the last 16 of the Women's World Cup and send the Olympic champions spinning out of the tournament.

Women's World Cup roundup: Australia routs Canada

Hayley Raso recorded a first-half brace on Monday as Australia advanced to the knockout round with a 4-0 victory over Canada in a Group B clash at the Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia.

Hayley Raso scores twice as Australia thrash Canada to reach World Cup last 16

Co-hosts Australia kept their Women's World Cup dream alive with a 4-0 thrashing of Olympic champions Canada to reach the last 16 on Monday.

Hayley Raso Stars As Australia Reach World Cup Last 16 And Dump Canada Out

Hayley Raso scored twice for Australia in a statement 4-0 win over Canada as the fired-up co-hosts booked their place in the last 16 of the Women's World Cup on Monday at the expense of the Olympic champions. Tony Gustavsson's team came into the clash with their backs to the wall, needing victory to ensure they made the knockout round after a stunning 3-2 defeat at the hands of Nigeria left them on a knife-edge. In front of a heaving Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, they thrived on the pressure to the delight of the raucous 27,706 fans, consigning Canada to an early flight home. Real Madrid's Raso put them ahead in the ninth minute, firing low into the corner after captain Steph Catley fed a teasing low cross.