Australia overcomes late scratch of Kerr to beat Ireland at Women's World Cup

How much of a role Sam Kerr can physically play for Australia at the Women's World Cup remains completely uncertain.

Even if her time on the sidelines with a calf muscle injury is extended, though, Australia's iconic striker still has important role to play for the tournament co-hosts after helping to inspire the Matildas to a 1-0 opening win over Ireland on Thursday.

"Obviously losing a player like Sam, probably the best player in the world, and just for her as a person, we were completely heartbroken," said Steph Catley, who scored the 52nd-minute penalty that secured Australia's win in front of a record crowd. "We had to gather ourselves pretty quickly, but we used her spirit and used the fact that she wasn't able to be out there with us to help us push on. And I think that's what it's going to take for as long as maybe she misses."

You can call it a perfect penalty. <br><br>Captain Steph Catley converts from the spot to put the Matildas ahead. <br><br> <a href="https://t.co/Ol1ak3YHVh">pic.twitter.com/Ol1ak3YHVh</a>

Both host nations were in action on the opening day. The Australians were expected to have too much star power against Ireland, which was on debut at the tournament. New Zealand had never won a game at the World Cup.

But the New Zealanders produced a 1-0 upset win over 1995 champion Norway in the tournament's first match, hours after a fatal shooting in downtown Auckland shocked their nation. A minute's silence was held before that match at Eden Park. A few hours later at Stadium Australia, a 75,784-strong crowd — a record for women's soccer match in Australia — also observed a minute of silence as a mark of respect before kick off.

A hush had gone over the crowd earlier than that when it was announced