Denise O'Sullivan confident Ireland ready to roll for opener

The World Cup is unchartered territory for an Irish women's football team. But Denise O’Sullivan wants to reassure the folks back home that Vera Pauw’s squad haven’t travelled Down Under just to take in the scenery.

The countdown is on to Ireland’s first ever Women’s World Cup fixture against co-hosts Australia on Thursday 20 July in Sydney. When the first whistle goes, the Girls in Green will be ready.

"It’s everything I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid," O’Sullivan told RTÉ Sport’s Tony O’Donoghue.

"First World Cup - I can say that for all the players. We’re really excited and the most important thing is we want to do the country proud. We’re not here to just participate. We’re here to do well and compete in games. That’s what it’s all about."

"We’re all coming together now. Every single day we’re starting to feel a bit better. We’re looking forward to it, buzzing to be here."

Worth noting also that, thankfully, this time around, the most high-profile Corkonian midfielder in the squad is more than happy with the players’ Brisbane base. "The training facilities are unbelievable," the North Carolina Courage schemer added.

O’Sullivan knows these parts well from her time with Canberra United and Western Sydney Wanderers. She expects to see a few friendly faces in the crowd come Thursday – although perhaps not all will be wearing Irish colours.

"I have a few friends over here," she said. "A few players and coaches that I’d love to see while I’m here. Obviously they’ll be wanting Australia to win but they always want me to do well. I know a lot of people here."

The Australians, as a people, are not known for their stifling modesty. The Matildas will carry themselves into that first game at Stadium Australia with the admirable