Ireland embracing underdog mentality ahead of matchup with Australia in Women's World Cup opener

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Overwhelming demand for tickets meant co-host Australia’s opening match at the Women’s World Cup had to be shifted to the tournament’s biggest stadium, where it's set to be played in front of an expected record crowd of 82,500.

Stepping into that cauldron to face the Matildas on Thursday is Ireland, on debut at the World Cup and playing in its first major global tournament.

"We feel like underdogs and we embrace it," Ireland forward Marissa Sheva said. "I think it gives us a little bit of energy and we know the pressure is not on us, it’s on them for this game."

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Republic of Ireland players, from left, Ruesha Littlejohn, Denise OSullivan, Heather Payne, Sinead Farrelly and Kyra Carusa stand for the playing of the National Anthem before the womens friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Colombia at Meakin Park in Brisbane, Australia, ahead of the start of the FIFA Womens World Cup 2023.  (Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

The match was initially scheduled for a smaller downtown stadium but had to be switched to Stadium Australia, at Sydney Olympic Park, which is also the venue for the Aug. 20 final.

"Ever since they moved stadiums we knew that it was going to be a massive crowd," Sheva said. "Having the opening game of the tournament against the hosts is an incredible opportunity."

The hype around Sam Kerr and the Matildas has been growing Down Under as the countdown to the tournament Australia is co-hosting with New Zealand gets closer to kick off.

The Matildas beat France 1-0 in a friendly played in front of a record 50,629 fans in Melbourne last week.

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