The Matildas have won their opening FIFA Women's World Cup match getting their tournament off to a great start despite facing a brutally physical Ireland.
There was talk during the week about Ireland struggling with the Matildas’ physicality but the girls in green were brutal throughout and captain Katie McCabe certainly made sure the Australians were up for the challenge.
Steph Catley took control of the captaincy for the first time in Kerr's absence and she was immense in defence before she stepped up to score Australia's first goal. Corners came and went for Australia but there was still no shots on target for the Australians as the 20 minute mark passed. On the back of Ireland’s best attacking raid of the half Raso was again in the action winning a free kick inside the Irish half but again a long ball was unsuccessfully sent into the box.
Australia had almost 60 per cent of the ball in the first 45 and spent 83 per cent of the half in Irish territory but just could not make the final pass.
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