Women's World Cup: Australia battle past Republic of Ireland 1-0 in 2023 WWC opener
Steph Catley's second-half penalty gave World Cup co-hosts Australia a 1-0 victory over debutants the Republic of Ireland in Sydney.
Catley, standing in as captain after Australia's star forward Sam Kerr suffered a calf injury on the eve of the game, converted the winner in the 52nd minute.
The Republic of 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.
Kerr, who is also set to miss Australia's second game with Nigeria, celebrated on the bench with her team-mates but was restrained as she nursed the injury which kept her out of her team's opener.
Megan Connolly, Katie McCabe and Louise Quinn all came close to what would have been a famous equaliser but the hosts held on to start their World Cup campaign with a win.
After co-hosts New Zealand stunned Norway in their opener, Australia were frustrated on home soil by the organised Irish defence.
Despite being disappointed at losing star player Kerr for their opening two games, the home fans produced an electric atmosphere at the soldout Stadium Australia.
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