The Australian women's team went into the match against the Irish women's team with confidence. They were one of the strongest teams in the tournament and had the advantage of tens of thousands of home fans cheering them on. The team had many top stars such as Catley, Cross, Mary Fowler.
However, what happened on the field made the home team's fans feel worried. The absence of key striker Sam Kerr - the 2022 World Bronze Ball - due to injury greatly affected the attacking quality of the Australian women's team.
The Australian women's team won.
The Australian women's team had a rather stalemate in the first half, although they easily controlled the game on the pitch. The Irish women's team retreated their entire squad to their own half and created a solid double-layered defense.
Facing a tight defense, Australia rarely got close to goalkeeper Brosnan's goal. The bright spot for the kangaroo team was striker Mary Fowler. She had many impressive dribbles with outstanding speed and technique. But Fowler's efforts were not enough to help the Australian women's team gain an advantage in the first half.
It was not until the second half that the home team scored a goal. In the 51st minute, in a not-so-dangerous situation, Sheva unexpectedly fouled Raso in the penalty area and a penalty was awarded to the Australian women's team. From the 11-meter penalty spot, Catley easily opened the scoring for the home team.
Despite scoring, the Australian women's team failed to improve the situation. Coach Tony Gustavsson's players were not sharp enough to defeat the well-organized blue defense. On the other side of the front line, the Irish women's team began to push up their formation in search of an equalizer. In the final 15 minutes of the match, it was Australia who had to retreat deep to protect the score.
But the Irish women's team's efforts were not enough as their forwards played stalemate. In the end, the Australian women's team won with a minimum score against the Irish women's team.
Result: Australia 1-0 Ireland
Score
Australia: Catley (52')
Australia vs Ireland lineup
Australia: Mackenzie Arnold, Steph Catley, Alanna Kennedy, Clare Hunt, Ellie Carpenter, Cortnee Vine, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Katrina-Lee Gorry, Hayley Raso, Mary Fowler, Caitlin Foord.
Ireland: Courtney Brosnan, Niamh Fahey, Louise Quinn, Megan Connolly, Heather Payne, Denise O'Sullivan, Ruesha Littlejohn, Katie McCabe, Sinead Louise Farrelly, Kyra Taylor Carusa, Marissa Sheva
Mai Phuong
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