Co-hosts Australia’s first match at the Women’s World Cup turns out to be a huge sell-out event. But be careful: opponents Ireland could play the party crasher.
Showdown at lunchtime – at least from a German point of view: When the opening game part two in Sydney, Australia, between co-hosts Australia and Ireland kicks off on Thursday (20.07.2023) at 12 noon, the women’s World Cup will experience its first real highlight.
With Australia – the fourth of the Olympic Games 2021 – one of the biggest tournament favorites can be seen, the enthusiasm will be huge. The “Stadium Australia” with more than 80,000 seats has been sold out for many weeks, the fans of the “Matildas”, as Australia’s team is called, will put on a huge spectacle. The World Cup will really heat up for the first time.
Favorite Australia, underdog Ireland
Whether the game will also be able to deliver what the impressive setting promises? The Australian team is rated significantly better than World Cup debutants Ireland, especially in terms of playing technique. Defender Alanna Kennedy was self-confident shortly before the first tournament appearance: “We are not only a strong team, but also technically and tactically solid,” she said.
In September 2021, Australia suffered a 3-2 defeat against Ireland in a friendly in Dublin – no need to worry for Kennedy: “We had a big tournament behind us at the time, brought in new players and also played a different style of play – just a completely different one time then.” She thinks: “Of course we’re a much more consistent team as a collective at the moment and that’s what we want to go into the biggest tournament to date.”
Sam Kerr – all eyes on the goal-getter
Many eyes in Sydney will be on Sam Kerr. The almost legendary Australian striker scored five goals in four games at the 2019 World Cup, including four against Jamaica. Since then, she hasn’t let up on her goalscoring abilities.
The Chelsea forward has scored the most goals in the English Women’s Super League (WSL) since early January 2020, scoring 54 goals in 67 games. After two years as the top scorer in England, she most recently finished fourth in 2022/23 with 12 goals and helped Chelsea to their sixth league title.
Ireland goes for physicality
Australia, coached by Tony Gustavsson, a former assistant coach for the USA, certainly has the higher individual quality to offer with players such as Kerr and her strike partner Caitlin Foord (Arsenal).
However, Ireland should not be underestimated. The Irish, coached by Vera Pauw from the Netherlands, mostly play in the top English league. In Katie McCabe they have a captain and leader who, so to speak, dictates the classic Irish score.
Katie McCabe – Queen of Yellow Cards
McCabe – who grew up in humble circumstances with nine siblings in Ireland’s capital Dublin – plays for Arsenal like Foord. But not every weekend. On average, she collects the most yellow cards of all players in the WSL and sometimes has to sit out with a ban.
Accordingly, the 27-year-old recently seriously called for the yellow card to be abolished: “I think football is a physical game and physical exertion should not be punished in this way.”
Niamh Fahey: “We have no pressure”
Ireland, who recently pulled out of a friendly against Colombia because their opponents were too tough, will try to challenge Australia with their physical play.
This was also announced by Niamh Fahey. The 35-year-old Liverpool FC defender isn’t afraid of the massive Australian support from the stands either: “The big crowd will only spur us on even more. We don’t have any pressure. And when the ball rolls, we’ll throw everything in, to beat Australia.”
Facts about the game
– Matches against each other: first comparison
– FIFA Ranking: Australia 10th, Ireland 22nd
– Best World Cup result: Australia – Quarterfinals 2007, 2011, 2015; Ireland still without a World Cup game
– Fun Fact: Forward Mary Fowler has an Irish father. Her siblings Caoimhin and Ciara played for Ireland in their youth.
2023-07-19 20:13:27
#Australia #Ireland #face #Sydney
