Arsenal’s Catley on target as Australia record narrow victory over Republic of Ireland | OneFootball

Arsenal defender Steph Catley was on target as Australia defeated the Republic of Ireland 1-0 in Sydney in their opening match at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

There was little to separate the two sides in their opening Group B fixture but Catley kept her cool to net the winning goal from the penalty spot early in the second half at Stadium Australia.

Australia dominated the attacking play in the first half but they struggled to test Courtney Brosnan in the Republic of Ireland goal.  Brosnan’s first half consisted of her defusing a few deliveries into the box and keeping her side’s water-tight defence organised. When the Republic of Ireland had possession, they attempted to hit Australia on the counter attack but they were unable to pose significant danger to the opposition goal.

The deadlock was broken early in the second half when Marissa Sheeva clumsily hauled down Hayley Raso in the box and Catley converted the resulting penalty.

Australia went in search of a second goal but failed to trouble Brosnan while the Republic of Ireland went close with a couple of late set-pieces. Katie McCabe had one final chance at the death for the Republic of Ireland but she couldn’t squeeze the ball beyond Mackenzie Arnold and into the Australian net.

Australia play Nigeria in their second group match while the Republic of Ireland will take on Canada.