{ "id": "7258", "author": "23", "title": "FIFA Women's World Cup: Kerr-less Australia Edge Ireland 1-0", "lang": "en", "series": "1", "cup_year": "0000", "article_type": "general", "excerpt": "Despite the absence of their captain Sam Kerr, co-hosts Australia clinched a 1-0 victory over Ireland in their FIFA Women's World Cup opener, here on Thursday. \r\n", "subtype": null, "editor1": "

FIFA Women:<\/strong> Despite the absence of their captain Sam Kerr, co-hosts Australia clinched a 1-0 victory over Ireland in their FIFA Women's World Cup opener, here on Thursday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The match, played in front of a record-breaking crowd of 75,784 fans at Stadium Australia, kicked off the tournament on a high note.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Matildas shouldered the weight of expectation amplified by the largest crowd ever for a women's football game in Australia. Pushed to the brink by a tenacious Ireland team in Sydney's crisp conditions, they managed to stand their ground.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

A penalty kick from Steph Catley in the 52nd minute marked the only difference between the Group B teams. Despite being highly favored, Australia faced a formidable challenge from Ireland, who made an impressive debut at the World Cup, a Xinhua report said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Matildas took a hit with the withdrawal of Kerr, the face of the tournament, ruled out of Australia's first two games due to a calf injury sustained at Wednesday's training.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

"Heartbreak, to be honest," Catley said of Kerr's injury. "We made sure we got the win for her."<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Without their star striker, Australia grappled with penetrating a well-organized Irish defense in the first half. Their opponents stood firm, defying their higher-profile rivals amid the fervent atmosphere.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Australia's forward Caitlin Foord was effectively contained by a physical Irish side. Her few opportunities to score fell short, leading the teams into a half-time stalemate.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Aiming to rouse their subdued fans, Australia entered the second half with a more aggressive play style. Their effort paid off when Hayley Raso was taken down in the box by Marissa Sheva.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Catley, stepping in as interim captain for Kerr, drove a penalty high into the left corner, igniting a wave of euphoria throughout the stadium.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Energized, Australia continued with renewed purpose, only to be hampered by imprecise finishing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

In a last-ditch attempt for an equalizer, Ireland made several substitutions, but the goal they sought remained elusive despite numerous late chances.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Also Read: <\/b> Major League Cricket 2023 Schedule, Teams And Squads<\/a><\/p>

Ireland will face Canada on July 26, while Australia goes up against Nigeria the following day.<\/p>\r\n", "image": "https:\/\/img.cricketnmore.com\/uploads\/2023\/07\/fifa-womens-world-cup-kerr-less-australia-edge-ireland-1-0-1689912283.jpeg", "alt_img": "FIFA Women's World Cup: Kerr-less Australia edge Ireland 1-0", "alt_title": "FIFA Women's World Cup: Kerr-less Australia edge Ireland 1-0", "image1": null, "video": null, "seo_title": "FIFA Women's World Cup: Kerr-less Australia Edge Ireland 1-0 On Cricketnmore", "seo_desc": "Despite the absence of their captain Sam Kerr, co-hosts Australia clinched a 1-0 victory over Ireland in their FIFA Women's, FIFA Women's World Cup: Kerr-less Australia Edge Ireland 1-0.", "seo_keywords": "FootballSports News, Sports News", "tag": null, "tagging": "", "status": "1", "img_rpt": "0", "google": "1", "standout": "0", "edapps": "0", "pulse": "0", "no_index": "0", "feed": "0", "fixture": null, "slug": "fifa-womens-world-cup-kerr-less-australia-edge-ireland-1-0", "user_id": "0", "read_count": "1", "ians_date": null, "ians_time": null, "server_time": null, "trash": "0", "view_count": "833", "page_break": "0", "instant_articles": "1", "auto_link": "0", "created": "2023-07-21 09:34:43", "updated": "2023-07-21 09:34:43", "img_from": "Image Source: IANS", "img_source": null, "schedule_publish": null, "news_keywords": "FIFA Women, World Cup, Stadium Australia, The Matildas, Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord, Hayley Raso, Marissa Sheva", "livescore_text": null, "livescore_link": null, "btn_text": null, "resend_feed": "0", "google_feed": "0", "read_more": "0", "posted_by": "12", "jio_date": "2023-07-21 09:34:43", "scheduled": "0", "news_now": "0", "breaking_news": "1", "google_date": null, "featured": "0", "sports_name": "football", "cnmid": "764230", "link": "https:\/\/www.cricketnmore.com\/sports-news\/fifa-womens-world-cup-kerr-less-australia-edge-ireland-1-0-7258" }