The Women’s World Cup on Thursday, roared to life with excessive drama and surprising setbacks as Australia, rocked by the late withdrawal of star striker Sam Kerr on account of harm, overcame Ireland’s fierce resistance to safe a hard-fought 1-0 victory of their opening match.
The ambiance inside Stadium Australia was electrical as Steph Catley’s 52nd-minute penalty ignited an eruption of pleasure among the many 75,784-strong crowd.
Yet, there was an air of trepidation and concern after news of Kerr’s harm emerged simply an hour earlier than kick-off, leaving the house group with out their iconic captain for the conflict towards Ireland and the upcoming sport towards Nigeria.
By the ultimate whistle, Kerr, arm-in-arm along with her teammates, celebrated the group’s victory, displaying a united entrance even in her absence on the sphere.
Her harm casts uncertainty over her return for the vital encounter towards Canada within the group’s final Group B match.
Mary Fowler, with Irish heritage, stepped as much as change Kerr within the assault, however the void left by the nation’s all-time main scorer was evident.
Kerr’s absence impacted Australia’s offensive prowess, leaving them struggling for concepts and leading edge towards a resilient Irish facet.
Amid roars of encouragement from house followers, Australia confronted a problem in breaking the impasse within the first half.
However, fortune favored the Matildas as Marissa Sheva’s problem on Hayley Raso within the field awarded them a penalty.
Catley displayed composure, sending Ireland’s goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan the flawed approach along with her left foot, changing the decisive spot-kick.
While Ireland, collaborating of their first World Cup, showcased dedication and resilience, their late onslaught couldn’t breach Australia’s protection, because of goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold’s heroics.
The match’s depth mirrored the opening day’s emotion, with each co-hosts securing essential victories as New Zealand edged Norway 1-0 in an emotional opener in Auckland.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
