After a very scrappy first half, Australia showed their quality in the second.
Majority of the Australian’s attacks came aerially, which the Irish defence, mainly Louise Quinn, have cleared very well. They did come close with a corner from Katrina Gorry in the 27th minute landed on Hayley Raso head, but it just went narrowly wide to the left side.
The Girls in Green have done their bit to make it hard for the home nation in the first half, with their main chance coming through a counter attack lead by captain Katie McCabe, when she played the ball to striker Kyra Carusa, but Alanna Kennedy defended and cleared well.
To end the first half there was a VAR check for a potential penalty for the Matildas, but the referee waved the play on.
Due to the last minute injury to Sam Kerr both captains today also represent WSL side Arsenal, with the Aussies being lead out by Steph Catley whilst the Irish are being led out by McCabe.
Going into the second half, the Aussies didn’t make their fans wait much longer, after a penalty was conceded by Marissa Sheva, due to a push in the back on Raso, and Catley placed it perfectly to the top left hand corner.
Since making two changes in the 64th minute, with Abbie Larkin and Lucy Quinn coming on, the Irish started to create more frequent chances for themselves, where Mackenzie Arnold made a few good saves.
Izzy Atkinson came on with 3 minutes to go, but it was a little too late for the Irish. The Republic of Ireland gave everything they had but the 3 points go to the home nation after a 1-0 win.
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