Australia vs. Republic of Ireland
Both of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup hosting nations have now gotten their tournaments off to the perfect start. After New Zealand’s Football Ferns bagged three points against Norway with a 1-0 earlier in the day, Australia’s Waltzing Matildas prevailed over a stalwart Irish side by the same scoreline. Having to do without captain Samantha Kerr on short notice, the Aussies found that they could rely on alternate skipper Steph Catley to convert a 52nd minute penalty.
The match unfolded in line with what most tournament-watchers envisioned. Vera Pauw’s ultra-conservative tactics kept the co-hosts away from goal for the majority of the fixture. Irish attacker Marissa Sheva found herself slightly overwhelmed when attempting to mark Hayley Raso in the box shortly after the restart. The resulting spot kick enabled Australia to nick a slender victory. The result counts as crucial in what many have deemed the “Group of Death”.
Tactical Analysis: Australia
Having to do without his talismanic captain (and tournament poster child) Kerr on short notice, the eminently respected Gustavsson didn’t deviate from his expected tactics. The Matildas lined up in the manner anticipated and proceeded to execute their normal game-plan. Everyone serenely took care of business, remaining completely professional throughout a sometimes frustrating and always physical opening half.
Lineup—Australia—Match One (4-4-2)
One could clearly see that Mary Fowler was instructed to make deep drops whenever possible. Kerr’s impromptu replacement actually held the ball up reasonably well whilst being continually pressed by the pesky Irish defenders. Unfortunately, for all of Fowler’s touches, she just didn’t have passing options when working against the low block. Amid all the long Aussie possession spells, distribution looked sharp. The link-up-play shall surely come together soon enough.
In addition to the three attackers highlighted below, Katrina Gorry’s multiple long dribbles merit a mention. The heavily-capped veteran unleashed four efforts on goal and came closest to doubling the advantage eight minutes from the end of normal time. Gustavsson increasingly reverted to more conservative tactics with the introductions of defensive-minded subs Emily van Egmond and Claire Polkinghorne. One can hardly blame him for that. New Aussie keeper Mackenzie Arnold helped preserve the scoreline with an excellent save off a corner in the 71st.
Top Performers, Australia
1) Hayley Raso
Even before drawing the crucial penalty, the ever spry Real Madrid speedster with the trademark ribbon served as the Matilda’s brightest spark. The 28-year-old showed no fear in taking the crowded Irish defensive ranks on. Her header off a Steph Catley corner in the 28th constituted the best chance the Aussie’s had during the tightly contested first-half. As tough as the Irish block was to crack, the sleek and graceful experienced international never gave up.
2) Caitlin Foord
The Arsenal Ladies striker stubbornly refused to let the crowded Irish defense perturb her. Foord took on three markers in the box on two occasions during the opening 45. In a match during which chances remained few-and-far between, the 28-year-old made certain that the co-hosts could make at least a few pinpricks before making the breakthrough. She also did well drawing coverage and freeing up her teammates during a sustained spell of pressure in the immediate aftermath of Catley’s 1-0.
3) Cortnee Vine
The 25-year-old – one of three players on the Aussie roster currently working in her country’s domestic league – is something of an unfamiliar commodity to most of us. First impressions of the Sydney FC attacker are quite good. She racked up well over 40 touches and showcased some bright ideas in her passing game. Vine earned a deserved round of applause from the crowd when exiting in the 75th. Her fellow domestic league starter, central defender Clare Hunt, appears set for a superb tournament as well.
Tactical Analysis: Republic of Ireland
A tightly-grouped back-three, an extremely conservative low-block, and two deep-seated shielding midfielders. Vera Paul’s conservative tactics are well-known and documented. No surprises for those watching on the overhead here. This shape contained opponents throughout the qualifying stages and did so again here. We’re again dealing with a squad that didn’t deviate from what was expected.
Lineup—Republic of Ireland—Match One (5-4-1)
There doesn’t appear to be any real need to change anything. All the components function well enough. The lasses from the Republic can deservedly carry some confidence into the next group stage game against Canada. The author might add to this that it appeared as if the “Gals in Green” carried a significant amount of support with them amongst the record crowd in Sydney. If memory serves correctly, there’s a huge Irish population in that city. The Irish could almost be considered the third hosts of this tournament.
Top Performer, Republic of Ireland
1) Katie McCabe
Pauw’s star wingback and captain possessed the toughest marking assignments of all of her colleagues. McCabe had to contain both Raso and the always dangerous Aussie buccaneering fullback Ellie Carpenter. While Raso managed to break her way through, Carpenter racked up loads of retreat touches thanks to McCabe’s pressure. The 27-year-old’s set-piece delivery also frequently impressed. It was McCabe who drove in a clever corner that forced a save out of Arnold in the 71st.