Ireland’s Niamh Fahey says nothing can truly prepare team for World Cup opener

The Republic’s meeting with the Matildas proved so popular that as early as January it was moved to the competition’s largest venue, the 80,000-plus capacity Stadium Australia in Sydney.

Republic of Ireland’s Niamh Fahey believes nothing can truly prepare her side for the atmosphere of a World Cup debut (Brian Lawless/PA)

Republic of Ireland defender Niamh Fahey suspects no dress rehearsal, no matter how big the audience, could truly prepare her side for their World Cup debut.

That milestone moment is inching ever closer for the Girls in Green, whose first tilt at a global title begins Thursday against tournament co-hosts Australia on a double-billed opening day of the tournament kicking off with New Zealand taking on Norway in Auckland.