Battling Ireland pay penalty in World Cup opener against Matildas 

Captain Steph Catley scored from the spot to put the hosts 1-0 ahead shortly into the second half.

SO CLOSE: Megan Connolly of Republic of Ireland reacts after a missed opportunity at Stadium Australia in Sydney. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

AUSTRALIA…1 (Steph Catley 52 pen) IRELAND 0 

Australia had pinpointed Ireland’s vulnerability at the end of halves to profit from but it was a mishap at the start of the second that settled this opening day World Cup fixture.