Louise Quinn: Lots to take from opener ahead of Canada game

Quinn was determined to absorb all that came with opening against the Matildas in their mammoth backyard of the full 75,000-seater Stadium Australia on the outskirts of Sydney

SO CLOSE: Republic of Ireland's Louise Quinn after the final whistle of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, Group B match at the Sydney Football Stadium, Australia. Pic: Isabel Infantes/PA Wire

Sporting a shiner from her evening’s work, Louise Quinn could see a brighter future for Ireland at the World Cup amid the cloud of defeat.

Maybe it was the thrill of finally being exposed to a major tournament as a centurion or the yard in distance her late header against Australia whistled past the post by but the defensive rock still wore a beaming smile.