Women’s World Cup: It’s time for Aussies vs Ireland!

Australia vs Republic of Ireland

The waiting is almost over and the action is about to begin as hosts Australia take on the Republic of Ireland on the opening day of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

Australia are ranked tenth in the world by FIFA, 12 places above Ireland and an expectant crowd at the Australia Stadium will build a superb atmosphere as their national heroines look to open their account. This is the first time the Australians have hosted a World Cup on home soil and the sport loving nation will be right behind the Matildas.

They come into the game on a strong run of form and meet an Ireland side which has had a difficult warm-up period; and it’s vital for each team to start well in a tough group which also contains Olympic Champions and seventh ranked Canada, along with a powerful Nigerian side.       

The Women’s World Cup 2023 betting odds suggest Australia are one of a handful of teams which can win the tournament and they should start with a victory on Thursday. 

Talking Points

Kerr can lead Matildas to glory 

Led by legendary skipper Sam Kerr, Australia have every chance of going deep into the competition and expectations have soared in Oz in recent weeks. Chelsea star Kerr is in fantastic form and she scored her 63^rd international goal in her 120^th international in a victory over England earlier this year. She is widely considered to be the best player in the women’s game with her all action play, boundless energy, phenomenal skills and goal-scoring prowess.

Kerr is an inspiration on and off the pitch, and a player that the less experienced Matildas can look up to. Attacking midfielder Cortnee Vine is on of the few players operating in the Australian domestic league, playing for Sydney FC, and she has risen to prominence this season. Vine can learn a lot from Kerr and her direct running will give opposition defences plenty to think about.

Managed by the charismatic and tactically astute Tony Gustavsson, this is a team well worth watching, whether you are a Matildas fan or not.        

Ireland ready to go after chaotic warm-up

The Republic’s final warm up game, against Colombia, was abandoned after 20 minutes when the game became overly physical. The Girls in Green were relieved to discover that midfielder Denise O’ Sullivan defender got the all clear when she emerged from hospital having been admitted with a shin injury. The Colombian FA released a statement saying their team ‘follows the rules of play’ and that Ireland ‘preferred not to continue.’

Read into that what you like!

Anyhow, the Girls in Green went back into training and are raring to go again. Manager Vera Pauw has named an experienced squad for Ireland’s first ever World Cup, led by talismanic skipper Katie McCabe. The 27-year-old Arsenal star scored the ‘goal of the season’ for her club and has been an Ireland stalwart since her debut in 2015. With 72 caps and captain since 2017, McCabe can operate in the centre of midfield or wide on the left and her versatility is priceless for Pauw. 

Another player to watch is 32-year-old defensive leader Louise Quinn. Hailing from Wicklow she has played in Sweden, England and Italy and now plies her trade with Birmingham City Women. She is a strong defender and a threat at set pieces, with 15 international goals and the Mighty Quinn is one of the first names on the team sheet.

And Ireland fans will know the name of Amber Barrett, whose goal against Scotland sealed qualification for the Girls in Green.         

History

These two nations have met only once before in a game which resulted in a 3-2 win for Ireland in a 2021 friendly as Quinn planted home a second half penalty to earn Ireland’s best win over higher ranked opponents in two decades.   

In terms of recent form Australia are stronger. The Matildas have won five of their last six games and six home games in a row, while the Girls in Green have won one drawn two and lost three of their last six.

Before their clash with Colombia was abandoned the Irish team was beaten 3-0 by France in their final warm-up, while the Australians took on Les Bleus last weekend and emerged with a 1-0 victory. 

Betting Tip

At SBOTOP odds of 1.26 to win it looks like fans at the Australia Stadium will be celebrating on Thursday night, while a draw at 5.03 and an Ireland win at 5.61 may well be a step too far for the underdogs.

Its would make major Women’s World Cup 2023 news were they to slip up on Thursday, but I reckon the Matildas will waltz to a handy opening victory.

 

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