PREVIEW | Australia WNT v Ireland WNT

It’s finally here. The co-opening game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will see the Ireland Women’s National Team make their major tournament debut.

As 11 players in green jerseys take to the pitch, spectators in the 82,500-capacity Stadium Australia, TV viewers from nations all around the world and those gathered at watch parties at Grassroots clubs across the country will all be tuned in.

This is when Vera Pauw’s history-makers start the first part of cementing their legacy. It’s not to be missed.


MATCH DETAILS
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Group B
Australia v Ireland
Thursday, July 20
Stadium Australia, Sydney
KO 20:00 (11:00 Irish Time)
LIVE on RTÉ2


MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Edina Alves (Brazil)
Assistant Referee: Neuza Back (Brazil)
Assistant Referee: Leila Cruz (Brazil)
Fourth Official: Maria Carvajal (Chile)
VAR Official: Daiane Muniz (Brazil)
VAR Assistant: Juan Soto (Venezuela)
Offside VAR Official: Mariana De Almedia (Argentina)


TEAM NEWS
Ireland have a fully fit squad to select from with midfielder Denise O’Sullivan having come through training sessions in recent days following an injury scare.

Vera Pauw says “As a team, we have always held the belief that something only appears to be impossible the moment it proves to be impossible. What that means is that you must believe in yourself, embrace tougher challenges and step forward to trust that you are ready to fulfil your dreams. We did just that to qualify for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023; now we must be brave once again to make the most of this fantastic opportunity of competing in the world’s best competition.

“We might be on the other side of the world, but we feel the support of everyone in Ireland. We stand on the shoulders of the players, coaches, staff members and officials who drove women and girls’ football forward over the last 50 years. We carry the hopes of girls and boys wanting their heroes to perform well. We get to show that the endless hours of coaching and encouragement from Grassroots volunteers that helped to shape our players was worth it. And we are able to give back to those in Irish football who have helped shape this incredible journey.

“Our preparation is complete. Our motivation is intact. And our game-plan is set. We are ready. We just hope that we can do the people of Ireland proud. This is our time.”

IRELAND WNT SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (Reading), Megan Walsh (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Defenders: Heather Payne (Florida State University), Áine O’Gorman (Shamrock Rovers), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Diane Caldwell (Reading), Claire O’Riordan (Standard Liege), Chloe Mustaki (Bristol City), Izzy Atkinson (West Ham United)

Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ruesha Littlejohn (Aston Villa), Ciara Grant (Hearts), Lily Agg (London City Lionesses), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Sinead Farrelly (NY/NJ Gotham)

Forwards: Kyra Carusa (London City Lionesses), Amber Barrett (Standard Liege), Marissa Sheva (Washington Spirit), Abbie Larkin (Shamrock Rovers)