Matildas vs Ireland: World Cup Opener Preview and Predictions

Gabriel Barkhan
By:
Gabriel Barkhan
17/07/2023
Women's World Cup
The Stage is Set: Matildas vs Ireland in World Cup Opener

Australia's Matildas face Republic of Ireland in an electrifying World Cup 2024™ opening clash. A battle of talent awaits!

News Insights

  • Australia's Matildas are set to kick off their FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™ campaign against debutants, the Republic of Ireland, in front of over 80,000 fans at Stadium Australia.
  • Republic of Ireland's journey to their first-ever major tournament involved notable victories, leading them to secure a spot at the FIFA Women's World Cup after defeating Scotland in the UEFA Play-Offs.
  • The Matildas have key players to watch, including Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Hayley Raso, Caitlin Foord, and the star forward Sam Kerr, who carries the hopes of the nation.
  • Betting tip: Australia is favoured to win the opening match against Ireland ($1.38), and the prediction is for a 2-0 victory in favour of the Matildas.

20th July, 20:00, Accor Stadium 

In the highly anticipated FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™, Australia's national women's football team, the Matildas, are gearing up to face Republic of Ireland in their opening match. With over 80,000 fans eagerly awaiting the kick-off at Stadium Australia, the home team aims to make a strong start to their campaign. This will be the first major tournament for the Girls in Green, who secured their spot after an impressive performance during the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifications. With star players and passionate support behind them, the Matildas are determined to make history and go far in the tournament.

Australia’s WC Campaign Set to Kick Off Against Ireland

Australia is set to kick off their FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™ campaign against debutants, the Republic of Ireland, on July 20 at Stadium Australia, with a massive crowd of over 80,000 fans in attendance. As the Matilda’s gear up for their opening clash, let's take a closer look at their opponents, The Girls in Green.

Opposition: Republic of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland, currently ranked 22nd by FIFA, has qualified for their first-ever major tournament. During the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifications, they played nine matches, securing six wins, two draws, and suffering one loss. Impressively, they netted 27 goals while conceding only four.

Their path to qualification was marked by significant victories, including an 11-0 thrashing of Georgia and a 9-0 triumph over another opponent. This strong performance saw them finish second in Group A, just behind Sweden, leading them to Round 2 of the UEFA Play-Offs. In the decisive match against Scotland, a goal by Amber Barrett secured their spot in the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Australia’s ‘Ones-to-Watch’:

The team's success can be attributed to some key players. Skipper Katie McCabe, who plays for Arsenal, was their top scorer in the qualification campaign, finding the net seven times. Another notable player is Denise O'Sullivan, who gained experience playing in the A-League Women's and represents the North Carolina Courage. However, O'Sullivan's participation in the opening game might be in doubt after she was taken to the hospital following an injury during a game against Colombia.

Ireland’s ‘Ones-to-Watch’:

The defensive unit of the Girls in Green is also formidable, with players amassing over 500 appearances. Áine O'Gorman, with 118 caps, stands out as the most experienced defender. The team is led by head coach Vera Pauw, who has previous experience with major tournaments, having coached the Netherlands to the UEFA Women's EURO semi-finals in 2009.

Fixture History:

Australia and Ireland have crossed paths in only one international match, with Ireland emerging victorious with a 3-2 scoreline in 2021. The Matilda’s will seek to avenge that loss and make a strong start to their World Cup campaign.

Before departing for the tournament, Ireland played two international friendlies, with mixed results – a comeback wins against Zambia and a defeat against France. Their final preparation game against Colombia was abandoned due to O'Sullivan's injury.

As the excitement builds, both teams are looking forward to showcasing their talent on the world stage. Australia is predicted to field a formidable starting XI, consisting of star players like Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord.

With the opening match approaching, fans eagerly anticipate an exciting encounter between Australia's Matilda’s and Ireland's Girls in Green in what promises to be an unforgettable FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™.

Line-up Predictions: 

Australia Predicted XI - Mackenzie Arnold (GK), Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Clare Hunt, Charlotte Grant, Katrina Gorry, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Caitlin Foord, Cortnee Vine, Sam Kerr, Hayley Raso. 

Ireland Predicted XI - Courtney Brosnan; Heather Payne, Niamh Fahey, Louise Quinn, Megan Connolly, Katie McCabe, Sinead Farrelly, Denise O’Sullivan, Ruesha Littlejohn, Marissa Sheva; Kyra Carusa.

H2H Stats – Australia Vs Ireland

Australia Women and Republic of Ireland Women have faced each other in one match. In this head-to-head record, Australia Women has not won any matches, while Republic of Ireland Women emerged victorious in the sole encounter between the two teams. There have been no draws in their past fixtures.

The stats show that in 100% of their meetings, there have been over 1.5 goals scored, over 2.5 goals scored, and over 3.5 goals scored. Additionally, both teams have scored in all their previous encounters, resulting in a 100% BTTS (both teams to score) rate. However, none of the matches have resulted in a clean sheet for either Australia Women or Republic of Ireland Women.

Past H2H Results & Fixtures:

Sep 21, 2021: Republic of Ireland Women 3 - Australia Women 2

Key Players:

The Matilda’s' key players to watch in the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup™ are Ellie Carpenter, a versatile right-back known for her defensive and offensive prowess, and Steph Catley, an impressive left-back, and the team's vice-captain. Hayley Raso, a dynamic winger with a strong goal-scoring record, and Caitlin Foord, an attacking midfielder or forward with exceptional skills, are also set to shine. However, all eyes will be on Sam Kerr, the star forward carrying the hopes of a passionate nation. With a dream of winning the World Cup on home soil, the Matilda’s' potential to reach new heights is electrifying.

Australia to Win:

As the Women's World Cup approaches, Australia is set to face Republic of Ireland in their opening match. While many European and American teams are favored in the betting, the Matilda’s have a strong chance to go far in the tournament, especially with the advantage of playing on home soil. Republic of Ireland should put up a solid fight, but given Australia’s star quality, coupled with a feature in front of a packed out 80,000 Australia-strong crowd…  I predict Australia to win 2-0, with Bet365 having the Australia ML @$1.38

Australia and the Republic of Ireland are ready to clash in the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™ opener. The Girls in Green, making their debut, face a tough opponent in Australia, who boast a strong squad and home advantage. With star players like Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord, the Matildas aim to avenge their previous loss to Ireland and begin their campaign with a win.

Betting tip: Australia to win the match ($1.38) with a predicted 2-0 score line.