Matildas player ratings: See which Aussie stars excelled and who struggled in the World Cup opener against Ireland
- Aussies had to do without superstar Sam Kerr
- Striker ruled out with calf injury just before kick-off
- See how her teammates played in her absence
The Aussies were hit like a bomb when it was announced just before kick-off that superstar striker Sam Kerr was out for the first two games of the World Cup with a calf injury – but still found a way to win.
It wasn’t exactly pretty, but a 1-0 win in front of a record-breaking crowd gives the Matildas the start they needed at their own World Cup.
Daily Mail Australia reviewed how each player performed in the absence of their skipper Sam Kerr – with several phenomenal performances to pull Australia over the line.
Cheering Aussie players celebrate after what would prove to be Steph Catley’s winning goal
Mary Fowler: 7.5
Left very late in the game after a job well done. It wasn’t so much the quantity of her touches as the quality. While her teammates around her looked a little nervous early in the game with some heavy touches and foul passes, Fowler stood up straight and had the ball on a string. She may or may not start before Sam Kerr pulled out, but she can be in the No. 9 or no. 10 rolls with confidence, and brings all her teammates into play. She belongs on the biggest stage.
Caitlin Ford: 8
Took on a much bigger burden after Sam Kerr’s withdrawal, but gave the Irish defense huge headaches as they dribbled their way through the side. Worked hard on both sides and was dangerous on both sides of the box, as she managed four shots on goal in a strong performance.
Hayley Raso: 8.5
Like Katrina Gorry, ruthless throughout the game. She knows nothing but 110 per cent and although she was a bit rough in attack at times, she consistently pressured Ireland and pulled free-kicks due to her kamikaze attack on the ball. Until the last minute she pushed hard without a ball to put pressure on Ireland and no doubt ‘Ribbons’ is an absolute fan favourite.
Cortnee vine: 6.5
Maybe a bit harsh because she worked super hard to connect defense and attack, but she didn’t really have the finesse to match her brilliant and direct approach. She certainly put pressure on the defense, but just missed the finishing touches to really make it count. Effort and intensity A+, finish and finesse: C.
Katrina Gorry: 9.5
What. A performance. ‘Mini’ was just incredible right in the park. She played a vital part in the run-up to the goal, tackling everyone in green like a rabid dog, covering every blade of grass on the entire pitch and, crucially, being calm on offense with her soft touch and pin-sharp passing. warrior.
Katrina Gorry was by far the best at the park after a stunning performance (she’s pictured blunting Irish star Denise O’Sullivan’s attack
She didn’t budge an inch in a huge performance for Australia in the side’s engine room
Kyra Cooney-Cross: 6.5
The young midfielder had some heavy tapping in the first half, with some nerves showing, but she certainly calmed down in the second half and looked more confident. She didn’t look as dangerous as she moved up the field late in the game, but she didn’t disappoint anyone with her intensity.
Stephen Catley: 8.5
Acts as captain like she always had the armband at a World Cup. She netted the penalty with a shot into the top corner that could never be saved with Australia’s weight on her shoulders. That brilliant left foot made for some dangerous moments from set pieces and crosses, and didn’t let Ireland pass by at all.
Steph Catley drives off towards Hayley Raso (right) after scoring Australia’s match winner. The replacement skipper was brilliant
Ellie Carpenter: 7
Not at her best in attack, but constantly streaming forward to provide valuable extra body at the targets. Marked Ireland captain Katie McCabe and certainly had her hands full and was clearly more than usual focused on defence. Important, but I’m looking forward to seeing her deliver her incredible attack in the next two group matches.
Clara Hunt: 6
Solid if not spectacular. Had a few nervous moments but supported Alanna Kennedy really well and will be better for the run.
Alan Kennedy: 8.5
Phenomenal. Tony Gustavsson put his faith in the Manchester City star to deliver despite a lack of minutes this year and she has truly delivered. She broke 15 passes and her brilliant, technical passing game was on full display as she stunned Ireland and set up Australia’s counter-attack.
Alanna Kennedy looks to heaven as she was a crucial part of the defense that got up in the dying moments as Ireland threw it all to Australia
Mackenzie Arnold: 7
A stone between the sticks. Was called up to make a couple of saves with the game on the line in the second half, and delivered well and true before cleverly wasting time as the minutes ticked by. She’s come a long way since being Lydia Williams’ backup. Will play a big role in this tournament.
Clare Polkinghorne: N/A
Had one touch after coming on to bolster defense and clinch victory.
Emily van Egmond: 5
Replace Cortnee Vine in the 75th minute to give Australia another deeper lying midfielder. Didn’t do anything wrong.