How they rated in Ireland v Australia: O'Sullivan and McCabe carry the load

Courtney Brosnan

The Everton goalkeeper was not often made to work from open play thanks to the resolute defence in front of her but she stood no chance of keeping out Steph Catley’s clinical penalty, dispatched into the top left corner. 6 

Heather Payne 

Committed but misread a couple of diagonal passes and through balls early in the second half that Ireland were fortunate not to have been punished by. Scuffed a good opportunity entering the latter stages having timed her run well. 5 

Louise Quinn 

Fewer touches compared to any other starting player but everything she did was clinical, no-nonsense and carried out with minimal fuss. A rock in her 106th senior appearance. 6 

Niamh Fahey 

Calming presence during moments of pressure and made a key intervention early in the second half to deny Cortnee Vine. No player made more clearances but it was not all kick and rush - she also sought to set Ireland away on the counter with long passes. 6 

Megan Connolly 

Provided Ireland’s set-piece threat, which was always going to be a central part of any hope to get a positive result, and inadvertently came close to an equaliser in added time with an inswinging corner that had Australia’s Mackenzie Arnold flapping. 6 

Katie McCabe 

Relentless work ethic and epitomised Ireland’s battling approach. The captain seemed to be in numerous places at once and it was evident from early on that the Australians had earmarked her for special attention. Had a good chance to equalise in the sixth minute of added time - with Ireland’s only shot on target. 7 

Denise O'Sullivan 

Impressive. Corkwoman looked to advance play as much as possible and fired over during Ireland’s most promising spell, entering the final 15 minutes. Booked in