After months of anticipation, Australia's opening game of their home World Cup has finally arrived as they prepare to take on World Cup debutants Republic of Ireland at Stadium Australia in Sydney.
One of the most heavily anticipated games in Australian football history, a record crowd of approximately 70,000 fans are expected at this Group B clash and will be hoping the likes of Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter can help lead the Matildas to a victory and set the foundations for a strong World Cup run.
Despite this being Ireland's first-ever World Cup match, they will be a tricky opponent for Australia, having defeated them the last time the sides clashed in 2021. The 'Girls in Green' are also being ably led by captain and Arsenal midfielder Katie McCabe.
Australia must ensure they don't take the Irish lightly, as any dropped points in a difficult group could come back to cost them dearly.
The Sporting News is tracking live score updates and highlights for Australia vs. Republic of Ireland at the 2023 World Cup. Follow below for complete results from the Group B match in Australia.
Australia vs Republic of Ireland betting odds, best bets
Starting lineups:
Australia starting lineup (4-4-2, right to left): Arnold (GK) — Carpenter, Kennedy, Hunt, Catley — Raso, Gorry, Cooney-Cross, Vine — Fowler, Foord.
Republic of Ireland starting lineup (5-4-1, right to left): Brosnan (GK) — Payne, Fahey, Quinn, connolly, McCabe — Farrelly, O'Sullivan, Littlejohn, Sheva — Carusa
Who will be Australia's breakout World Cup star?
1hr to kick off: The opening match of the tournament has just finished, and there's been a huge upset as co-hosts New Zealand have won their first ever World Cup match against highly fancied Norway. A Hannah Wilkinson
Read on sportingnews.com