Women's World Cup: Matildas player ratings from Australia vs. Ireland

Joshua Mayne

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Women's World Cup: Matildas player ratings from Australia vs. Ireland image

The Matildas claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Republic of Ireland to kick off their Women's World Cup campaign.

A sold-out Stadium Australia cheered the co-hosts on, with the match ending in nervy fashion.

So, who stood out in green and gold?

The Sporting News rates every Australian's performance from their World Cup opener below.

Matildas vs. Ireland: Australia player ratings

Mackenzie Arnold - 8

A clean sheet is what every goalkeeper strives for, and Arnold delivered just that against Ireland. She had a quiet first half between the sticks but earned her money in the second stanza. The Matildas shot-stopper dealt with numerous in-swinging corners, punching them away with authority. She was a calming figure under the high ball, too.

Ellie Carpenter - 6.5

It was a relatively quiet game by Carpenter's high standards. She bombed up and down the right flank in typical fashion, but wasn't always effective with her crosses and link-up play. The Lyon defender helped keep a clean sheet though with plenty of interceptions, which is always a big tick.

Alanna Kennedy - 7

Simple, effective, and got the job done. Kennedy was solid at centre-back, barely giving Ireland a sniff in the first half. She was tested in the second period but was mature defending set pieces. Apart from a couple of hairy passes into midfield, it was a good showing.

Clare Hunt - 7

Hunt was very strong aerially for the Matildas, forming a reliable partnership with Kennedy. She had a scary moment in the box late on but recovered to clear in time. Like her fellow defenders, she'll walk away very pleased with a clean sheet.

Steph Catley - 8

Australia's stand-in captain delivered on the big stage, scoring the crucial penalty. The left-back calmly slotted home from the spot in the 52nd minute before wheeling away in celebration. Catley was reliable in defence as well, ensuring things were organised in her zone of the field. She was named Player of the Match for her efforts, and it's fair to see why.

Hayley Raso - 5.5

It just wasn't Raso's night, unfortunately. She misplaced a number of passes and failed to convert a solid chance at the far post off a corner. Despite her overall performance, she contributed greatly by winning the match-deciding penalty. 

Katrina Gorry - 9

A true 'energiser bunny', Gorry never stopped running and battling. She was silky on the ball for the entire 90 minutes, providing the perfect balance of steel and silk. While she was outstanding in an attacking sense, her best moment came when she tracked back to prevent an Irish goal in the second half. 

Kyra Cooney-Cross - 8

Cooney-Cross paired exceptionally well with Gorry in the heart of the midfield. She was confident from the get-go, taking on players with her strong dribbling. Her ability to transition to attack in a quick manner is exceptional and should have been rewarded more on the night with better finishing.

Cortnee Vine - 7.5

The left-wing at Stadium Australia was owned by Vine on Thursday night. The Sydney FC star created a multitude of chances in the first half and was unlucky not to bag a goal or assist. Her cutbacks were tidy and she will need to continue that level of performance if Australia are to find the net again.

Mary Fowler - 6

Not at her usual explosive best, but still made things happen at the top of the field. She executed some nice link-up play in the middle of the field but struggled in the final third. Like the whole team in general, there was a lack of incisiveness from the young attacker.

Caitlin Foord - 5.5

Not Foord's best game by any stretch of the imagination. She was very quiet to begin and didn't pull the trigger early enough on a few occasions. The Arsenal forward grew into the match gradually but failed to make a signficant impact.

Sub - Emily van Egmond - 6.5

Was substituted on in the second half and helped to firm up Australia's midfield. Didn't do anything to stand out, but contributed positively. 

Sub - Clare Polkinghorne - N/A

Came on late.

Joshua Mayne

Joshua Mayne Photo

Joshua Mayne is a content producer for The Sporting News Australia based in Sydney, Australia. He has previously worked as a newsreader at 2SER and journalist at Ministry of Sport. While Joshua’s main passions are football, rugby league, basketball and F1, he will watch any sport that's on. He is still waiting for Arsenal to win the Premier League again.