Ireland's head coach is positive despite loss in first World Cup game

Ireland suffered a 1-0 loss to Australia in their first game in the opening fixture of the 2023 Women’s World Cup. 

Vera Pauw said after the game that the narrow defeat was “Extremely disappointing”. 

“We said at half time that this game would be decided on one mistake and that’s what happened.” 

Ireland kept with Australia for large portions of the game and defended well under the attacking threats in the first-half.

Pauw continued by saying that “I was very proud of how the girls played. We brought on Abbie and Lucy to get more pressure forward and fresh legs and they came on very well. We could have put even more pressure on them up front but you also need a little bit of luck.”

Australia came into this fixture without superstar attacker Sam Kerr, who picked up a calf injury in training, which will see her sit out the opening two games of the World Cup.

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The Ireland manager was under no illusion that her team were at an advantage with Kerr on the bench. 

“Of course we were at an advantage. Sam Kerr is one of the major top strikers of the world, but they have such a powerful team and it was difficult to play against them.” 

Despite the loss, Pauw was positive in her comments after the game saying “We did so well and the girls created a lot of chances. 

"I think everyone is proud that we have shown that we are part of the top nations and that we can only grow from this.” 

Ireland now face Canada in their next group game on Wednesday, 26 at 1:00pm Irish time.