The Australian Women’s National Soccer Team opened their 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup with a 1-0 win over Ireland on June 9th. Despite being without star striker Sam Kerr, the Matildas were able to secure the victory thanks to a goal from Elise Kellond-Knight in the 42nd minute.
Kerr, who is considered one of the best players in the world, was unable to play due to an ankle injury she suffered during a friendly match against the Netherlands in April. Despite her absence, the Matildas were able to dominate the match and keep Ireland from creating any real chances.
The Matildas’ defense was especially impressive, as they were able to keep Ireland from taking a single shot on goal. The team was also able to control possession for much of the match, allowing them to dictate the pace of the game.
The win is an important one for the Matildas, as it sets them up to make a deep run in the tournament. The team will now face Brazil in their next match, which will be a much tougher test.
Despite not having Kerr in the lineup, the Matildas showed that they are still a force to be reckoned with. The team will need to continue to play at this level if they want to make a deep run in the tournament.
Overall, it was a great start for the Matildas and they will be looking to build on this performance as they continue their journey in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
