Mackenzie Arnold played a key role in Australia’s 1-0 victory over Republic of Ireland in their opening fixture of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The co-hosts took on the Republic of Ireland at Stadium Australia in Sydney in their first match in Group B, with fellow Hammer Izzy Atkinson named on the bench for her countries first ever women’s World Cup fixture.
Arnold started the fixture - and making her World Cup debut between the posts, her side battled for control in the first half of the contest in New South Wales, with the underdogs holding firm and testing Tony Gustavsson’s side in front of a voiceful home crowd of over 75,000.
There was very little action in the opening 45 minutes, with Arnold called upon once to tip away a teasing cross from Republic of Ireland winger Marissa Sheva.
The second half was only five minutes old when Hayley Raso was pushed in the penalty area by Sheva. Arsenal’s Steph Catley then made no mistake from the spot kick, firing into the top left leaving former Hammer Courtney Brosnan with no chance.
The goal opened the game up for Arnold and her teammates, who have had great success in the counter attack in their recent wins over England and France in the build-up to the tournament.
Vera Pauw’s Republic of Ireland struggled to create clear-cut chances throughout but did begin to trouble and grow into the game as the game reached the 70th minute. Arnold was called into action to punch away a corner and was dominant when balls came into the box.
Atkinson was introduced with five minutes of normal time remaining as her side continued to put pressure on the home defence.
But, despite two massive chances at the end which called Arnold into action, Australia survived the pressure from Pauw’s team, and clinched the victory in their opening game.
Australia now prepare to face Nigeria at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Thursday 27 July before finishing off the group stages against Canada in Melbourne on Monday 31 July.
Meanwhile, Atkinson and the Republic of Ireland will be hoping to pick up their first ever World Cup point in a tough tie against Canada in Perth on Wednesday 26 July, before ending the group stage against Nigeria at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Monday 31 July.
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