In a tightly contested match at Sydney's Accor Stadium, the Republic of Ireland's FIFA Women's World Cup debut concluded with a narrow 1-0 defeat against co-hosts Australia.

The Girls in Green gave a determined display and engaged the Matildas in a heated contest that saw Stephanie Catley break the deadlock with a 52nd-minute penalty.

Australian captain Sam Kerr's absence due to an unexpected calf injury forty minutes before kick-off may have given Vera Pauw’s side some encouragement. However, Mary Fowler aptly filled the void, building on her momentum from scoring the winner against France in a warm-up match last week.

Gutted 🙁

An incredible effort from the girls in green who deserved at least a point in their opening match 💪

The country is proud of you 💚#COYGIG | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/vJ1Ivw4c2H

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) July 20, 2023

Australia started the game with a clear and aggressive gameplan, looking to exploit Ireland's right-hand side and forcing Heather Payne and Louise Quinn to work overtime.

In the first half though it was Irish resilience that shone. They gave little away to the Aussies and looked promising on the break.

The key turning point arrived early in the second half when Marissa Sheva's unfortunate nudge on Hayley Raso in the box gave Australia a golden opportunity from the spot.

Steph Catley didn’t disappoint, propelling the hosts into the lead after smashing her penalty into the top corner.

Despite going a goal behind, the Irish remained undeterred as they launched an aggressive response in the final 15.

Megan Connolly’s 90th-minute free-kick scraped the top the net while skipper Katie McCabe forced a dramatic save from Australia goalie Mackenzie Arnold.

With all their efforts, Ireland just couldn’t find the quality or luck needed to draw the contest level.

The Republic of Ireland will have plenty of positives to take from the defeat as they prepare for another daunting task against Olympic champions Canada in Perth on Wednesday.