Experienced midfielder Denise O’Sullivan is match for Ireland’s opening match on the Women’s World Cup in opposition to co-hosts Australia after being damage within the deserted pleasant with Colombia.
O’Sullivan was rushed to hospital final week after a fierce sort out in a closed-doors warm-up match in opposition to the South Americans that was known as off after 23 minutes with the Irish gamers “fearing for their bodies”.
There was concern that the 102-cap star had sustained a leg fracture that would jeopardise her event.
But coach Vera Pauw stated Wednesday that she had made a exceptional restoration and was match to play in entrance of an estimated 80,000 followers at Stadium Australia in Sydney on the opening day of the World Cup.
“We are very open, we have nothing to hide. Denise is fit, she will play,” Pauw stated, including that the 29-year-old had resumed full-contact coaching.
Despite their worries over Colombia’s physicality captain Katie McCabe stated they might give pretty much as good as they bought and had been prepared for comparable remedy from the Sam Kerr-led Australia, one of many World Cup favourites.
“We knew obviously that Colombia were going to be physical but that is going to be the case in every game,” stated the long-time Arsenal participant.
“We’re Irish, we don’t shy away from physicality, it’s ingrained in us, the hardworking team we are.
“So yes, we are ready for Australia to be physical tomorrow, we’ll be prepared to match it.”
Ireland are at their first World Cup and Pauw admitted that Australia’s higher expertise may show essential.
But the Dutchwoman, who has beforehand coached the Netherlands, Russia, and South Africa, stated Ireland had loads of their very own expertise to hassle the hosts.
“They have huge experience, they have class players, they have immense pace so we know what we are going to face,” she stated of the Matildas.
“We are very realistic of our chances here, but we play every game to win and hope we can also show our qualities.” Ireland head into the match having misplaced three of their final 4 video games, twice in opposition to the United States and to France earlier this month.
Their solely victory this yr was a slender 3-2 conquer Zambia. But they are going to be buoyed by upsetting the Matildas 3-2 in 2021, the one time the 2 sides have beforehand met.
KERR: THIS IS OUR FINAL
Captain Sam Kerr on Wednesday stated Australia had been treating their opening sport on the World Cup in opposition to Ireland like a remaining, vowing to not be overawed by taking part in in entrance of 80,000 followers in Sydney.
The co-hosts have been constant performers on the worldwide stage, qualifying for the Women’s World Cup repeatedly since 1995.
But they’ve by no means progressed previous the quarter-finals and the strain is on, having been billed as among the many favourites.
The in-form Matildas begin their World Cup title cost on Thursday and star Chelsea striker Kerr stated: “We are really confident, but for us it’s just about the first game.
“Right now we are playing that game with no other game in mind, so that’s our final at this point.” Australia will likely be taking part in in opposition to the Irish in entrance of a sellout, partisan crowd at Stadium Australia.
Kerr stated the workforce would feed off the assist.
“I think everyone is looking forward to it rather than being nervous about the crowd. Everyone knows they’re on our side,” she stated.
“It’s nice when you know they’re going to be cheering you on and not booing you.”
MATILDAS V IRELAND: STARTS 8PM AEST
Originally printed as Matildas v Ireland kick-off time: FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 stay
Source: www.news.com.au
