Proud Coach Pauw: Ireland's Admirable Debut Defeat against Australia

 

Underdogs Ireland made their World Cup debut with a 1-0 defeat against co-hosts Australia on Thursday, but coach Vera Pauw expressed pride in her 22nd-ranked team.

Steph Catley of Australia, who assumed the role of captain in place of the injured Sam Kerr, scored a penalty in the 52nd minute to put Australia in the lead.

Despite being ranked 10th, the Matildas had to endure intense pressure from the Irish, who launched numerous attacks in the dying moments at Stadium Australia.

"We are a team that fights; battling is in the Irish DNA, and it's within us," Pauw said. "I'm really proud of their first time on this stage...

"In the next game, it will be evident that, like this one, we are going in for results, playing for results, not just participating in a nice tournament in Australia," Pauw added.

Marissa Sheva, who conceded the penalty, was substituted ten minutes after the goal and remained inconsolable for the rest of the night, with teammates offering comforting hugs.

"She's okay," Pauw said. "I think it's quite normal to be upset if you're playing for the first time in the World Cup and you concede a penalty."

Pauw highlighted that the narrow loss was another commendable performance from the 'Girls in Green,' who will face Canada on July 26 and Nigeria on July 31 in their remaining Group B games.

"We have shown that we can compete against the very best teams in the world, and now we've demonstrated how to handle such situations," the Dutch coach said. "We fear no one."