Australia kicks off their FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™ against debutants the Republic of Ireland on Thursday, 20 July (8:00 pm AEST), in front of over 80,000 fans at Stadium Australia.
We take a closer look and put The Girls in Green under the microscope ahead of our opening clash.
Current FIFA Ranking: 22
FIFA Women's World Cup Appearances: Debut
FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualification Record
Played: 9
Wins: 6
Draws: 2
Losses: 1
Goals scored: 27
Goals conceded: 4
The Republic of Ireland qualified for their first-ever major tournament after advancing to the UEFA play-offs, defeating Scotland 1-0 to book their maiden appearance at the FIFA Women's World Cup.
The Girls in Green recorded two big victories in the group stage of qualification, defeating Georgia 11-0 and 9-0 to see them finish second in Group A, five points behind Sweden. The second-place finish saw them head into Round 2 of the UEFA Play-Offs and face Scotland in the decider, with Amber Barrett's goal being the difference between the two sides to send Vera Pauw's side to the major tournament.
Key players
Vera Pauw's side boasts a number of experienced international players, with skipper Katie McCabe the top scorer for her country in World Cup qualification, finding the back of the net 7 times to lead her country to an inaugural World Cup trip.
McCabe, who plays for Arsenal, is expected to lead the side out on Thursday night at Stadium Australia, despite going off injured in Ireland's 3-0 defeat to France before the team travelled to Australia.
Denise O'Sullivan will be a familiar face to A-League Women's fans, playing two seasons in the league after stints with Canberra United and Western Sydney Wanderers. The experienced midfielder has question marks surrounding her participation in the opening game after the North Carolina Courage player was rushed to hospital following a tackle in Ireland's game against Colombia on Friday night, which was subsequently abandoned. No fractures were reported to the midfielder's shin, with a plan for her return to play.
Over to the defensive unit, Pauw's defenders have over 500 appearances between them, with the most experienced defender Áine O'Gorman, who has 118 caps for her country. The defender's club career has seen her play in Ireland for the majority of her playing career, most recently signing with the Shamrock Rovers on a semi-professional basis.
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Head Coach
Vera Pauw has been at the helm since 2019 and is no stranger to major tournaments, coaching her home country the Netherlands to the UEFA Women's EURO semi-finals in 2009.
A brief stint with the Russian Women's National side saw Pauw land at South Africa, which saw her take 'Banyana Banyana' to the 2016 Olympic Games. She then spent close to a year with Houstan Dash in the NWSL before taking up the coaching role of the Republic of Ireland team.
Previous Meeting
Australia and the Republic of Ireland have played one international game, with Ireland defeating the Matildas 3-2 in September of 2021, with a brace to Mary Fowler not enough to overcome the Girls in Green.
The game saw the debut of two players that will be looking to feature in the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup, with Clare Wheeler and Charli Grant earning their inaugural appearance for Australia and going on to be named to their first World Cup squad.
Recent Form
Before departing Ireland the team played two international friendlies, coming-from-behind to beat Zambia 3-2 and then facing a 3-0 defeat to France.
The side's final game before kicking off their inaugural Women's World Cup saw them play Colombia in a behind-closed-door match in Brisbane, with the game abandoned with just 20 minutes played was Denise O'Sullivan rushed to hospital.