Frustration for unused substitute Barrett in Ireland's narrow loss to Australia

Amber Barrett before the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 match between Ireland and Australia in Sydney

placeholder image — Amber Barrett before the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 match between Ireland and Australia in Sydney

Vera Pauw's Republic of Ireland side lost out to Australia in front of 75,784 at Stadium Australia in Sydney in their opening fixture of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023

Amber Barrett was left on the substitutes’ bench as the Republic of Ireland were defeated by a single goal by Australia in their opening fixture of the Fifa Women’s World Cup in front of 75,784 at Stadium Australia in Sydney.

After a scoreless first half, Steph Catley's penalty after a foul by Marissa Sheva proved to be the winner to give the co-hosts a 1-0 victory against an Irish side who defended well for the most part and were the ones pushing late on for a leveller.

The closest they came was deep in injury time when Australian goalkeeer Mackenzie Arnold saved Katie McCabe’s shot. Beforehand, a curling free-kick from Megan Connolly deflected off the hosts’ wall and clipped the roof of the net.

Australia were dealt a blow before kick-off with the news that captain Sam Kerr was unavailable due to a calf injury. Ireland dug in for the first 45 minutes with Courtney Brosnan never overly tested despite Australia dominating possession.

The next match in Group B takes place tomorrow at 3:30am at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium when Canada take on Nigeria. Ireland are back in action against the Canadians on Wednesday in Perth.