Tournament co-host Australia got their 2013 FIFA Women’s World Cup quest to a good start after securing a 1-0 win over Debutant Ireland at the Football stadium in Sydney.

Without Chelsea’s Sam Kerr [ who picked up an injury ] and despite their dominance in the first half, the Matldas couldn’t find the much needed breakthrough. The closest the co-host came in the 1st half was in the 28th when Hayley Raso saw her headed effort go wide off the far post.

However, the Co-host found the breakthrough they so needed and much to the delight of their fans seven minutes from the restart. The referee pointed to the spot following an infringement on Hayley Raso inside the 16 yard box – with captain Stephanie Catley stepping up to tuck home the game’s opening goal.

The Arsenal defender’s effort from the spot turned out to be the decider, the goal that earned the Aussies all three points at the end of proceedings. The Matilda’s subsequently moved on top of Group B pending when Canada takes on Nigeria tomorrow.