WORLD CUP: Republic of Ireland go down fighting against co-hosts
Australia 1 Republic of Ireland 0
The Republic of Ireland began their Women's World Cup campaign with a narrow defeat to co-hosts Australia.
A penalty from Arsenal's Steph Catley early in the second half was enough to give the Matildas an opening game win in Sydney's Stadium Australia.
She converted after Marissa Sheva was adjudged to have fouled Hayley Raso in the box.
Australia had to do without their star player, Chelsea's Sam Kerr, who picked up a calf injury in training prior to the match.
And while the Australian's came out with the win, they were pushed all the way by Vera Pauw's side, who went close through captain Katie McCabe and Denise O'Sullivan.
The Republic are next in action on Wednesday, when they take on Canada at 1pm in Perth.
Earlier, joint-hosts New Zealand also began with a win, again 1-0, against a much-fancied Norway side.
Hannah Wilkinson's goal three minutes into the second half proved enough to seal a famous win for the Football Ferns at Auckland's Eden Park.
European champions England begin their World Cup campaign against Haiti on Saturday at 10.30am (UK time) in the Brisbane Stadium.