Julie Blakstad’s Norway were edged out by New Zealand in the opening match of the tournament by a single goal, but it was better news for Australian duo Alanna Kennedy and Mary Fowler.
The City pair both played an important role in helping the Matildas to victory over the Republic of Ireland in Sydney, with Steph Catley’s second half penalty sealing the points.
City boss Gareth Taylor was watching on from the stands, and he’s spoken to mancity.com to provide his expert insight from down under.
It was a great atmosphere in Sydney for Australia’s first World Cup match last night. I have to give a big mention to the Irish fans as well, I think they really made it into a real good game.
Australia controlled the early clinches which you kind of felt would be the way, but Ireland didn’t make it easy for them, they defended the box really well and Katie McCabe was obviously a threat going the other way.
From Australia’s point of view, they just about got the job done last night. Towards the end it was a little bit edgy, Ireland had a lot of set plays which probably came from Australia making a few errors and giving up a bit of possession.
It’s a good start for Australia though, winning that game, and certainly with Canada and Nigeria drawing as well, it was even more important.
You just felt it was their night, and the excitement is plain to see across the city.
For example, I’ve been at a function today which has been completely dominated with talk about the Matildas and obviously the importance of this competition and the exposure it’s drawn and opportunities for young girls out here.
It feels really important and special to be here, and the fact that every game in the UK is being televised as well, it just goes to show where the women’s game is going.Looking at the City players in action, I thought both Alanna and Mary were key to that Australia victory.
Alanna, for me, was one of the most crucial players for Australia with and without the ball. I thought she was very good in possession, in terms of setting up the attacks.
With Ireland playing 5-4-1 she spent a lot of time on the ball, found her midfielders and full-backs well and played some great diagonal passes to Hayley Raso a lot of the time.
And then towards the end she had to defend her box really well and that’s where she comes in to her own a bit with her aerial dominance. I managed to catch up with her after the game, so it was good to have a conversation with her.
She actually mentioned that Deyna was over in Australia doing some TV work as well which was nice.
She deserves real credit for her performance last night and when you think on top of that, the fact she’s not had many games under her belt, beyond 80 minutes against France before the tournament.
That type of performance in a big profile game, having not had a series of matches under her belt was a real test of character for Alanna, and she came through with flying colours.
Confidence wise, that should tell her everything really and how important she is.
She’s got so much experience playing with the Matildas, I think the two centre-backs have played 16 games between them in the World Cup so shows the importance of that knowhow to get the job done.
There were probably two or three real key performers for Australia last night, and she was one of those.
I thought Mary started the game really well, she obviously got the opportunity with Sam Kerr missing but did some good things, worked hard for the team and I think it was a good moment.
She showed some really good things and obviously as the game wore on Australia made a few changes and she was withdrawn but it was good for her to start the first game. I’m sure confidence will be really high because of that.
When you think about Mary and the age she is, going into that high a profile game you have to take your hat off to her and the way she handled things.
A couple of the early things she did in the game were fantastic, rolling away from pressure superbly. She wasn’t fazed, or certainly didn’t seem to be fazed by the occasion at all.
Gareth Taylor was speaking to mancity.com’s George Kelsey.
Next up for the boss is watching Bunny Shaw’s Jamaica against France and England’s clash with Denmark during his time in Sydney. Keep across mancity.com and our official app to hear his post-match thoughts.
