Australia Beat Ireland In Women's World Cup Opener Without Injured Captain Sam Kerr

Women's World Cup co-hosts Australia kicked off with a win by beating Ireland 1-0 in their Group B opener. They did it without Sam Kerr, who had a calf injury.

Women's World Cup co-hosts Australia kicked off with a win on Thursday by beating Ireland 1-0 in their Group B opener.

Steph Catley scored the game's only goal by converting a penalty kick in the 52nd minute, after Marissa Sheva had fouled Hayley Raso.

Australia were good value for their victory, having dominated possession - with 63% - and registered 13 shots to Ireland's eight.

Steph Catley pictured celebrating after scoring for Australia against Ireland at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup :: IMAGO/Damian Briggs/Speed Media/Icon Sportswire

The Matildas may have won by a greater margin had captain Sam Kerr been available to play.

But it was revealed shortly before Thursday's game that Chelsea striker Kerr had sustained a calf injury in training.

Kerr will also be unavailable for Australia's next game, which is against Nigeria on July 27.

She may be fit to return on July 31 when Australia and Canada meet in their final match of the group phase.

Australia captain Sam Kerr (center) missed the game with a calf injury :: IMAGO/AAP/Mark Evans

Australia's win over Ireland on Thursday was the second game of the 2023 Women's World Cup.

It was watched by 75,784 people at Sydney's Stadium Australia, making it the best-attended women's soccer match ever in Australia.

Earlier in the day, New Zealand beat Norway 1-0 in Auckland in front of another record-breaking crowd. A total of 42,137 fans watched the game at Eden Park - setting a new attendance record for a soccer match in New Zealand.