Steph Catley said winning goal for Australia Sam Kerr’s “heartbreaking” injury fueled the Matildas’ determination to triumph in their FIFA Women’s World CupTM opener and honour their heroic captain.
Kerr was slated to start for the co-hosts against the Republic of Ireland at Stadium Australia, but a calf injury suffered in practise forced him to sit out.
The Chelsea forward will also miss her nation’s second group-stage match against Nigeria next Thursday due to the problem; according to a Matildas statement, her status will be “re-assessed” following that game.
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In Kerr’s absence, Catley assumed the captain’s hat and gave a noteworthy performance.
Her skillful penalty in the 52nd minute proved pivotal, as her strong and competent defending helped hold back a determined Ireland team.
“To lose Sam the way we did, ahead of the biggest moment of all of our careers, we were heartbroken for her,” said Catley.
“But I could tell it added a little fire to everyone – in how we wanted to compete and fight for the win – because we know she always fights for us.
“I hope we made her proud. We fought for Sam tonight.
“She’s one of the best players in the world and she’s our spiritual leader.
“She is such a big part of this team and she continues to be even if she’s not on the field. Hopefully we can see her later in the tournament and we can get things done until we get her back.”
Stadium Australia went into raptures when Catley’s spot-on penalty, awarded early in the second half after Marissa Sheva fouled Hayley Raso, was taken.
The 75,784-strong Sydney crowd was loud and energetic, setting a new home attendance record for the Matildas.
When asked where in her trophy-filled career her strike came in, Catley said, “Probably top.
A clean sheet gives you so much pride as a defender, but scoring in front of a big crowd doesn’t give you the same rush.
It was incredible. One of the most unique occasions of my life.
“When we got the pen, of course I heard the fans cheering, but then I just took a breath, picked my spot, tried to relax, did my routine, then I took it.
“I’ve been playing football a long time so I can fall back on my technique and what I know.
” Thankfully it went in and then afterwards I let myself enjoy the crowd.”
Australia had 63 percent of the ball during the game, but the well-drilled Ireland team made it difficult for Australia to create many chances.
The Vera Pauw team put in a valiant effort in their pursuit of a last-second equaliser, with captain Katie McCabe’s string of corners alarming the Matildas in the game’s closing moments.
Catley acknowledged that the Irish presented a difficult challenge, but she expressed satisfaction with how her team handled their threats.
“It’s been the longest build-up to this game,” she said.
“It’s the most pressure this team has ever been under and I think Ireland were incredible tonight.
“They played to their strengths very, very well and did exactly what we expected them to do.
” But we were well prepared, and I feel we handled pressure really well.”