Ireland, the 22nd-ranked squad, may have lost 1-0 to co-hosts Australia in their FIFA Women’s World Cup debut, but coach Vera Pauw said she was proud of her group.

In the 52nd minute, Steph Catley of Australia, who took over as captain for injured Matildas attacker Sam Kerr, converted a penalty to give her country the lead.

But the 10th-ranked Matildas had to hold on for the victory as they faced constant pressure from the Irish, who had many opportunities to score in the final seconds at Stadium Australia.

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“We are a team that’s battling, Irish DNA is battling, that is within us,” Pauw said. “I’m really proud for their first time on this stage…

“Next game, it will be clear that like this game we went in for results, to play for results, not just to be part of a nice tournament in Australia,” Pauw added.

Marissa Sheva, who gave up the penalty, was replaced ten minutes after the goal and was unable to stop crying the rest of the night as her teammates hugged her.

“She’s okay,” Pauw said. “I think if you play for the first time in the World Cup… And you get a penalty against, it’s quite normal you’re upset.”

The ‘Girls in Green’ put on another strong effort in the close loss, according to Pauw. In their final two Group B games, they will play Canada on July 26 and Nigeria on July 31.

“We have shown that we can play against the very best teams in the world, we’ve now shown how to get through it,” the Dutch coach said. “We do not fear anyone.“