Despite an agonising 1-0 loss for Vera Pauw's side in their opening World Cup game, it was a brave performance from Ireland who fought from the first to the last minute for a favourable result. While it wasn't to be against the hosts, nobody summed up Ireland's fight like Katie McCabe who was warrior-like for ninety minutes, leaving international World Cup fans in awe.
Ireland's first half may have been goalless, but Katie McCabe went in at the break like she'd been through 12 rounds, scrapping and fighting for every ball, with her battle against Hayley Rosa undoubtedly the highlight of the first half, as McCabe played through what looked like an extremely painful hand injury.
Despite going down a goal to a clumsy penalty just five minutes into the second half, McCabe's dogged battling didn't cease. Not only was she ferocious in defence but she drove a deep-sitting Ireland side back up the pitch at every opportunity in the second half, with a phenomenal corner that nearly found itself in the nets a summary of just how good the Arsenal player was in Sydney tonight.
READ ALSO: Ireland Player Ratings As Pauw's Team Come Up Agonisingly Short Against Australia
Despite Katie's excellence and a host of brilliant chances for Ireland in the dying moments of the game, it wasn't to be in Ireland's Women's World Cup debut with Katie revelling in the physicality of the game in her post-match interview with RTE as the Irish captain was left proud of her side's performance.
Yeah I enjoyed it (the physicality) I think everyone enjoyed it.. there was a few tough moments but as I said earlier on in the week we don't shy away from that we love the physicaltiy of the game and it was an enjoyable game.
Yeah it's absolutely amazing (Ireland's World Cup debut) there's been so much talk of it all year and to walk out and see your fans and feel the support..we know there's a nation behind us at home as well it's an amazing feeling, I hope we done them proud tonight.
Ferocious Katie McCabe shocks international fans
While we've always known what McCabe can do on these shores, the Matilda's de facto avoidance of her sideline for much of the game stands as a true sportsperson's testament to the Tallaght native's abilities, with international fans in awe at McCabe's ferocity.
Katie McCabe absolutely loves it (it being ultra-violence)
— Joe Crosland (@JoeCrosland) July 20, 2023
Katie McCabe is a warrior, I have loved watching her play.
— PopeLorenzo (@PopeLorenzo1) July 20, 2023
I’m thousands of miles away, watching this game on a TV, and I honestly feel scared at the thought of playing against Katie McCabe #FIFAWWC @IrelandFootball
— marygriseto (@marygriseto) July 20, 2023
give me katie mccabe’s heatmap from this game
— kas (@shepsawfc) July 20, 2023
Seeing the full force of Katie McCabe on the World Cup stage was probably the main highlight of the first half. Seeing Australia actively trying to avoid attacking down her flank as the half went on with Raso getting no joy at all #AUSIRL
— Tom Bowdery (@TBowdery27) July 20, 2023
Ireland now play Olympic champions Canada on Wednesday night where a result will be needed if Ireland have their eyes set on advancing out of the group stages in Australia.
SEE ALSO: Ireland Player Ratings As Pauw's Team Come Up Agonisingly Short Against Australia
