Matildas player ratings: See which Aussie stars excelled and who struggled in World Cup opener against Ireland

The Aussies were hit with a bombshell blow when it was announced just before kickoff that superstar striker Sam Kerr was out for the first two matches of the world Cup with a calf injury – but found a way to win regardless. 

It wasn’t exactly pretty, but a 1-0 win in front of a record-breaking crowd gets the Matildas the start they needed at their home World Cup. 

Daily Mail Australia has rated how every player performed in the absence of their skipper Sam Kerr – with several putting in phenomenal performances to drag Australia over the line.

Jubilant Aussie players celebrate after what would prove to be Steph Catley’s match-winning goal

Mary Fowler: 7.5

Taken off very late in the game after a job well done. It wasn’t so much the quantity of her touches as the quality. As her teammates around her looked a bit nervous early in the game with a few heavy touches and errant passes, Fowler stood tall and had the ball on a string. She might or might not have been starting before Sam Kerr’s withdrawal, but she can play in the no. 9 or no. 10 roles with aplomb, and brings all her teammates into the game. She belongs on the biggest stage.

Caitlin Foord: 8

Shouldered a much bigger burden after the withdrawal of Sam Kerr, but caused huge headaches for the Irish defence as she dribbled her way through the side. Worked hard both ways and was dangerous both sides of the box as she managed four shots on goal in a strong display. 

Hayley Raso: 8.5

Like Katrina Gorry, just relentless all game. She knows nothing else than 110 per cent and while she was a little rough at times in attack, she just consistently put Ireland under pressure and drew free kicks because of her kamikaze attack on the ball. Right until the last minute she was pushing hard without the ball to put Ireland under pressure and no doubt ‘Ribbons’ is an absolute fan favourite.

Cortnee Vine: 6.5

Might be a little harsh as she worked super hard to link defence and attack, but she didn’t quite have the finesse to match her brilliant and direct approach. She certainly put the defence under pressure but just lacked the final touch to really make it count. Effort and intensity A+, finishing and finesse: C.

Katrina Gorry: 9.5

What. A. Performance. ‘Mini’ was just incredible in the middle of the park. She had a crucial role in the lead-up to the goal, tackled anyone in green like a rabid dog, covered every blade of grass on the entire pitch and, crucially, was calm in attack with her soft touch and pinpoint passing. Warrior.

Katrina Gorry was easily the best on the park after a stunning performance (she’s pictured blunting the attack of Ireland star Denise O’Sullivan

She did not give an inch in a herculean performance for Australia in the side’s engine room

Kyra Cooney-Cross: 6.5

The young midfielder had a few heavy touches in the first half, with nerves showing slightly, but she certainly calmed down in the second half and looked more assured. Didn’t look quite as dangerous when she was higher up the pitch late in the game, but didn’t let anyone down with her intensity. 

Steph Catley: 8.5

Steps up as captain like she’d always had the armband at a World Cup. Slotted home the penalty with a shot into the top corner that was never any chance of being saved with the weight of Australia on her shoulders. That brilliant left foot provided a number of dangerous moments from set pieces and crosses, and did not let Ireland get passed her at all.

Steph Catley wheels away towards Hayley Raso (right) after scoring the matchwinner for Australia. The stand-in skipper was brilliant

Ellie Carpenter: 7

Not at her best in attack, but constantly streamed forward to provide a valuable extra body near the goals. Marked Ireland captain Katie McCabe and certainly had her hands full and clearly focused on defence more than usual. Important, but looking forward to seeing her provide her incredible attack in the next two group games.

Clare Hunt: 6

Solid if unspectacular. Had a few nervous moments but backed up Alanna Kennedy very well and will be better for the run.

Alanna Kennedy: 8.5

Phenomenal. Tony Gustavsson put his faith in the Manchester City star to deliver despite a lack of minutes this year and she well and truly delivered. Broke up 15 passes and her brilliant, technical passing game was on full display as she blunted Ireland and set up Australia’s counter attack. 

Alanna Kennedy looks to the heavens as she was a crucial part of the defence that stood up in the dying moments as Ireland threw everything at Australia 

Mackenzie Arnold: 7

A rock between the sticks. Was called on to make a few saves with the game on the line in the second half, and well and truly delivered before some clever time wasting as the minutes ticked down. She’s come a long way since being Lydia Williams’ back-up. Will play a big role in this tournament.  

Clare Polkinghorne: N/A

Had one touch after being brought on to shore up the defence and sew up the win.

Emily van Egmond: 5

Replace Cortnee Vine in the 75th minute to provide Australia with another deeper lying midfielder. Did nothing wrong.