Women's World Cup underway for Ireland Women's soccer

The Women’s World Cup kicked off in Sydney, Australia on the 20th July 2023, with the joint hosts taking on the Ireland women’s soccer team in the opening Group B match of this much-anticipated tournament.

The Ireland women’s soccer team made history when they lined out in Stadium Australia to face the tournament hosts Australia, losing a tight match 1:0 to a second half penalty. A near capacity crowd of 75,784 fans greeted both teams and set the tournament off on a great footing. At least 4,000 Irish fans have travelled down under to follow the Girls in Green, and they will be joined by thousands more who are living in Australia and in the other host country New Zealand.

The Ireland Womens Soccer Team in a huddle

Vera Pauw’s Green and White Army

Following the failure to qualify for the 2022 UEFA Women’s Euro Finals which were held in England, the Ireland women’s soccer team were determined to put things right and earn a place in the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Vera Pauw was in place for that campaign having joined the Irish setup in September 2019. The former Netherlands International brings a wealth of experience to the role and the rewards are now being seen, as the Girls in Green launch their Women’s World Cup campaign down under.

Image: Amber Barrett kisses her black armband after scoring her winning goal against Scotland

Getting there on an emotional night in Hampden Park

One of the enduring moments from the qualifying campaign was the goal scored in Hampden Park last October to win qualification for the Women’s World Cup. With Ireland under increasing pressure to eke out a result against Scotland in the qualifying play-off and with the clock running down, Vera Pauw turned to one of Ireland’s most experienced players to shake things up. Amber Barrett’s introduction to the game in the 65th minute and the way she scored the winning goal, was only eclipsed by her reaction after scoring and in the aftermath of the victory.

Deeply affected by the Creeslough Tragedy which happened four days earlier in her native Donegal, Amber became an unofficial ambassador for those affected by the tragedy. Her dignified reaction to scoring the all-important goal and the way she handled the attention afterwards was a credit to herself and to her family.

Amber Barrett’s Goal and Reflections

The Green Army down under

This team has really captured the imagination of the Irish public and with the huge numbers of Irish based in Australia and New Zealand, the team are destined to be one of the best supported during this Women’s World Cup. How the early kick-off times (11am and 1pm) will play out in Ireland remains to be seen. Already calls have been made to have businesses show the games in offices around the country!

Ireland Women's Soccer team Women's World Cup 2023 graphic

The Group Stage Games

FIFA Women’s World Cup Group B | Stadium Australia, Sydney (capacity 80,000)

Thursday 20th July @ 11am (Irish time) – Australia v Ireland | 1:0

FIFA Women’s World Cup Group B | Perth Rectangular Stadium, Perth (capacity 13,932)

Wednesday 26th July @ 1pm (Irish time) – Canada v Ireland | 1:0

FIFA Women’s World Cup Group B | Lang Park, Brisbane (capacity 56,851)

Monday 31st July @ 11am (Irish time) – Nigeria v Ireland | 0:0

Update: The Ireland Women's team tournament came to an end with elimination at the group stage, after two narrow defeats and picking up their first Women's World Cup point against Nigeria in their final group game.

Keep track of all the latest Women's World Cup news and watch the matches live on RTE.ie

Image: Amber Barrett during her playing days with Donegal LGFA

3D Personnel wish the Ireland Women’s soccer team and travelling support all the best down under

At 3D Personnel we are strong supporters of the benefits of sport in local communities, whether that be in an urban club like North London Shamrocks GAA, or more rural clubs like CLG Naomh Columba in Donegal, Tubbercurry GAA in Sligo, or St Pats GAA in Blennerville, Co Kerry.

With our strong Donegal roots we would also like to congratulate Amber and fellow Donegal girl Ciara Grant on their achievements so far and wish them all the best for the tournament.

The recent strides being made in women’s and girl’s sport should only be the beginning of this journey. We would like to wish the Ireland Women’s soccer team all the best for the 2023 Women’s World Cup tournament. You already have lots to be proud of.

And to the fans down under, enjoy the experience, drive the girls on and stay safe. COYGIG!