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Historic co-hosts Australia and New Zealand have opened the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, FIFAWWC with victories, but there were major concerns for Nigeria's Super Falcons in the day's second game.
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, FIFAWWC, co-hosts Australia are off the mark after a hard-fought victory against debutants the Republic of Ireland.
Australia defeated the FIFAWWC newbies 1-0 courtesy of a second-half penalty scored by stand-in skipper Stephanie Catley.
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With the win, the Maltidas join co-hosts New Zealand to record a win in their opener in front of another packed stadium.
In what was meant to be an easy game for Australia in the Group B clash, it was a major scare in the end for the home side.
With Nigeria’s Super Falcons in the same group, here are three things learnt from the game, with number three a major concern for the Falcons, who kick off their campaign on Friday.
1. Australia follow New Zealand’s footsteps
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Earlier on Thursday morning, co-hosts New Zealand opened the 2023 FIFAWWC with a shocking win over former champions Norway.
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The game at Eden Park, Auckland, saw the Zealanders dominate the encounter against their more illustrious opponent but struggled to find that goal which eventually came in the second half.
Australia expectedly dominated the game against newbies Ireland but like their neighbours had to wait until the second half to find the breakthrough.
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While New Zealand came three minutes after the restart, the Maltidas broke the deadlock seven minutes into the second half through a penalty.
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It's Time — African legend Nkwocha pens special message to Super Falcons ahead of 2023 FIFAWWC
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2. Record crowd watch Australia win
Of course, a case of de ja vu as New Zealand also recorded their first-ever win in front of a record crowd at Eden Park.
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But while just over 40, 000 watched the competition’s opener, it was almost double in the second between Australia and Ireland.
An incredible 75, 784 fans were at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney to watch the Maltidas labour to a win while Ireland proved to be a worthy opponent for them.
3. Australia vs Ireland provides a major concern for Super Falcons
The Nigeria Super Falcons have their work cut out at the FIFAWWC in Australia and New Zealand.
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Super Falcons begin their competition with a big game against Canada on Friday morning as reported by Pulse Sports Nigeria.
However, after the first game in Group between co-hosts Australia and newbies Ireland, there is a cause for concern for Nigeria.
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Apart from the home side who are favourites alongside Canada to go through from the group, Ireland showed against the Maltidas that they are in the World Cup to compete.
The Europeans gave Australia problems and looked like a proper threat from setpieces, with the home side needing their brilliant goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold to come to their rescue on several occasions, especially from corners.
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Australia faces Nigeria next before Ireland will wrap up its group stage against the Super Falcons.
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