Australia vs Ireland prediction, odds, betting tips and best bets for Women's World Cup group stage
While New Zealand gets the honor of being the first to open the 2023 Women's World Cup, co-hosts Australia are next in line, set to take the field against the Republic of Ireland to kick off their half of the FIFA tournament.
The match will be played at Accor Stadium, (or "Stadium Australia" as it will be called throughout the tournament, as FIFA bans naming rights that are not for their official sponsors), which is also the site of the final on August 19.
The Matildas were handed a rough group stage draw, with no true title contender to worry about but also a really tough collection of next-tier sides. Canada have regressed since their Olympic title, but Ireland and Nigeria are developing sides that could give the Aussies problems.
Republic of Ireland, who are first on the docket, are ranked 22nd in the world and embarking on their first Women's World Cup appearance. They are led by Arsenal star Katie McCabe, who like many of the Irish leaders, is in the prime of her career, and is a club teammate of Australia vice-captain Steph Catley.
Australia vs Ireland match facts
- Date: Thursday, July 20
- Kickoff Time: 8 p.m. AEST / 6 a.m. ET / 11 a.m. BST
- Location: Stadium Australia (Sydney, Australia)
- Official: Edina Alves Batista (BRA)
- Last meeting: None (First meeting)
Australia vs Ireland prediction, odds
- Moneyline lean: Australia (1.38)
- Score prediction: Australia 2-1 Rep. of Ireland
Australia may display some nervy moments as they carry the weight of high expectations into this tournament, which some are dubbing the biggest sporting event on home soil since the 2000 Summer Olympics.
Yet they should prevail here, and will build themselves into the competition once they can get past the nerves and excitement that are sure to come with the intense build-up.
Australia vs Ireland: best bet
- Pick: Both teams to score — YES
- Odds: 1.98 (Unibet)
Australia have been a very hot and cold team of late, and a well coached Republic of Ireland team with quality players could give them a run here. There will be a TON of pressure on this Australia team to perform, and while the host boost should ultimately give them a leg up, there could be some nervy moments early on.
Katie McCabe troubled the No. 1 ranked USA when Ireland played them back in March, and should have joy here, stretching Australia wide and allowing Ireland space to exploit in the middle. Australia will likely win, but Ireland finding the back of the net is a good play here.
Australia vs Ireland prop bet
- Pick: Cortnee Vine to score
- Odds: 3.40 (Unibet)
OR
- Pick: Cortnee Vine to assist
- Odds: 3.10 (Unibet)
Sam Kerr is of course the face of this team, but rising star Cortnee Vine will play a huge role at the Women's World Cup. She may be a bit of a late bloomer with just 16 caps at 25 years old, but the Victoria-born player has entrenched herself in a creative role for this Australia side.
Playing her club ball for Sydney FC domestically, Vine has one of the most complete profiles of any attacking midfielder at the tournament. Across 1511 minutes in the last calendar year for club and country, Vine has produced 0.91 non-penalty xG + xA per 90 minutes, which is in the 99th percentile amongst attacking midfielders across the globe. For comparison, England superstar Chloe Kelly complied 0.85 xG + xA/90 while playing in the Premier League. The competition isn't quite the same, but the point stands — she will make a difference in the final third.
She is also proficient defensively, completing a very high volume of tackles and interceptions for an attacking midfielder, and will be a focal point for the Matildas. Expect her to be a spark plug in the opening match.
