The opening game for Ireland was one of so much emotion. A day not to ever be forgotten for the team, the thousands of Irish fans present and the whole of a country back home watching on.
The 'ole ole' chant heard ringing out through the stadium as the team was walking out passed shivers through the RTÉ studio. A lot of emotions were present but primarily it was pride for the team walking out.
For the players, that day will live on forever in their memories and can never be taken away.
The result unfortunately didn't go Ireland's way. That second-half Steph Catley penalty was enough for the Aussies to take the three points. It could have been a much different ending though had one of Ireland's chances in the last 20 minutes been converted.
Australia had the majority of possession in the first half but clear chances were not on offer with Ireland at times frustrating the hosts and limiting them to long-range shots.
Half-time brought 0-0 and a breather to take in the history that had just been made. So much to build on for the second half. The penalty inside the first 10 minutes of the second half changed things. Although a goal down, we looked as though a weight had been lifted and the confidence began to show in Ireland's play.
The battles were evident throughout the whole game with the physical side once questioned, now never in doubt and there for all to see. With hard tackles coming in from Katie, Denise, Ruesha and more; the girls were very much up for the game.
The substitutions of Abbie Larkin and Lucy Quinn just after the hour mark saw a big shift in Ireland's forward play. With seven corners and seven attempts at goal coming in the last 25 minutes of the game, momentum was behind the girls.
Australia still a threat on the break but began looking tired through the final stages. A big chance from a corner saved by Arnold and a Meg Connolly free-kick, which was inches away from target, if not for the wall, showed very encouraging and positive signs for the team.
Vera and team will no doubt have all focus on recovery now to be ready for Wednesday's game versus Canada - another very good team who are currently Olympic gold medallists. A draw against Nigeria in Friday's other Group B match means that the group, which a lot have said is the toughest of the eight, remains very open.
After flying back to Brisbane to base, Ireland, I’m sure, will be doing everything to recover while also watching the game back, analysing the areas to improve and build on for Canada.
A massive positive was the impact the substitutes made. Larkin especially made a difference on the game. As an 18-year-old, a World Cup debut in front of 75,000 could have and probably was very daunting for the teenager from Ringsend, Dublin was out in force back home too. But she didn’t show any sign of nerves.
Her possession of the ball, link-up play with the team and creation of opportunities for Ireland showed a very fearless performance - one which I personally think could put her in with a great chance of being in the starting line-up come Wednesday night.
Overall Ireland will be positive about getting something from the Canada game. A tough opponent, yes, but a game that is very much winnable. With a result needed Wednesday, it leaves the possibility of Ireland getting out of Group B still alive.
As a team, defeat on the opening day is not something that will define their journey
We have already succeeded beyond expectations by making the World Cup and getting to put Ireland's name on the biggest stage. But I know the players will want more now.
As a team, defeat on the opening day is not something that will define their journey. A game to build on and being as prepared as possible for Canada is all that will be in the girls' minds for the next few days.
Recovery will be a massive part of this as a very long flight to Perth awaits in the meantime. Over five and a half hours between base camp in Brisbane and Perth sees a tough journey, the furthest travel of anyone in the competition, to contend with.
The girls, I’m sure, won’t be overwhelmed by this. Being present in the moment, with all the right recovery techniques available to the team. They will all be eager to get back on the training pitch and do what’s needed, focusing solely on Canada's strengths and areas of opportunity for Ireland to exploit.
Four more days still to go until we once again get to support the girls in green on this amazing journey.
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