Steph Catley scores the first goal of Matildas World Cup campaign

Steph Catley has scored the first goal of the Matildas World Cup campaign with a nicely placed finish from the penalty spot.

Winger extraordinaire Hayley Raso was fouled in the box by the Irish defence after a ball had been whipped in from the left.

Catley had been named as captain in Sam Kerr’s absence and took on the responsibility with 75,000 plus looking on with nerves and anticipation.

She more than kept her cool as she slotted the ball into the top left corner to send Stadium Australia into raptures.

It took until the 51st minute for Australia to net their first goal on home soil in their biggest World Cup campaign to date.

The game currently sits at 1-0 to the Matildas.