A good little spell for the Republic of Ireland now as Heather Payne charges down the right but her ball into the box is gathered by Mackenzie Arnold.

Moments later, the Republic win their second corner of the game...

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The Republic of Ireland then win their first corner of the game. Katie McCabe swings in a dangerous left footer that is pushed from under her own crossbar by Mackenzie Arnold before the whistle goes for an Australia free kick.

Caitlin Foord makes a good run to meet the in-swinging corner but glances her header wide of the far post.

It is all Australia at the moment.

A surging run by Katrina Gorry as she charges along the edge of the box before her shot is deflected behind for yet another Australia corner.

Karen Bardsley
Former England and Manchester City goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

The decibel level has completely dropped in the stadium.

We need someone to inject a little bit of energy here.

Emma Smith
BBC Sport reporter at Stadium Australia, Sydney

The cameras just captured Marissa Sheva in tears on the Irish bench, devastated after giving away that penalty.

We talk about the World Cup dream, but it can turn nightmarish quickly.

Ireland are not out of this game at 1-0, however.

In the first half the Republic didn't give Australia's players any time on the ball but no they are struggling to get near them as the co-hosts continue to pass around confidently and comfortably.

Cortnee Vine and Hayley Raso have switched flanks as Australia look to keep the Republic of Ireland's defence on their toes.

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI at Stadium Australia

What a moment for Abbie Larkin, who is the youngest player in the Irish squad.

There are high hopes for the 18-year-old, who has shown no fear in her Irish appearances to date.

The goal has taken the wind from the Irish sails a little bit, but this side will keep fighting to the very end.

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The Republic of Ireland need to do something because Australia are looking pretty comfortable.

They make a couple of changes as forwards Lucy Quinn and Abbie Larkin come on, while Marissa Sheva and Sinead Farrelly make way.

Fresh legs in attack.

Emma Smith
BBC Sport reporter at Stadium Australia, Sydney

Sam Kerr still looks pretty pensive on the Australia bench as the cameras pick her out for the big screen, sipping on her water bottle.

However a fair bit of tension has been lifted here now. The Matildas have badly missed their focal point tonight, but they now have a lead to defend.

Karen Bardsley
Former England and Manchester City goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

At this moment in time Carusa is working in isolation up top, and it's a tough shift.

The Irish need to try and take risks. The points tally will still be the same if they can't score, so they may as well take that risk.

Australia come forward and Katrina Gorry tries her luck from the edge of the box but leans back too much and the shot goes well over.

Karen Bardsley
Former England and Manchester City goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

We're starting to see some gaps emerge in the Irish backline. They're not able to get up to the ball as quickly as they did in the first 45 minutes.

The goal seems to have taken the wind out of their sails a little bit.

We always questioned if they could maintain that tempo that they showed in the first half.

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Mackenzie Arnold hasn't had a lot to do in the Australia goal but she is called upon to pluck a cross out of the air, and that receives a big applause from the home fans.

Anna Thompson
BBC Sport at Stadium Australia

The Australia bench were up on their feet as Steph Catley scored the penalty to put the co-hosts 1-0 up.

Sam Kerr hugged her team-mates but stopped short of any exhuberant celebrations as she nurses the calf injury which has kept her out of this match.

Karen Bardsley
Former England and Manchester City goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

A hugely disappointing moment for the Republic of Ireland.

Hayley Raso just got the wrong side of the defender, and in her attempt to deny her the defender has pushed her over.

Then the noise in this place when the penalty went in... my word! This could spell trouble for the Irish going forward.

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Megan Connolly's free kick into the box for the Republic of Ireland is cleared and then Australia break as they look to snatch a second.

Kyra Cooney-Cross is away down the right but has to turn backwards before Ellie Carpenter's ball into the box goes behind for a goal kick.

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport in Sydney, Australia

Image source, BBC Sport

Brilliant reaction from Australia fans following that goal from Steph Catley at the fan park in Sydney’s city centre.

It’s a chilly evening but loads of fans have come down to watch the big game - and there’s plenty of Irish here too.

Emma Smith
BBC Sport reporter at Stadium Australia, Sydney

Steph Catley steamed off to the sidelines in jubilation after slotting in that penalty, all nine of her outfield team-mates in hot pursuit.

A real feeling of a pressure valve being released by that goal, both in the stands but particularly on the pitch. Those celebrations meant something.

Can Australia kick on and make this comfortable?

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