Things are heating up in Sydney with just an hour to go until Ireland’s historic World Cup opener against Australia.
Over 82,000 fans will pack into the sold-out Stadium Australia in Sydney for the Ireland women’s team’s first ever match in a competitive tournament.
Thousands of fans have travelled over from Ireland – to join up with the green army that is already living Down Under.
![Republic of Ireland supporters in Sydney ahead of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Group B match against Australia, 20-07-2023. Image: Mick O'Shea/Sportsfile](https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2023/07/20094404/2572749.jpg)
Abbie Larkin’s extended family getting the atmosphere going at Irishtown stadium for the Women’s World Cup watch party! pic.twitter.com/D4FqDoJdlV
— Andrew Lowth (@AndrewLowth1) July 20, 2023
![A general view of Stadium Australia ahead of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 soccer match between Australia and Ireland](https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2023/07/20094614/2RDAFNA.jpg)
These Irish supporters in Sydney are feeling confident.
“I’m going to all three games and to the quarter-finals and semi-finals – we’re going to win them all,” said one man.
“Katie McCabe, what a legend.
“Just qualifying and getting here was amazing,” said one woman. “Back the girls, back the girls.”
![Republic of Ireland supporters in Sydney ahead of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Group B match against Australia](https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2023/07/20095429/2572750.jpg)
Just to give you an idea of how many people are here in Ringsend. pic.twitter.com/9r9cygQvrQ
— Andrew Lowth (@AndrewLowth1) July 20, 2023
![Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Grace Moloney, right, and Ruesha Littlejohn on the Pyrmont Bridge during a team walk ahead of the FIFA Women's World Cup](https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2023/07/20094730/2572743.jpg)
Dear Ireland…
Ní neart go cur le chéile 💚#COYGIG | #OUTBELIEVE pic.twitter.com/OZnx3q8B9C
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) July 19, 2023
![Republic of Ireland supporters in Sydney ahead of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Group B match against Australia](https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2023/07/20094932/4676d8e3-2a37-4660-aa0b-feb19823a545.jpg)
This woman's family travelled from County Clare for the games.
“So, it means a lot, especially how far the girls have come,” she said.
“We are really, really excited and can’t wait to support them today in the stadium – especially with how well they have done so far.
“All the nation is behind the girls.”
![Katie McCabe’s jersey hangs in the Republic of Ireland dressing room, 20-07-2023. Image: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile](https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2023/07/20094518/2572803.jpg)
Some messages of good luck from some Irish Legends 🇮🇪💚#COYGIG | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/1QmUsFKRxC
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) July 20, 2023
![Katie McCabe on the Pyrmont Bridge during a team walk ahead of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 match against Australia](https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2023/07/20095123/2572741.jpg)
These Irish supporters living in Australia reckon the Girls in Green have it in the bag.
“Oh man, I couldn’t be more confident,” said one man.
“It may be Australia in their home ground but we are f***ing Ireland man.
“We are going to do it. 2-0 to the girls – come on.”
![Republic of Ireland supporters in Sydney ahead of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Group B match against Australia,](https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2023/07/20095310/2572752.jpg)
![Republic of Ireland supporters in Sydney ahead of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Group B match against Australia,](https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2023/07/20095349/2572748.jpg)