Syd state of affairs

Thousands of fans cheer on team at stadium.. but Ireland hit by 1-0 defeat

- MARK MCCADDEN

SYDNEY was turned several shades of green yesterday as Irish fans turned out in huge numbers to cheer on our girls as they played in their first ever World Cup finals match.

And the hordes were more than a match for the Aussies as they made their voices heard amongst a crowd of over 75,000 in the impressive Stadium Australia.

So too were Vera Pauw's team as they fought hard to the very end against the co-hosts, and one of the tournament favourites, before falling to a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat.

Ireland paid the penalty early in the second half when they gave away a spot-kick, that was slammed home by Australia's Steph Catley for the crucial winning goal.

Despite that setback, the thousands of Irish fans inside the stadium roared on captain Denise O'Sullivan and her team as they went in search of an equaliser.