How an ‘insane’ record-breaking crowd lived up to the hype and drove the Matildas to victory

A packed-out stadium erupted as more than 75,000 fans came out to watch a decade-defining match.

On Thursday night, the Matildas squad stepped onto the field at Stadium Australia and claimed their first win of the FIFA Women’s World Cup against Ireland. And as they did so, history was made.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Stand-in captain Steph Catley leads the Matildas to victory.

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Everyone from young aspiring Matildas to long-time supporters of the game turned up for the match, which set a new crowd record for the women’s national football team.

But just as the stadium began to fill up, Matildas fans were hit with a devastating blow.

Our superstar captain Sam Kerr would not be playing.

Kerr issued a statement just over an hour before kickoff after it emerged she will miss Australia’s first two matches of the World Cup due to a calf injury.

The devastating injury meant Mary Fowler would step up to the plate in place of the skipper for Thursday night’s opener.

But while the news disappointed many diehard Kerr fans it was not enough to dampen the crowd’s spirits.

From chanting, flag-waving and drumming to Mexican waves, dancing and beers, the home supporters kept on cheering in true Aussie style.

And while the Irish contingent was not as large as the Australian, they certainly made up for it in volume and spirit.

The spot of green among a sea of gold cheered on their country, 22nd in the FIFA world rankings but playing at a Women’s World Cup for the very first time.

Australia snags an early goal in second half

While both sides struggled to put away any opportunities in the first half, just minutes into the second half Australia’s luck turned.

Fans raced back from their half-time beer and meat pie breaks to watch as Australia were awarded a penalty.

Stand-in captain Steph Catley scored from the spot after Hayley Raso was taken down in the box.

“This finish – no one is stopping that. Wonderful penalty,” Grace Gill said in commentary on Channel 7.

The stadium erupted and the thousands of Matildas jerseys in the grandstands – many new, some old – rose like a tidal wave as Catley pumped her fists, chased by her exalted teammates.

And while the goal calmed some nerves among Australian fans, tensions rose again as the half continued and the Matildas battled to hold onto their lead.

A triumphant win

It was an anxious six minutes of additional injury time full of chanting and screaming from revved-up supporters.

But when the final whistle blew the fans again jumped to their feet in applause of their home team – winners in a Women’s World Cup game on home soil.

And while it was a late finish for many families, the excitement of that historic moment was enough to keep even the youngest of Matildas fans buzzing.

Matildas reflect on first win

As the Matildas celebrated their first win, Mary Fowler told 7NEWS.com.au the feeling when that final whistle blew was “just amazing”.

“I feel like there’s just been so much build up to get to this moment and to be able to start of the tournament with a win it’s massive,” she said.

“This team just has so much trust in one another to get the job done.

“We’re so supportive and so together and I think everyone just stepped out there and wanted to prove it all.”

Caitlin Foord, who also had her attacking role changed by Kerr’s injury, told 7NEWS.com.au the atmosphere when Catley scored was “insane”.

“I had no doubt that it was going in, so I was just getting ready to celebrate,” she said.

“And the noise that came from the stadium was insane, and it was just really fun.

“I’m excited for the next game now.”

And as for Australia’s goalscorer and stand-in skipper, Catley told 7NEWS.com.au the feeling of scoring makes her “understand why strikers are strikers”.

“It was like nothing else I’ve ever experienced in my life,” she said.

“The crowd was absolutely incredible, it was definitely a moment to remember.”

The Aussies now have a week to soak up the adulation, recover and prepare for their next match.

They’ll meet Nigeria in Brisbane – where the team is based – on July 27.