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SYDNEY (AP) — Matildas supporters streamed toward Sydney’s Central Station chanting “Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!” in the hours before Women’s World Cup co-host Australia kicked off against Ireland.

The mood remained buoyant as a sea of yellow and green filled Stadium Australia at Sydney Olympic Park, becoming part of the biggest crowd ever for a women’s soccer match in Australia, announced at 75,784 on Thursday.

“Who wouldn’t want to be here for the first match?” asked Katie Lynn, who traveled from Adelaide, 850 miles (1,370 kilometers) away, with girlfriend Jasmine Williamson. “I have not been to a sporting event this big before. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Australia's Ellie Carpenter, left, battles for the ball with Ireland's Katie McCabe during the Women's World Cup soccer game between Australia and Ireland at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Australia, Thursday, July 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

Australia got off to a winning start at the Women’s World Cup by beating Ireland 1-0 despite the absence of star striker Sam Kerr.

Head coach Alen Stajcic and Philippines Defender Hali Long speak at the press conference before the Philippines soccer match against Switzerland at the Women's World Cup in Dunedin, New Zealand, Thursday, July 20, 2023. For a nation more than 7,000 miles from the United States, the Philippines boasts a women's national soccer team with a decidedly American feel. Of the 23 names on its Women's World Cup roster, 18 belong to U.S.-born women. (AP Photo/Matthew Gelhard)

For a nation more than 7,000 miles from the United States, the Philippines boasts a women’s national soccer team with a decidedly American feel.

New Zealand's Hannah Wilkinson celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Women's World Cup soccer match between New Zealand and Norway in Auckland, New Zealand, Thursday, July 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Cornaga)

Hannah Wilkinson has scored to open the second half and New Zealand has upset Norway 1-0 for its first-ever win at the Women’s World Cup just hours after a shooting in downtown Auckland that shocked the host nation.

Australia's Sam Kerr, center, stands at the pitch prior the Women's World Cup soccer match between Australia and Ireland at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Australia, Thursday, July 20, 2023. Kerr is injured and won't play her's team first tournament game. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

Sam Kerr has been ruled out of Australia’s opening two games of the Women’s World Cup because of an injury in a major setback for the tournament co-hosts.

Williamson summed up the mood perfectly: “People that aren’t even football fans are interested.”

Sydney’s famed sporting atmosphere seemed subdued in the days leading up to the match. But game day brought out the fans, including a man dressed in a kangaroo costume who identified himself only as “Skippy.”

“Just coming down on the train, people were everywhere,” said Vanessa Ronksley, who lives in Sydney’s eastern beachside suburb of Coogee. “We can feel it now.”

Long-time friends Anthony Dunne and Kiaran Bannon were among those who stopped by the FIFA Fan Festival at Tumbalong Park, on the southern edge of Darling Harbour. They came from Ireland to watch their national team’s first-ever Women’s World Cup match.

“Even before we (Ireland) qualified, we said, ‘If we get through, we’re going,’” Dunne said. “My girlfriend was in work, and pregnant at the time, and I rang her after the (qualifying) match, and basically asked for permission.”

The excitement of the Australian fans was dampened for a while by the announcement an hour before kickoff that Matildas star and captain Sam Kerr would miss the match because of a calf muscle injury. She will also miss the July 27 match against Nigeria in Brisbane.

But Australia’s 1-0 victory gave reason for fans to be jubilant, even in Kerr’s absence.

“I haven’t stopped crying,” said Canberra resident Lydia Randall, who was in Canada in 2015 when Australia reached the World Cup quarterfinals. “All the girls deserve this.”