The nation got behind the Girls in Green yesterday with the game being the most streamed event of the year on the RTÉ Player and the TV viewing figures likely to follow suit.

The result was not exactly as we wanted but this was the toughest game of a tough group and there was plenty in the performance to give hope that we can be very competitive in the other two games.

A win and a draw against Nigeria and Canada would likely be enough to secure progress and that has to be the ambition. Qualifying as runner up in the group would tee up a Round of 16 tie against the winners from England’s group.

As we said yesterday though this was always a journey that was about more than just the football.

It became a collective viewing experience with workplaces and watch parties gathering in their thousands to cheer on the team.

The 4,000 travelling fans in Sydney made themselves heard throughout the game, joined as they were by tens of thousands of Irish living down under.

The final confirmed attendance was 75,000, the stadium capacity having been reduced to cater for additional broadcast and other FIFA requirements.

We go again next Wednesday, July 26th at 1 PM against the Olympic Champions Canada. Nobody said it was going to be easy.