Republic of Ireland 1-2 Canada.
The Republic of Ireland lost 2-1 to Canada at the Women’s World Cup in Perth on Wednesday afternoon.
Katie McCabe gave Ireland the lead – scoring a historic goal, the team’s first at the World Cup – directly from a corner. Canada, however, grew into the game and scrapped out a win against a determined Irish side.
Ireland vs Canada.
McCabe created Irish football history after just four minutes. The Arsenal star struck a perfectly-hit corner kick to the back post. Canada goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan got a hand on the ball, but couldn’t prevent it from going into the net.
There was an element of good fortune for the goal, as teams rarely score directly from a corner. McCabe’s strike, however, was incisive and extremely difficult to defend.
The Ireland captain fully deserved her goal and was mobbed by her teammates during the celebrations.
Katie McCabe has scored Ireland's first goal at the Women's World Cup ☘️
History maker 👏 pic.twitter.com/o1bgRP9pmX
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) July 26, 2023
Ireland were the stronger team for most of the first half, especially in the opening spell. Sinead Farrelly, in particular, was excellent, showing great composure on the ball.
Canada, however, gradually worked their way into the game and Ireland reverted to playing on the counter-attack.
The Olympic champions equalised in stoppage time at the end of the first half after Megan Connolly inadvertently turned the ball into her own net.
Ireland were dealt a cruel blow after a fantastic opening half for Pauw’s side. Just a few minutes before the Canada goal, Kyra Carusa was sent through on goal by Katie McCabe and saw her shot saved by Sheridan.
It was a game of very fine margins.
Ireland vs Canada: Second half.
After just eight minutes of the second half, Canada took the lead. Substitute Sophie Schmidt played a wonderful pass into Adriana Leon, who positioned herself between the Irish central defenders in the penalty area.
Leon took a touch before scoring past Brosnan to give the Olympic champions the lead.
Ireland, cheered on by thousands of Irish supporters at the match in Perth, rolled the dice and made changes as they chased the game.
Abbie Larkin, Amber Barrett, Izzy Atkinson, Lily Agg and Marissa Sheva all entered the match, but the Girls in Green couldn’t find an equaliser, despite a massive push in the final few minutes.
McCabe went on an incredible run just before the final whistle, beating four or five Canadian players before shooting narrowly wide. It just wasn’t to be, however.
Ireland’s World Cup campaign continues next Monday against Nigeria, but the team have been eliminated.
Ireland player ratings.
- Courtney Brosnan – 7
- Louise Quinn – 7
- Niamh Fahey – 7
- Megan Connolly – 7
- Áine O’Gorman – 7
- Katie McCabe – 9
- Denise O’Sullivan – 7
- Ruesha Littlejohn – 7
- Lucy Quinn – 7
- Kyra Carusa – 8
- Sinead Farrelly – 8
Substitutes
- Amber Barrett – 6
- Izzy Atkinson – 6
- Abbie Larkin – 6
- Lily Agg – 6
-
Marissa Sheva – 6
