Women’s World Cup: Republic of Ireland knocked out after loss to Canada
Republic of Ireland have exited the Women’s World Cup at the group stage after a 2-1 loss to Canada.
The tournament debutants took the lead through Katie McCabe but a Megan Connolly own goal and an Adriana Leon strike gave Canada the win.
After a narrow loss to Australia on the opening day, Ireland needed to gain at least a point to keep their hopes of reaching the second round alive.
It was going well as the Irish took an early lead when McCabe’s corner curled directly into the far top corner.
Canada’s equaliser came deep into first-half stoppage time when Julia Grosso’s cross deflected off Connolly before Leon put Canada ahead after the restart.
Ireland were in the ascendancy from the off, with Kyra Carusa forcing a double save by Canada goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan.
It took just four minutes for them to gain the lead when McCabe’s perfect set-piece floated over the head of Sheridan.
Sinead Farrelly came close to doubling Ireland’s lead by this time Sheridan made the save, before chances came and went for Carusa.
The equaliser came against the run of play in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time when Connolly was unable to deal with Grosso’s cross and the ball found its way into the bottom corner.
Canada did not deserve to go into the half time break level, but regrouped and took the lead in the 53rd minute when Manchester United winger Leon hit the back of the net.
Ireland continued to look for a way back into the match though with McCabe and Carusa calling Sheridan into action once again.
A goal for Canada’s Christine Sinclair would see her become the first player to score at six World Cups. She missed a penalty in Canada’s opening match and was denied by a fine Courtney Brosnan save this time around.
Lily Agg had a chance to equalise late on but shot straight at Sheridan as time ran out.
The Republic will now be looking to finish their debut Women’s World Cup campaign by gaining points against Nigeria, who face co-hosts Australia tomorrow.
Cover Photo: Irish flag by Anna & Michal under license by CC BY-SA 2.0.
