The Republic of Ireland are out of the 2023 Women’s World Cup following a 2-1 defeat to Canada on Wednesday.
Katie McCabe scored directly from a corner to give Ireland their first ever goal at the tournament, but it wasn’t enough as dark horses Canada came from behind with two goals either side of the break.
Following a narrow loss to Australia in their World Cup debut, Vera Pauw’s side knew that defeat at the HBF Stadium in Perth would mean it would be impossible to qualify for the knockout rounds.
Ireland had struggled to impose themselves against co-hosts Australia but came flying out of the traps against Canada, with Kyra Carusa nearly giving them the lead after just three minutes.
And just moments later they had the opening goal, with captain McCabe’s wicked corner kick completely catching out keeper Kailen Sheridan.
They kept the pressure up with McCabe looking particularly lively, before Sinead Farrelly saw a shot on the half-volley tipped wide.
But despite their superior play, Canada slowly but surely wrestled back control of the game – though it took a huge slice of luck for them to pull level, with Megan Connolly’s failed clearance slicing into the back of her own net in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time.
From there, the momentum of the match shifted completely, with Olympic champions Canada coming close to taking the lead several times, most notably when Jordyn Huitema’s curling effort forced Courtney Brosnan into a fantastic save.
The North Americans made three changes at the break and they worked a treat with Adriana Leon slotting home in the 53rd minute following an excellent ball into the box from substitute Sophie Schmidt.
Going behind took its toll on Ireland who struggled to assert themselves afterward, but they never gave up hope, with McCabe having a powerful effort deflect agonisingly just wide of the post with 12 minutes to go.
Canada meanwhile, needing a win following a disappointing draw with Nigeria in their opener, continued to press for a third goal with 40-year-old captain Sinclair coming close and continuously causing problems.
With no points from two games, Ireland are unable to surpass their opposition in Group B no matter what happens in the match between Australia and Nigeria on Thursday, and in the final round of fixtures next week.
Their first World Cup journey will officially end on Monday against Nigeria in Brisbane.
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