Canada claimed Group B’s top spot with a narrow win.
Canada defeated Ireland 2-1 in their Women’s World Cup match against Ireland on Wednesday. A fine comeback secured Canucks’ first victory in the tournament.
A crucial win!
Canada came into the game after an underwhelming goalless draw against Nigeria in their opening match.
They were stunned by an early goal from Ireland as Katie McCabe found the back of the net from the corner spot in the fourth minute. However, Beverly Preistman’s side gradually established their dominance as the first half went on.
Their efforts paid off when an own goal from Megan Connolly changed the course of the game just before half-time.
Canada doubled down on their pressure after the break and snatched the match-winner only eight minutes into the second half.
The Manchester United winger latched onto Sophie Schmidt’s cross inside the box before making it 2-1 with a precise shot into the bottom-left corner of the net.
Ireland pushed to mount a comeback in the final 20 minutes, but Canada kept them at bay with solid defending. The three points secure the top spot for Canada in Group B as they await Australia’s clash against Nigeria.
Player Ratings
Canada: Sheridan (7), Riviere (7), Buchanan (7), Gilles (6), Lawrence (6), Quinn (8), Grosso (7), Fleming (7), Huitema (8), Leon (7), Viens (6).
Bench: Zadorsky (6), Sinclair (7), Schmidt (7), Lacasse (7), Chapman (-).
Ireland: Brosnan (7), Fahey (6), Louise Quinn (5), Connolly (4), Littlejohn (6), O’Sullivan (5), Payne (6), McCabe (7), Lucy Quinn (5), Farrelly (6), Carusa (6).
Bench: Larkin (5), Sheva (6), Agg (6), Atkinson (5), Barrett (6).
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