This afternoon saw a tense match up between Ireland and Canada. Three points was heavily needed from both sides today, after Ireland loosing their first game to Australia and Canada taking a point after a goalless draw against Nigeria.
This was the first time in 21 years that the Republic of Ireland had been represented in the Men or Women's World Cup. Ireland knew they would have to keep their composure in order to make it over the line against the current Olympic champions.
Ireland were applying pressure right from kick off, and won themselves a corner inside the first three minutes the match. Ireland Captain, Katie McCabe, executed a wonderful goal for her side, managing to score directly from a corner. Her in-swinging delivery caught the Canadian goalkeeper, Kailen Sheridan, by surprise, as her cross rattled the Canadians side netting, taking Ireland into a much needed early lead. This was the first time Canada had conceded a fist half goal in the Women’s World Cup since 2011, which was against France.
The girls in green were winning every 50/50 ball over Canada and they looked very comfortable in possession. Canada's first real chance came from a Jessie Fleming corner. After a rebound out, Fleming managed to whip the ball into the box, flicking it onto centre back, Vanessa Gilles. She couldn’t quite get control over it and skied over the bar from six yards out.
Canada started to pick up some confidence, and the terrible weather conditions were not seeming to affect them. The Canucks managed to salvage an equaliser on the stroke of half time. Julia Grosso cut inside and curled one into the box. Trying to make a clearance, Connolly got a foot on it, sending the ball straight past a helpless Brosnan, for an Ireland own goal.
Half time: Canada 1-1 Ireland
Three Canadian changes were made during halt time, showing Canada's huge squad depth. This became evident and the talent within the Canada side began to be too much for the Irish.
Not even ten minutes after the second half whistle went, Leon managed to provide Canada with the lead, giving them huge advantage in this match and control over the game. Ireland now needed to really push out, if they wanted to keep their World Cup dreams alive! Schmidt's excellent pass through to Leon, allowed her time to bring the ball down and cooly poke it past Brosnan.
Ireland were beginning to show fatigue, performing sloppy passes. However, Katie McCabe was determined to pull an equaliser back for her side. McCabe flew past three Canadian defenders and managed to create enough space for to fire a wonder strike with her left foot. Her valiant effort flew towards the bottom corner of the Canadian goal, however a well positioned Zadorsky managed to perform a vital block for her side, keeping the Canucks in the lead.
Ireland's fight to salvage a point in this tough game against Canada was not enough and they depart the Women's World Cup after just two matches. Canada now look ahead to a vital match against Australia, to try and get a qualifying place in the knockout stages.
Full time: Canada 2-1 Ireland
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