Katie McCabe scored the fastest goal of the tournament before Bev Priestman’s side recovered to a 2-1 win.
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Katie McCabe scored the fastest goal of the tournament so far
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Megan Connolly’s own goal drew Canada level at the end of the first half
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Adriana Leon scored a second-half winner for Bev Priestman’s side
Canada 2 – 1 Republic of Ireland | Group B
Goalscorers: Katie McCabe (4′), Megan Connolly (OG) (45+5′), Adrian Leon (53′)
Canada came from behind to beat Republic of Ireland 2-1 at Perth Rectangular Stadium to eliminate Vera Pauw’s side from the FIFA Women’s World Cupâ„¢.
Katie McCabe had given Ireland an early lead by scoring her country’s first Women’s World Cup goal but Canada turned it round through an own goal from Megan Connolly and second-half finish from Adriana Leon.
Ireland went in front in stunning fashion with the fastest goal of the tournament so far on four minutes when McCabe’s corner from the right curled over Canada goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan and inside the far post.
Canada came close to an equaliser on the half-hour mark when Vanessa Gilles lifted her attempt over the bar from close range but they were level in the fifth minute of added time when Julia Grosso’s cross from the left took a deflection off Connolly to take the ball beyond Courtney Brosnan.
Ireland goalkeeper Brosnan produced a smart save from Jordyn Huitema early in the second half before Canada went in front on 53 minutes after Leon controlled substitute Sophie Schmidt’s pass into the box and slid home her finish.
Pauw’s team battled in search of an equaliser but their first Women’s World Cup appearance will end in a group-stage exit.
Key stat
Katie McCabe’s goal in the fourth minute for Republic of Ireland is the earliest goal scored at Australia & New Zealand 2023.
VISA Player of the Match
Katie McCabe (Republic of Ireland)
fifa.com
