Adriana Leon seals Canada comeback and ends Ireland’s World Cup hopes

The Republic of Ireland’s first Women’s World Cup campaign ended in heartbreak as Canada came from behind to beat Vera Pauw’s side in Perth. Katie McCabe’s stunning opener gave Ireland an early lead in front of a partisan crowd of more than 17,000. Megan Connolly’s own goal drew Canada level before the break before Adriana Leon’s 53rd-minute goal proved enough to earn Bev Priestman’s side their first win of the tournament.

Called “the group of death” by many, Group B remained one of the most open and contested going into the second match-day. Ireland, ranked 22nd in the world, had the odds stacked against them with the Olympic champions standing in their way. Despite an opening loss to Australia in Sydney, Pauw’s side knew that defeat would mean the end of their tournament, while victory would leave their World Cup fate in their hands.

Both sides had suffered injury worries in the lead-up to this match. Jessie Fleming had missed Canada’s opening draw against Nigeria but was declared fit to lead Priestman’s team while Kadeisha Buchanan, her Chelsea teammate, returned from illness to start in defence. It meant there was no place for Christine Sinclair who, at 40 years old, is featuring in her sixth World Cup.

There were mixed fortunes for the Irish before kick-off. Their stalwart at the back, Louise Quinn, was declared fit after suffering a scare in the Australia game. However, Heather Payne pulled up in the warm-up and was replaced before kick-off by the experienced Áine O’Gorman. Pauw made only one change otherwise, bringing in the more attack-minded Lucy Quinn for Marissa Sheva, demonstrating positive intent.

It was a decision that paid off in the early stages with Ireland full of running and stretching the play. A quick break in the opening minutes required Kailen Sheridan to keep out the energetic Kyra Carusa. From the subsequent corner, the opener came in stunning style with only four minutes on the clock. Katie McCabe, Ireland’s captain, whipped in a vicious inswinging corner that dipped over the despairing Sheridan and straight into the back of the net.

Ireland could not have asked for a better start and could have made it two shortly afterwards. Carusa was involved once more, showing her ever-developing centre-forward skills to set up Sinead Farrelly. The midfielder took aim from just outside the box only to see her effort tipped wide by Sheridan at full stretch.

As the half wore on and the weather worsened, Canada grew into the game as they began to control possession and limit their opponents to chances on the counterattack. With the half-time whistle beckoning, they stuck a dagger into Irish hearts. Julia Grosso broke into space down the left and delivered a cross that was diverted by the despairing Connolly into her own net.

Priestman turned to her more experienced players at the break with Sinclair and Sophie Schmidt bringing composure and directness to her team’s play. It gave Canada the composure they needed as they gained a foothold in the game.

The warning signs were coming for Ireland when Courtney Brosnan was required to save from Jordyn Huitema at full stretch. Minutes later, Schmidt’s pinpoint pass split the Ireland defence for Leon to break through and score. It was Canada’s most incisive moment of the match and would ultimately prove the winner.

It was a goal that sent shockwaves through the Ireland side and they struggled to recover their running and energy from the first half. Late chances fell to McCabe and Lily Agg, on as a substitute, but they could not find the clinical finishing needed. As the final whistle blew, the Irish dropped to their knees and the tears flowed as they realised their dream had come to an end. Canada, meanwhile, celebrated, full of confidence ahead of their final group match against the co-hosts Australia.