Canada emerged victorious in their Group B match against the Republic of Ireland in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 held in Auckland. The game took place at the 22,000-seat Perth Rectangular Stadium, also known as HBF Park or Perth Oval.
The Republic of Ireland started the game strong, with Louise Quinn making a surprise appearance after being an injury doubt leading up to the match. The Irish lineup consisted of Courtney Brosnan in goal, along with Quinn, Niamh Fahey, Megan Connolly, Ruesha Littlejohn, Denise O’Sullivan, Katie McCabe as captain, Heather Payne, Lucy Quinn, Sinead Farrelly, and Kyra Carusa.
Canada made one change to their starting lineup, with the team’s captain, Christine Sinclair, being dropped and replaced by Jessie Fleming. The Canadian lineup included Kailen Sheridan in goal, along with Kadeisha Buchanan, Quinn, Julia Grosso, Jayde Riviere, Jordyn Huitema, Ashley Lawrence, Evelyne Viens, Vanessa Gilles, Jessie Fleming as captain, and Adriana Leon.
Ireland’s Injury Setback
Heather Payne suffered a hamstring injury during the warm-up, leading to a late change for Ireland. Peamount United defender Aine O’Gorman came in as a replacement.
Canada played with a 4-1-2-3 formation, while Ireland opted for a 3-4-3 setup.
The game started with Canada losing possession early on. The Irish fans showed their support by singing their traditional chant. In the 4th minute, Ireland took the lead as Katie McCabe scored directly from a corner, with her powerful in-swinging delivery eluding the Canadian goalkeeper (1-0).
The first half saw a break in play as Ashley Lawrence received treatment for a head injury. She was able to continue after passing an on-field concussion test. Kadeisha Buchanan also received a yellow card during the half.
Just before halftime, Megan Connolly scored an own goal as Julia Grosso’s cross from the left seemed to go through the Irish defence and sneak in at the far post (1-1).
At halftime, the score was tied 1-1, with Canada having more possession but Ireland looking dangerous on the counterattacks.
In the second half, Canada made a triple substitution, bringing in Sophie Schmidt, Christine Sinclair, and Shelina Zadorsky. In the 54th minute, Adriana Leon put Canada ahead as she ran onto a diagonal through ball and scored under pressure from Katie McCabe (2-1).
Jessie Fleming received a yellow card during the half, and Vanessa Gilles also received a caution for her behaviour.
Ireland made a substitution, bringing on Marissa Sheva, while Canada replaced their goalscorer Leon with Cloe Lacasse. Although Ireland had some chances, their crosses into the Canada penalty area were poor and easily cleared.
The game ended 2-1 in favour of Canada, with Ireland being eliminated from their first-ever World Cup campaign. Canada showcased a strong second-half performance to secure the victory.
FIFA Women’s World Cup Results on Wednesday 26 July, 2023:
Japan 2-0 Costa Rica
Spain 5-0 Zambia
Canada 2-1 Republic of Ireland
Coming Up Tomorrow (CAT Times):
USA v Netherlands 03:00
Portugal v Vietnam 09:30
Australia v Nigeria 12:00
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Photo Credit: Canada came back from a half-time deficit to secure a 2-1 victory against the Republic of Ireland in their Group B clash at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. Photo: (c) FIFA (Supplied)
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