The Republic of Ireland have been knocked out of the 2023 World Cup despite Kate McCabe scoring directly from a corner against Canada. McCabe opened the scoring early on but Canada were able to come back and win 2-1 thanks to an own-goal from Megan Connolly and a second-half goal from Adriana Leon. Canada now sit top of Group B but hosts Australia, who won their opener, have a game in hand.
Canada came from behind to knock the Republic of Ireland out of the Women’s World Cup with a 2-1 win, responding well to a stunning Katie McCabe opener.
The Irish knew before kick-off that defeat would ensure their elimination with a game to spare following their narrow opening-day loss to co-hosts Australia.
McCabe scored direct from a corner inside the opening four minutes to get them off to a dream start and spark hopes of a famous win in Perth.
But a Megan Connolly own goal deep in first-half stoppage time levelled the score before Adriana Leon edged Canada in front in a second period dominated by the Olympic champions.
Canada rose to the top of Group B on four points ahead of Australia's meeting with Nigeria on Thursday. Their next game is against the co-hosts in Melbourne on Monday.
Ireland's first-ever Women's World Cup goal arrived in the most spectacular of fashions, when McCabe curved a high delivery from the corner flag over goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan and into the far top corner to spark scenes of jubilation.
Canada looked stunned by the early setback as Sinead Farrelly forced a good save from Sheridan, but the Olympic champions eventually grew into the game and should have drawn level when Vanessa Gilles volleyed over a golden chance from five yards.
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