Canada narrowly avoided a major upset at the Women’s World Cup (WWC) as they had to stage a comeback to defeat Ireland.
The underdogs, Ireland, took a shocking lead in the fourth minute when Katie McCabe scored.
However, Canada quickly turned the game around with two quick goals before and after half-time, eliminating Vera Pauw’s side.
Ireland made an impressive start, almost taking the lead through Kyra Carusa before McCabe’s goal from a corner caught the Canadian goalkeeper off guard.
Canada, despite being the favorites, struggled to create chances until late in the first half when Vanessa Giles missed a close-range opportunity.
In the second half, Canada showed more energy and leveled the score just before half-time stoppage when Ireland’s Megan Connolly accidentally scored an own goal.
After the break, Canada continued to press, and Courtney Brosnan’s excellent save denied Jordyn Huitema’s long-range shot, which could have given Canada the lead much earlier.
Minutes later though, that goal finally came thanks to Adriana Leon prodding home from near the penalty spot to complete the turnaround.
Christine Sinclair, introduced at half-time, was twice thwarted in her attempt to score at a record sixth WWC as her shots were saved by Brosnan, who also caught Huitema’s towering header.
Searching for a third goal left Canada open to a sucker punch at the other end, and one was nearly provided by McCabe when her mazy run ended in a shot that was deflected narrowly wide.
There was to be no Ireland comeback though, meaning their dream of qualifying for the knockout stages is over, whereas Canada know a point from their final game against Australia is likely to be enough to progress to the last 16.