Adriana Leon celebrates her goal for Canada on Wednesday. Will Russell – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
The 2023 Women’s World Cup is in full swing, and these daily files will give you the latest reporting from around the tournament as well as betting lines, what-to-watch-for information and best reads. Check in with ESPN throughout the tournament as we bring you the latest from Australia and New Zealand.
The lead: Canada fight back against Ireland
PERTH, Australia — An early moment of magic and an inspired performance from Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe wasn’t enough to earn her nation’s first point at a Women’s World Cup, as Olympic champions Canada proved too strong for the tournament newcomers, winning 2-1 in an enthralling Group B contest.
Ireland nearly found an opener inside three minutes when Kyra Carusa fired in a low shot, only for Canada goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan to parry it around the post. With rain pouring down, McCabe then etched her name into Irish folklore, fizzing the ball around Sheridan’s outstretched arms and into the back of the net for one of the great women’s World Cup goals.
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It was a horror start for Canada coach Beverly Priestman, who had raised eyebrows by dropping 40-year-old record goal scorer and captain Christine Sinclair from her starting XI. It didn’t work initially, as the team lacked creativity in the final third for much of the opening half. But an own goal on the stroke of half-time seemed to fuel Canada with confidence and the second period saw a flurry of attacks, several orchestrated by Sinclair and Sophie Schmidt, who were both introduced into the game at the interval.
Adriana Leon fired Canada ahead in the 53rd minute and the lead could have been doubled on several other occasions, if not for some impressive goalkeeping from Courtney Brosnan.
The result means Ireland will exit the tournament early, while Canada can guarantee their place in the knockout stages with either a win or draw against co-hosts Australia on the final matchday. — Jake Michaels