Heartbreak as Ireland's World Cup dream ends against Canada

The Republic of Ireland’s Fifa World Cup dream is over following their 2-1 loss to Canada at the Perth Stadium.

The Girls in Green can certainly count themselves unfortunate to go in level at one goal apiece. The impressive Katie McCabe of Arsenal gave Vera Pauw’s team a fourth-minute lead when she scored direct from a corner kick.

Ireland had all of the chances in the first half, only for Canada to get back on terms in their first meaningful attack when Megan Connolly’s deflected a cross from Julia Angela Grosso past Courtney Brosnan in the fifth minute of injury time.

Kyra Carusa, Ireland’s centre-forward, had been causing Canada worries in the lashing rain in Western Australia. Nine minutes into the second half, Adriana Leon put Canada, who are ranked seventh in the world, into the lead. 

Amber Barrett, the Milford native whose goal against Scotland steered Ireland to the finals for the first time, was introduced 65 minutes in and although the team pressed for an equaliser to keep them in the tournament, Canada held out. Ciara Grant from Letterkenny was an unused substitute.

Ireland had opened their campaign with a narrow 1-0 loss to co-hosts Australia, while Canada drew 0-0 with Nigeria. Ireland conclude their World Cup on Monday then they take on Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium.