Ireland's World Cup dream is over after an agonising 2-1 defeat against Canada in Perth.
A colossal effort from the entire side fell just short, as every player left it all on the pitch in Australia.
The stadium was electric, with Irish supporters painting the seating green. A huge contingent made the long trip for the competition, joining the thousands of Irish that call Perth home.
Ireland supporters flying the flag of Waterford
Vera Pauw was visibly delighted with her side's intensity at the beginning of the game as the Girls in Green dominated the early proceedings.
Intense pressure led to an early corner, which captain Katie McCabe ran over to take.
Astonishingly, McCabe guided the ball into the back of the net directly from the corner, sending the Perth crowd wild.
What an angle for Katie McCabes opening goal for Ireland vs Canada in the Women’s World Cup🇮🇪☘️
📹@julesgartland #COYGIG #womensworldcup #katiemccabe pic.twitter.com/MIGjUR53c6
— Beat 102 103 (@beat102103) July 26, 2023
The finish was Ireland's first-ever goal at the World Cup and the 21st in a green jersey for our sensational captain.
Ireland continued to press for a second and were excellent on the transition - forcing the Canadians to get players behind the ball and not allow any form of cohesion in their attack.
After 21 minutes of play, the game was stopped for a temporary water break, allowing everybody inside the stadium to breathe after an exhilarating start.
21’ | Drinks break for both teams…a chance to catch a breath for the rest of us 😅 (0-1)#COYGIG | #FIFAWWC
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) July 26, 2023
Pauw's side remained disciplined in their structure, always keeping their shape.
As play entered the fifth and final minute of injury time, with rain pummeling the playing surface, an optimistic cross from the left was unfortunately sent into the Irish net by Megan Connolly.
It was a cruel moment for Connolly and the team, as it signalled the first effort that the girls had conceded on goal.
HT | Ireland had led through a Katie McCabe wonder strike but Canada hit back in first half injury time #COYGIG | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/TjX0OecCpR
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) July 26, 2023
Canada started the second half much brighter than the first and took the game by the reigns.
After 50 minutes of play, the Olympic champions tested Courtney Brosnan with a sensational effort from the edge of the box, with the keeper expertly stretching to make the save.
What a save that was from @court_brosnan18 🧤#COYGIG #RTESport #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/Jr3L9eaIJ6
— RTÉ2 (@RTE2) July 26, 2023
The pressure continued to tell, and Canada took the lead after 53 minutes through a lapse of concentration in the green defence.
Adriana Leon slotted the ball home from some uncharacteristically poor defending, leaving McCabe and co with a mountain to climb.
53’ | Goal Canada. Adriana Leon manages to poke it into the net (2-1) #COYGIG | #FIFAWWC
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) July 26, 2023
As expected, the phenomenal Irish support climbed from their seats and increased the decibels with iconic chants to raise the team's spirits.
It was reminiscent of scenes of Italia 90', as thousands of passionate supporters did their all as the 12th player.
The Irish began to tire, as their efforts in the first half weighed heavy on their legs. But McCabe stood firm and led from the front like many of the great Irish captains in history.
Her work rate was exceptional, and she came close to levelling the scores in the 79th minute with a sensational solo effort from the right wing.
Katie McCabe is a national hero
— Okpuma (@Okpuma) July 26, 2023
As we entered the final ten minutes, there was still everything to play for, with Ireland needing a draw to prolong their stay in the competition.
Nobody in the stadium would fault their desire, but despite best efforts, Canada stood firm and held on for a hard-fought victory.
It's heartbreak for Pauw, McCabe and co, as the defeat denies Ireland any chance of a place in the knockout stages.
A tie against Nigeria on Monday will see out the group stages, allowing the girls a chance to earn some points.
Defeat against Canada sees us exit the World Cup
They gave it everything 🇮🇪#COYGIG | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/QomrLegFfD
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) July 26, 2023
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