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Olympic champions Canada have overcome the blow of conceding an early ‘Olimpico’ to secure a vital 2-1 win over the Republic of Ireland in Perth.
Canada coach Beverly Priestman pulled a huge selection bombshell when she dropped captain Christine Sinclair to the bench for Wednesday night’s match to make room for fit-again midfielder Jessie Fleming.
Canada players celebrate after Adriana Leon scored her side’s second goal during their match against Ireland.Credit: AP
And in an even bigger shock, world No.22 Ireland took the lead in the fourth minute when star attacker Katie McCabe scored from a corner kick.
Her left-footed ‘Olimpico’ curled in the air and evaded the outstretched arm of goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan before rebounding in off the upright.
But an own goal to Irish defender Megan Connolly in first-half stoppage time and a second-half strike from Adriana Leon gave Canada the win.
The result sets up a blockbuster Group B clash between Australia and Canada next Monday in Melbourne.
First, the Matildas will take on Nigeria on Thursday, looking to build on their 1-0 win over Ireland last week.
For Ireland, their hopes of making it past the group stage are now officially over after suffering two tight losses.
McCabe’s ‘Olimpico’ sent the pro-Irish crowd of nearly 18,000 fans into raptures, and even drew praise from injured Matildas midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight, who scored an Olimpico at the 2019 World Cup.