What to expect at the Women’s World Cup 2023 | You Ask The Questions
The Women’s World Cup continues as the Republic of Ireland fight to keep their hopes alive against Olympic champions Canada in a pivotal Group B clash.
Defeat would put Ireland on the brink of elimination following their opening loss to co-hosts Australia, while Canada are looking to bounce back from their draw against Nigeria.
Elsewhere today, both Spain and Japan qualified for the last-16 with a match to spare as they continued their impressive early form in Group C. Japan cruised to a 2-0 win against Costa Rica before Spain thrashed Zambia 5-0, with both teams moving to six points to advance to the knockout stages. Monday’s meeting between Spain and Japan will decide who goes through as group winners, while Zambia and Costa Rica are already out with a match left to play.
On Tuesday, co-hosts New Zealand were stunned by debutants Philippines, who claimed their first ever victory at the tournament with a 1-0 win in Wellington. The result blew Group A wide open and all four teams are still able to advance after Norway were held to a goalless draw by Switzerland in the day’s late kick-off.
Follow the latest World Cup scores, updates and news in today’s live blog
Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 1-1 Ireland
I know you all want to see it so here’s Katie McCabe’s opening goal for Ireland. This is wonderful:
Mike Jones26 July 2023 14:06
Katie McCabe: Ireland captain and Arsenal’s player of the season in profile
Captain of the Irish national team since the age of 21, Arsenal’s Katie McCabe has the honour of leading her team out at their first major championship at the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The versatile left-sided player has been ever-present for her club and country in recent years and will be the fulcrum of Ireland’s bid to pull off an almighty shock this summer.
Born in Kilnamanagh, southern Dublin, and one of ten siblings, McCabe began her footballing journey playing in boys’ youth teams for Kilnamanagh and Crumlin before joining her first all-girls team at aged ten.
At 16, she joined Raheny United as part of the newly-formed Women’s National League in Ireland, hitting the ground running with two league titles and three cup victories in her first three years.
Mike Jones26 July 2023 14:02
Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 1-1 Ireland
Ireland took the lead after just four minutes thanks to Katie McCabe’s excellent corner kick delivery but they conceded an equaliser right at the end of the first half to send Canada into the break on level terms.
(PA)
(REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
Mike Jones26 July 2023 13:58
Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 1-1 Ireland
45+8 mins: The break arrives with the teams all square in the match. Ireland have been the better side but an unfortunate own goals saw them concede late in the half.
Canada have been well below par but they’ll believe that they’re back in this match and can go on to take the win. There’s a huge 45 minutes coming up.
Mike Jones26 July 2023 13:55
Women’s World Cup 2023: GOAL! Canada 1-1 Ireland (Connolly OG, 45+5’)⚽️
45+5 mins: Heartbreak for Ireland!
Right at the end of the first half, Canada break up the pitch and send Julia Grosso free on the left wing. She cuts back onto her left foot and curls the ball into the box.
Megan Connolly tries to control it but gets a touch on the ball which take sit past her own goalkeeper and into the net off the far post!
Mike Jones26 July 2023 13:51
Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 0-1 Ireland
45+3 mins: The rain is absolutely pelting down now too as Ireland prepare for another corner. Kadesisha Buchanan blocked Farrelly’s previous shot and had the wind taken out of her.
She’s helped off the pitch as the next corner comes into the box. Ruesha Littlejohn is pulled up for a bit of argy bargy and Canada are awarded a free kick.
Mike Jones26 July 2023 13:49
Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 0-1 Ireland
45 mins: Five minutes of added time to play at the end of the first half.
Ireland win another corner and Katie McCabe is on delivery duties once again. She lifts a high ball into the box that Jordyn Huitema gets her head to.
She only manages to nod it down to Sinead Farrelly who volleys a shot at goal and has her effort blocked.
Mike Jones26 July 2023 13:47
Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 0-1 Ireland
42 mins: Lucy Quinn causes more problems for Canada. She tries to take on Vanessa Gilles on the right side but the defender does well to take the ball off her and boot it out for a throw in.
Mike Jones26 July 2023 13:45
Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 0-1 Ireland
39 mins: Chance! A long ball up the pitch creates a wonderful opportunity for Ireland.
Kyra Carusa shoulders Kadeisha Buchanan off the ball and takes it into the box. She’s got a tight angle to shoot from but connects well only for Kailen Sheridan to lepas to her left and clings onto the ball.
Positive signs for Ireland.
Mike Jones26 July 2023 13:42
Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 0-1 Ireland
36 mins: Shot! Ireland win the ball in the middle of the pitch and commit players forward. It comes to Denise O’Sullivan inside the final third and she goes for goal.
It’s a decent strike but the ball is always rising and Kailen Sheridan watches the effort sail high over the crossbar.
Mike Jones26 July 2023 13:37