Canada Women vs Ireland Women – Match preview, live stream, kick-off time, prediction, team news, lineups
Canada face Ireland in Perth at 13:00 BST on Wednesday as both teams hunt their first win of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Canada were able to pick up a point in their opening game against Nigeria, but the Republic of Ireland are still looking to get a point on the board after they were narrowly beaten by the tournament co-hosts Australia.
- Group B: Canada vs Republic of Ireland (13:00, Perth) – ITV 1
Match preview
Canada World Cup campaign
Canada’s World Cup journey began with frustration as they were unable to break the deadlock against Nigeria, with the Nigerian goalkeeper’s heroics denying Christine Sinclair’s penalty. This marked their third winless match and they’ve only managed to secure one victory in their last six games. The concern now looms for Bev Priestman’s team, after failing to score against Nigeria and failing to score in their last-16 defeat to Sweden in 2019, they face the possibility of going three World Cup matches without scoring, something unprecedented in their history.
Nevertheless, the Canadian team remains optimistic, knowing that a triumph on Wednesday would put them in a favourable position to advance to the knockout stages for the third consecutive World Cup. Their current FIFA ranking at seventh, a significant 15 places above Ireland, makes them the favourites going into the game.
Ireland World Cup campaign
Despite a spirited effort, Ireland suffered a defeat against Australia, showcasing that they are not merely participating in the tournament as underdogs. The decisive moment came when Steph Catley converted a penalty in the second half, leaving Ireland as the only team in Group B without a point.
Despite their determined performance, Ireland faces the possibility of being eliminated from their first Women’s World Cup if they don’t secure a victory against Canada on Wednesday. With only one win in their last six matches (with one draw and four losses), the Irish team is well aware that they face a tough challenge against Canada.
In their previous match against Australia, Ireland managed just one shot on target, prompting Vera Pauw’s side to focus on improving their attacking threat for today’s match. The team is determined to bounce back and make a stronger impact in their upcoming game.
Team News
Chelsea’s Jessie Fleming missed Canada’s opening game with a calf problem, but she could feature against Ireland after participating in training.
After keeping a clean sheet in the opening game, Kadiesha Buchanan will resume her central defensive partnership with Vanessa Gilles, while Jayde Riviere and Ashley Lawrence will operate as the two full-backs.
Jordyn Huitema is expected to retain her place up front, and the 22-year-old will be looking to add to the 14 goals that she has scored for her country.
As for Ireland, Pauw may be tempted to name an unchanged starting lineup despite losing out to Australia in their tournament opener.
Niamh Fahey, Louise Quinn and Megan Connolly will feature as the three centre-backs, with the wing-back roles set to be filled by Heather Payne and Katie McCabe.
Kyra Carusa will lead the line for the Girls in Green, and the 26-year-old will be flanked by Niamh Farrelly and Marissa Sheva.
Canada Women possible starting lineup:
Sheridan; Riviere, Buchanan, Gilles, Lawrence; Fleming, Grosso; Rose, Sinclair, Leon; Huitema
Ireland Women possible starting lineup:
Brosnan; Fahey, Lo. Quinn, Connolly; Payne, O’Sullivan, Littlejohn, McCabe; Farrelly, Sheva, Carusa
WTX Sport predicts Canada 1-1 Ireland
Both teams will be desperate for the win today but we don’t see this game as offering up much. We expect it to end in a lacklustre draw.
