Canada fight back to end Ireland's WC dreams

The pressure was on Olympic champions Canada after being held to a goalless draw against Nigeria but they fought back in Perth after the worst start possible. They were left stunned in the fourth minute when Arsenal midfielder Katie McCabe scored direct from a corner, much to the delight of the 17,065 fans, most of whom were loudly cheering for Ireland despite the rain.

But Canada clawed back through an own goal from Megan Connolly just before half-time before Leon provided the winner in the 53rd minute. The result ended Ireland's hopes of progressing on their World Cup debut. Canada moved top of Group B with four points, ahead of Australia's clash with Nigeria in Brisbane on Thursday.

They received a boost with Chelsea midfielder Jessie Fleming returning from a calf injury and she took the captain's armband from Christine Sinclair, who only started on the bench. Evelyne Viens was preferred in attack after sparking Canada as a substitute against Nigeria.

Ireland were forced into a late change when Florida State forward Heather Payne suffered a hamstring injury during the warm-up and was replaced by Aine O'Gorman. With their tournament hopes on the line, an aggressive Ireland ran Canada ragged in a spirited start.