World Cup Recap: Canada Earns First Win of 2023 World Cup Campaign

Photo credit: Canada Soccer

In Canada’s second match of their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign, the team picked up their first win, coming back from a one goal deficit to beat the Republic of Ireland 2-1. OL Reign midfielder Quinn and forward Jordyn Huitema both earned another start and played 90 minutes for the second game in a row. 

The match was off to an unusual start for Canada, when Ireland’s Katie McCabe opened the scoring in the fourth minute, marking the earliest goal Canada has ever conceded at a World Cup. McCabe scored directly from a corner kick to give the first-time World Cup participants the lead.  

The teams continued to battle through the first half, with Canada chasing the game and Ireland attempting to keep their hopes of advancing in the World Cup alive. Just as the half was coming to a close, Canada found a stoppage time equalizer. Julia Grosso attempted a shot, which was redirected into the back of the net by an Ireland player. 

After going into halftime level at one goal apiece, Canada and Ireland were back on the field for a gritty second half. In the 50th minute, Huitema fired a shot from distance and very nearly found the equalizer, but Ireland goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan was there to save the shot. 

Eight minutes into the half, Canada found their game winner. Starting in the midfield with Quinn taking on three Ireland players to win the ball for Canada, Sophie Schmidt then played a ball to Adriana Leon centrally. Leon took one strong touch before poking the ball into the back of the net.  

Canada held the lead for the rest of the match, despite Ireland’s efforts to find a second goal. With the 2-1 win, Canada now sits atop the Group B standings with four points. 

NEXT UP FOR CANADA: Next Monday, July 31, Canada is set to play its last group stage match, against Australia at 3:00 a.m. PT. The match will take place at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium and can be watched on FOX, Telemundo or Peacock.  

GROUP B STANDINGS: 

Canada and Ireland have both played two matches, while Australia and Nigeria have played one. 

1. Canada (4 points, +1 goal differential) 

2. Australia (3 points, +1 goal differential) 

3. Nigeria (1 point, 0 goal differential) 

4. Republic of Ireland (0 points, -2 goal differential)