Canada boss expects 'horrible' challenge & huge Irish support

Canada boss Bev Priestman is braced for a partisan crowd and a "horrible" Republic of Ireland team ahead of their World Cup showdown in Perth on Wednesday.

The reigning Olympic champions are under pressure to get a win on the board after their opening-game stalemate against Nigeria.

Ireland, beaten by Australia in their first match, must avoid defeat if they're to keep alive their hopes of making the knockout stages.

It sets things up nicely at the Perth Rectangular Stadium where Irish fans are expected to comfortably outnumber the Canadians.

"I think from my perspective we have to match [their physicality] and hope that our quality shines through," said Priestman, who confirmed key midfielder Jessie Fleming is on track to return after missing the Nigeria game with a calf injury.

"First and foremost [we have to] match that passion and hard work. [Ireland are a] horrible team to play against and that's what we pride ourselves on, so we one million per cent have to match that first.

"And they know that about Canada too. It's probably a two-way street. Ultimately we have to stay with the process and what we think it will take to beat this Irish team. And stay clear-headed because there are parts of the Irish team where if you're not careful you can be drawn into that and it can take you down a route that can take you off task."

Katie McCabe may be viewed as one of those "parts". The captain attracted plenty of attention in the Australian media after a typically combative showing at the Accor Stadium, her battle with Hayley Raso an absorbing tussle that rumbled on all night.

The Aussies committed more fouls [12 to 9] over the 90 minutes, while the sole booking went to Denise O'Sullivan for dissent, but the post-match glares were