Goal-shy Canada under mounting pressure to perform

Much like the Republic of Ireland, Canada travelled to Perth for Wednesday's crucial Women’s World Cup match knowing there is little margin for error.

After failing to beat Nigeria in their Group B opener, and with Australia to come in Melbourne on Monday, Canada will feel three points is a must when they tackle Vera Pauw’s side.

However, doubts persist over whether they are still capable of competing with the leading sides, with off-field issues not helping their cause.

What should Ireland expect?

Canada are ranked seventh in the world but the reigning Olympic champions are a side dogged by inconsistency. Their record over the past 12 months reads: Played 12, won six, lost five with one draw.

Goals have also been in short supply – just three scored in five matches this year.

Canada finished bottom of the standings at the SheBelieves Cup in February after losing two of their three games, the second of those a 3-0 reverse to Japan.

Their players had threatened not to travel to the World Cup due to an ongoing row over pay and conditions, and those disrupted preparations looked to have taken their toll in the stalemate against Nigeria, which extended their winless run to three games.

Canada's start to the tournament did little to allay perceptions that they are a team on the wane, but the expected return of key midfielder Jesse Fleming against Ireland will provide a timely shot in the arm. The Chelsea star, who was Canada's Player of the Year in 2021 and 2022, missed the Nigeria game with a calf injury but trained on Monday and looks set to line out against Vera Pauw’s side.

Pauw's counterpart Bev Priestman likes to alternate between a 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 formation, with former Paris Saint-Germain forward Jordyn Huitema leading the