Ireland's World Cup dreams shattered by Canada in Perth

The Republic of Ireland's hopes of making the knockout stages of the World Cup are over after a 2-1 defeat to Canada in a rain-soaked Perth on Wednesday.

Vera Pauw’s team produced a brilliant first-half performance, taking the lead after just four minutes when Katie McCabe’s corner drifted straight over keeper Kailen Sheridan.

However they paid the heaviest possible price for failing to kill off an under-par Canadian side as Megan Connolly’s own goal in first-half stoppage time was compounded by a well-taken Adriana Leon effort seven minutes into the second half.

The Girls in Green needed to avoid defeat to keep alive their ambitions of sneaking into the last 16. But a night that had started with such unbridled promise, ended in tears and regret.

Ireland will be coming home after their final group game against Nigeria in Brisbane on Monday.

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The Perth Rectangular Stadium did a decent impression of the old Lansdowne Road as the rain bucketed down on its four wide open stands.

Pauw initially only made one change: Lucy Quinn came in for Marissa Sheva, while Louise Quinn overcame an injury scare to start. However Heather Payne felt a tweak in her hamstring during the warm-up and was replaced by Aine O'Gorman.

Christine Sinclair, Canada’s 40-year-old record goalscorer, was benched as Bev Priestman opted for a more fluid 4-3-3.

With huge support in the ground, Ireland made a vibrant start. O’Gorman released Lucy Quinn down the right flank just three minutes in, her