Priestman pulls all the right strings in Canada's win over Ireland at Women's World Cup

A rainy, windy night didn't stop the celebrations or enthusiasm of fans at Canada's 2-1 win over Ireland at the Women's World Cup.

Outside the entry gates of Perth's Rectangular Stadium, green-clad fans cheered while "Here Come The Irish" blared. The predominantly Irish crowd thundered when the Republic of Ireland's national anthem played.

I wondered if that environment might be challenging for the Canadian players, and after the match, midfielder Quinn said they didn't expect to see and hear so many Irish fans.

"I was a little surprised when the anthem went," Quinn said. "We're not always going to be the favourites in the stands and I think that was a good challenge for us."

Ireland's Marissa Sheva said it felt like a home game due to the dedicated fans. But I did spot a Montreal Canadiens hoodie, a few Canada kits, and a Toronto Maple Leaf toque in the crowd. I also heard a quiet but persistent "Ca-Na-Da" cheer from one section. There were electric cheers all the way through the game despite the torrential downpour. 

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But for Canada, cheers weren't what pulled them through to a win over the girls in green. For head coach Bev Priestman, it was bravery in her choices, and for the Canadian players, it was being cognizant of their own energy.

This might have been the most exciting match Canada has played in a while. In the fourth minute, Ireland captain Katie McCabe scored off of a stunning corner kick, hooking it untouched into the Canadian net. That kind of goal is called an Olimpico and is quite rare. It was also the quickest goal scored at this Women's World Cup thus far.

The crowd responded appropriately with a tremendous roar. After that, every time McCabe touched the