Canada vs Republic of Ireland – World Cup LIVE: Arsenal’s Katie McCabe opens scoring direct from a corner to stun the Maple Leafs early on

Follow Mail Sport’s live blog as Canada takes on the Republic of Ireland in Perth.

Host commentator

It’s the perfect start for the Irish as the early opener from McCabe takes the pressure off. 

Pauw’s side relaxes into the Group B battle and challenge the Canadians again. 

A rousing rendition of Fields of Athenry can be heard echoing around the stadium in Perth from the sea of Irish fans. 

It’s a simply stunning goal  from Katie McCabe, who curls an inswinging corner towards the far post. The ball nicks the post and is turned into the top corner past Canadian goalkeeper Sheridan, who didn’t stand a chance.

A goal of the tournament contender from McCabe for the Republic of Ireland’s first-ever goal at the World Cup!

And we’re underway in Perth as Canada kicks off!

The teams are out on the field and the anthems are played ahead of kickoff. There’s no awkward handshake avoidance from Ruesha Littlejohn this time round. 

The Republic of Ireland has been forced to make a late change to the starting line-up as Heather Payne — who was an injury doubt coming into the game — has been forced to pull out.

Aine O’Gorman steps up as her replacement. 

Phenomenal goalkeeping performances from Kailen Sheridan and Chiamaka Nnadozie defined a physical match between Canada and Nigeria in Melbourne, which ended with a 0-0 draw.

After failing to get a win in their opener, the Canadians will be looking to bounce back against Ireland. 

In case you missed all the action from last Friday, catch up with Mail Sport’s report below. 

Louise Quinn insisted the Republic of Ireland still has ‘total belief’ it can make it out of the group. 

‘We are very realistic and knows that it will be an incredibly hard job but for us, getting out of the group is something we always believe that was possible,’ the Birmingham City captain said.

READ MORE FROM MARK GALLGHER BY CLICKING BELOW. 

Canadian midfielder Quinn became the first out trans and non-binary footballer to play at a World Cup in the Maple Leafs’ opener. 

Quinn started Canada’s match against Nigeria on Friday at the Women’s World Cup, with the game ending in a goalless draw.

In light of the history-making appearance last Friday, Mail Sport provides everything you need to know about Quinn. READ MORE BELOW.

Just the one change from Vera Pauw to the Irish side to face the Maple Leafs in Perth. Marissa Sheva comes in for Lucy Quinn in a straight swap in the front line.

Starting XI: Brosnan, Fahey, Louise Quinn, Connolly; Payne, O’Sullivan, Littlejohn, McCabe; Lucy Quinn, Carusa, Farrelly.

Captain Christine Sinclair is a shock omission from Beverly Priestman’s starting XI to face the Irish today. 

It marks the first time in six consecutive World Cup’s that Sinclair does not start for Canada. 

She’s replaced by Evelyne Viens, while Jessie Fleming comes straight into the team as captain with Deanne Rose dropping to the bench. 

Starting XI: Sheridan, Fleming, Buchanan, Gilles, Lawrence; Riviere, Quinn, Grosso, Leon; Viens, Huitema.

Good morning/afternoon to you wherever you’re joining us from and welcome to Mail Sport’s coverage of Canada’s clash with the Republic of Ireland at the Women’s World Cup. 

The matchup in Perth presents a battle of Group B with both teams left with work to do to make it out of the group after failing to pick up wins in their opening games. 

Canada was forced to settle for a draw against Nigeria, after captain Christine Sinclair’s penalty was saved. Meanwhile, Ireland suffered a 1-0 defeat to Australia. 

We’ll be bringing you all the build up and live updates!

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