Women's World Cup 2023: Leon's winner clinches Canada victory over Ireland

FINAL SCORE
Canada 2, Ireland 1

Canada clinched its first win of the 2023 Women's World Cup with a 2-1 comeback win over Ireland on Wednesday.

Ireland captain Katie McCabe opened the scoring early with a brilliant Olimpico goal from a corner in the fourth minute, stunning the Canadians.

Canada would settle in to the game midway through the opening half, dominating possession and controlling the pace of play. Their possession was rewarded with an equalizer in added time, when a Julia Grosso cross was deflected in by Irish defender Megan Connolly for an own goal.

Canada came roaring out for the second half with a flurry of substitutions, including veterans Christine Sinclair and Sophie Schmidt. Schmidt would prove especially decisive, setting up forward Adriana Leon for the go-ahead tally in the 53rd minute of play.

Bev Priestman's side managed the game efficiently from there on out, holding on to the ball and frustrating their desperate opponents. Sinclair and Co. squandered multiple chances to add to their lead, but the defence held firm and Canada walked away with all three points on the day.

Starting lineup

What group is Canada in?

The seventh-ranked Canadians are in Group B, and will face off against Nigeria (40), Ireland (22) and co-host Australia (10) in the group stages.

What Canadian players should I keep an eye on?

Head coach Bev Priestman has picked a squad with a mix of young talent and veteran pedigree, hoping it can cook up a deep run in Australia and New Zealand.

Midfielder Julia Grosso headlines a crop of youngsters eager to take the next step and cement themselves as the next stars of the Canadian national team.

Veteran leaders like Kadeisha Buchanan, Kayla Sheridan and Ashley Lawrence have seen plenty of success on the international stage, and will hope to guide their country to World Cup glory this summer.

And, of course, Canada can still count on the greatest women's soccer player of all-time, 40-year-old Christine Sinclair, for a timely goal here and there.

You can find the full roster here.