Ireland down but proud of another battling World Cup display

Katie McCabe’s opener had fans yearning for a knockout clash against England, but two Canadian goals either side of half-time descended them to the canvas. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Small margins and big hearts encapsulated the end of Ireland’s World Cup odyssey today in rainy Perth.

Katie McCabe’s opener, scored direct from a corner, had the 17,000 at the Rectangular Stadium and multiples watching near and far yearning for a knockout clash against England, but two Canadian goals either side of half-time descended them to the canvas.