Just like that, Ireland and their chances of advancing to the knockout rounds of the World Cup have gone up in smoke.
The start to the game against Canada could hardly have gone better, with Katie McCabe giving the team the lead inside the first five minutes. They dominated the game from that point, although they failed to find a second.
When they conceded that goal just before the interval, it felt like a huge blow. That proved to be the case, with the Canadians improving massively after the interval and quickly taking the lead.
Ireland could never quite find that level of performance that reached in the first half again from that point onwards, not really troubling the opposition goal in their search for an equaliser.
Unfortunately, this result eliminates them from contention for the knockout rounds with one fixture to spare.
ITV panel full of praise for Ireland despite World Cup exit
While Ireland will not have wanted their World Cup journey to end at this point, they can be massively proud of getting this far. A first ever appearance at the tournament is a remarkable achievement, especially when consider the way the women's game was treated in this country up until a few years ago.
The sport has made remarkable strides forward both on and off the pitch since then, something that will hopefully continue for many years to come.
It will be hoped that this tournament berth can bring the team to the next level, even if it has ended in a disappointing manner.
Speaking on ITV after the game, the panel of Emma Byrne, Eni Aluko, and Laura Woods summed up why Ireland should only go from strength to strength from this point.
Aluko: It's a real shame because I think Ireland have not played like debutants in this tournament. They've played with so much fight organization defensive structure.
It's a shame to see them go out...
Byrne: That's what it's all about, you know, qualifying for the World Cup. I'm just happy to see that players like Katie [McCabe], and there are more players in that team, can show how good they are on on in this platform. it's the first time we get to do that.
But it doesn't surprise me with those stats. I mean, you could see for yourself that Katie was driving the team. Towards the end there she was dribbling by herself, she was taking shots by herself.
I just think she did really well, but I think that the whole team in general played extremely well. The first half was so good from Ireland.
Aluko: I love the fact that that even Katie and her devastation, is talking about the future you know, she's talking about the future. Ireland now, in the way they've played, should always aim to get to these World Cups.
Brilliant performance and just didn't quite have it in the end. Lots of spirit to go forward with.
Woods: I think it's very important to highlight the fact that in terms of where Ireland have come from in the last five years and where they're heading to.
Five years ago, that was Ireland essentially saying that they are going to hang up their boots and they're not going to play and now they're in a World Cup. It's quite incredible.
Well said.
Ireland have made huge steps forward over the last number of years, something that will continue despite their exit from this tournament. All going well, they will get another opportunity to prove themselves on this stage in four years time.
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