Katie McCabe was once again the star performer for Ireland on Wednesday, as they suffered a bitterly disappointing defeat to Canada which confirmed their imminent World Cup exit.
McCabe scored Ireland's opener in typically stylish fashion, whipping the ball in directly past the keeper for her country's first ever goal at a major tournament.
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It was not to be enough, however, as goals either side of half-time gave Canada a narrow and deserved 2-1 victory, and sealed Ireland's World Cup fate. They are now merely playing for pride on Monday against Nigeria, but will feel that they deserved more from their performances thus far in the tournament.
There was palpable emotion on the field at full-time, as Ireland lamented their failure to get the result over the line and, alongside the tears and disappointment, there was frustration as well - frustration which earned McCabe a yellow card after the final whistle.
Katie McCabe complained to referee over Canadian time-wasting
Katie McCabe had already spoken of her pride for this Irish team in her post-match interview with RTÉ, and it was reflected in the nation's pride in her after a truly remarkable performance.
The first-half goal was not the only high point of McCabe's evening in Perth, as she ran the show for Ireland going forward, constantly striking fear into the Canadian defence, while also contributing at the back.
26 July 2023; Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe after her side's defeat in the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Group B match between Republic of Ireland and Canada at Perth Rectangular Stadium in Perth, Australia. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
By the closing stages, however, Canada were comfortably on top, and showed their experience in using somewhat cynical tactics to see out the closing stages of the game.
Speaking to the media in Perth at full-time, McCabe said that she had been frustrated with Canada's time-wasting, and had told match referee Laura Fortunato that she had "no control of the game" - earning her a booking:
I just told the ref that she had no control of the game and that Canada were taking something out of her. We were getting ushered along in the first half - Courtney [Brosnan], myself on the sidelines and the referee did absolutely nothing about it in the second half.
I would love to know how much time was wasted in the second half, but I don’t want to say too much about it because I will start to sound bitter.
I just felt that I had to say something to her. I didn’t say anything bad, I didn’t swear at her, I just told her I felt that she had no control.
Sure, they brought a stretcher on for cramp, it was mad. But can’t say too much because I will get fined.
Katie McCabe will captain Ireland in their final game of the World Cup against Nigeria on Monday. Kick-off in Brisbane is at 11am Irish time.
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