The 2023 Women’s World Cup is in full swing, and these daily files will give you the latest reporting from around the tournament as well as betting lines, what-to-watch-for information and best reads. Check in with ESPN throughout the tournament as we bring you the latest from Australia and New Zealand.
The lead: Canada fight back against Ireland
PERTH, Australia — An early moment of magic and an inspired performance from Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe wasn’t enough to earn her nation’s first point at a Women’s World Cup, as Olympic champions Canada proved too strong for the tournament newcomers, winning 2-1 in an enthralling Group B contest.
Ireland nearly found an opener inside three minutes when Kyra Carusa fired in a low shot, only for Canada goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan to parry it around the post. With rain pouring down, McCabe then etched her name into Irish folklore, fizzing the ball around Sheridan’s outstretched arms and into the back of the net for one of the great women’s World Cup goals.
It was a horror start for Canada coach Beverly Priestman, who had raised eyebrows by dropping 40-year-old record goal scorer…
