Katie McCabe scored direct from a corner in the fourth minute, much to the delight of the 17,065 fans, most of whom were loudly cheering for Ireland despite the rain, but it was not enough as Canada fought back to win 2-1.
Manchester United forward Adriana Leon scored the winner in the victory that ended Ireland’s hopes of making it past the group stage in their debut World Cup.
The pressure was on Olympic champions Canada after being held to a goalless draw against Nigeria but they fought back in Perth after the worst start possible.
Canada clawed back through an own goal from Megan Connolly just before half-time before Leon provided the winner in the 53rd minute.
Canada moved top of Group B with four points, ahead of Australia’s clash with Nigeria in Brisbane on Thursday.
They received a boost with Chelsea midfielder Jessie Fleming returning from a calf injury and she took the captain’s armband from Christine Sinclair, who only started on the bench.
Evelyne Viens was preferred in attack after sparking Canada as a substitute against Nigeria.
Ireland were forced into a late change when Florida State forward Heather Payne suffered a hamstring injury during the warm-up and was replaced by Aine O’Gorman.
With their tournament hopes on the line, an aggressive Ireland ran Canada ragged in a spirited start.
They had goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan scrambling in the third minute when a cross from Lucy Quinn was almost met by Kyra Carusa.
