Canada vs Republic of Ireland Prediction, Women’s World Cup Odds

Edgar Chaput
July 25, 2023

The Canadian national team needs points and needs them badly. After being held 0-0 by Nigeria in the opening match of Group B, Beverly Priestman’s ensemble could seriously use all the spoils of war against a sneaky-good Irish side. The latter fell to co-hosts Australia 1-0 in their opening salvo.

The World Cup odds favour Canada, who are perched as -164 favourites to the Republic of Ireland +460 status. A draw is pegged at +255.

Canada -139
Draw +215
Republic Of Ireland +460

Canada vs Republic of Ireland Betting Analysis

After some potentially disastrous rumours regarding Jessie Fleming’s availability for Wednesday’s match, it’s being reported that the Chelsea midfielder trained well on Monday and could very well suit for the next match.

Historically, Canada is 3-1-3 in its second group stage matches. The only time they ever lost was way back in 1999 when Norway pounced all over them 7-1, but it was a very different football program back then. Incidentally, four years ago they defeated New Zealand, one of this year’s co-hosts.

Their European opponents, the Girls in Green, are making their first World Cup appearance. As debutants, they defended honourably against co-hosts Australia. A look at recent results suggests a team that can carry itself around, even if they aren’t on the level with some of the world’s great footballing nations. This year alone, in preparation for the tournament, they played a 0-0 draw with China and defeated Zambia 3-2, two countries participating in other groups. They fell to the usual suspects United States and France.

Canada

The bigger the moment, the more memorable the flop. Unfortunately, Canadian hearts cracked a little when the sport’s greatest scorer Christine Sinclair botched a penalty in the second half against Nigeria.

The overall performance wasn’t bad, but it’s difficult to argue that it truly merited three points. “Respect” was a big motto for the Canadians as they arrived in Australia for their World Cup journey and, after one game, they don’t look like the most serious threat. On the flip side, many teams in the past – particularly in the men’s game – have floundered in the opening match, only to rebound and have brilliant tournaments, so all is not lost. Adriana Leon did in fact start the game but was largely ineffective. The team needs more bite. It’s fun to think that Canada’s reputation is being nice and polite, but this is not the time for benevolence

Republic of Ireland

From a draw that disappointed (CANWNT’s) to a loss that probably didn’t hurt too much. It isn’t that Australia is a football powerhouse in the world, but the Irish had never set foot on the world stage like this, so putting in the performance that they did was commendable.

On the topic of hurting, look no further than fullback Louise Quinn, who ended the game with a black eye and walking boot. The Irish didn’t possess the ball much (37 per cent) and only mustered a single shot on target, but they defended with their lives. It was a big moment and the majority of the crowd was not on their side. The black mark on the day was the penalty conceded to the Matildas’ Steph Catley in the 52nd minute. The one thing Canada needs to be mindful of with teams that defend a lot is the counter-attack. Katie McCabe, Heather Payne, and Kyra Carusa are but some of the players who could punish the Canadians if the latter are not careful.