The second game in Group B of the Women's World Cup groups stage was a 0-0 stalemate between reigning Olympic champions Canada and number 4oth ranked in the world Nigeria.
Canadian and the world's all-time top international goal scorer Cristine Sinclair stepped up to take a penalty in the 49th minute. Nigeria's Chiamaka Nnadozie pointed to where Sinclair was going to put the ball and guessed the right way to produce an acrobatic save to deny the Canadian player from the spot.
The game drama didn't end there, however, in the 6th minute of additional time, Nigeria's Deborah Abiodun received her marching orders from the referee after a lengthy VAR review highlighted a late and ugly tackle she made on Canada's Ashley Lawrence. Lawrence was lucky to walk away from the tackle injury free in this Women's World Cup group game.
Women's World Cup Groups
What does this means for Ireland in Group B?
Following Ireland's 1-0 defeat to Australia on Thursday, they sit bottom of Group B with zero points. Irish fans have no reason to get worried or upset about their country's positioning yet as the Girls in Green still have two more games to decide their final position in the Women's World Cup groups stage.
Group B as it stands is wide open with only three points separating group leaders Australia from bottom of the pack Ireland. The result between Nigeria and Canada on Friday could not have gone more in favour of the Irish women's team as the 0-0 draw between the reigning Olympic champions and 11-time African champions means Ireland only is one point away from claiming the second spot in the group.
At the end of the Women's World Cup Groups stage, the two teams that finish 1st and 2nd will progress into the round of 16 of the Women's World Cup.
| Group B - Current Standings |
| Teams | MP | W | D | L | GD | Points | |
| 1 | Australia | 1 | 1 | - | - | +1 | 3 |
| 2 | Canada | 1 | - | 1 | - | 0 | 1 |
| 3 | Nigeria | 1 | - | 1 | - | 0 | 1 |
| 4 | Rep. Ireland | 1 | - | - | 1 | -1 | 0 |
Who do the Ireland women's team play next?
Ireland will play reigning Olympic champions and 7th ranked in the world Canada next. The Girls in Green will be hoping to pounce on Canada following their impressive display against Australia and Canada's poor showing against Nigeria.
It won't be an easy task to beat the Canadians but one thing is for sure, Vera Pauw's side will come out prepared for battle and will fight till the end to try and finish the game with a positive result.
Women's World Cup Groups - Group B's next game
Rep. of Ireland v Canada
Wednesday, July 26th - Women's World Cup Groups game - Match 19
- Venue: Perth Rectangular Stadium, Perth
- Time: 1pm (Irish time)
- Where to watch: RTÉ2 & RTÉ Player
See Also: Watch: Stephen Byrne Vlogs Ireland's Opener V Australia
