Conceding an early goal against Ireland on Wednesday, Olympic champion Canada was in trouble in its second game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Canada recovered. Adriana Leon scored the decisive goal early in the second half to complete a come-from-behind 2-1 win that moved her country to the top of Group B and within sight of the round of 16.
Ireland, in its debut at the World Cup, was eliminated after back-to-back losses. The Irish lost to co-host Australia 1-0 in their opening match.
Canada plays co-host Australia in Melbourne on Monday, while Ireland and Nigeria meet in Brisbane.
Japan beat Costa Rica
Two goals in two first-half minutes gave Japan a 2-0 win over Costa Rica at Dunedin Stadium on Wednesday to all but secure the 2011 champions a spot in the knockout rounds
Spain cruise into World Cup knockouts
Spain consolidated its position as pre-tournament favourites when the Spanish became one of the first teams to seal qualification for knockouts stages with a 5-0 win over debutants Zambia in their Group C encounter on Wednesday.