Tottenham Women star Shelina Zadorsky maintains unbeaten Women’s World Cup start with Canada
Tottenham Women defender Shelina Zadorsky came on as a substitute during Canada’s 2-1 win over Ireland on Wednesday 26 July.
Canada moved one step closer to the Women’s World Cup knockout stages after their victory over Ireland in Group B, which in turn knocked the European debutants out of the competition.
Although Zadorsky did not start the match in Perth, an injury at half-time meant she was required to come on and play the entire second half.
Kadieisha Buchanan was the player who needed replacing and the score was level at 1-1 when she made way for Zadorsky.
It was the Spurs star’s first appearance at the tournament after she was an unused substitute during her nation’s opening match with Nigeria, which ended in a stalemate.
And she helped her side to an important three points. As per Sofascore, the 30-year-old was an important presence at the back making one tackle, blocking one shot, winning her one ground duel and registering a 76 per cent successful passing accuracy.
Considering Zadorsky wouldn’t have expected to make such an important appearance down under, it is an impressive performance under the circumstances.
The Irish had taken the lead through captain Katie McCabe as she scored directly from a corner in the fourth minute to net the country’s first-ever Women’s World Cup goal.
Late in the first-half Canada equalised through Julia Grosso when her cross deflected off of defender Megan Connolly and found the bottom corner.
And the Olympic champions would score the eventual winner eight minutes into the second half when Adriana Leon poked them ahead.
The win leaves Canada second in Group B on four points and takes them one step closer to the last 16 of the tournament. Nigeria’s shock win against Australia on Thursday 27 July means Canada will qualify provided they avoid defeat against the host nation when they meet on Monday 31 July.
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