World Cup heartbreak for United's Canadian stars
The 2023 Women's World Cup journey has come to an end for Manchester United's Adriana Leon and Jayde Riviere.
Our Reds both featured in Canada's 4-0 defeat to co-hosts Australia earlier, a result which ultimately saw their nation eliminated at the group stage.
The loss saw them leapfrogged by their victorious opponents, while a point for Nigeria in Group B's other fixture against the Republic of Ireland saw them take the other available route from Group B into the last 16, ahead of Canada who dropped down to third position.
Leon and Riviere were both named in head coach Bev Priestman's starting XI for the third game out of three, going on to play 64 and 45 minutes respectively against Australia.
The former left the pitch in the second half after appearing to have picked up an injury, while trying her best to make something happen for Canada.
Our Reds efforts on the evening were unfortunately in vain however, as the co-hosts ran away with what turned out to be a comfortable victory, booking their place in the knockout stages.
Canada trailed 2-0 at half-time, following a brace in the first 45 minutes from former Manchester City forward Hayley Raso. That advantage was doubled in the second half after a goal from current City representative Mary Fowler and a penalty converted by Arsenal's Steph Catley.
Despite the Canadian team picking up four points from their opening two matches, following an opening-game draw with Nigeria and a victory over the Republic of Ireland in which Leon scored the winner, our players are set to depart the tournament after a dramatic final round of Group B fixtures.
Commiserations to both Adriana and Jayde - you've done us all incredibly proud this summer.
Let's go, Vilde!
ArticleIt's been a successful Sunday at the Women's World Cup for United midfielder Vilde Boe Risa.
UNITED AT THE WOMEN'S WORLD CUP
Our English Reds are set to be the next in action, when the Lionesses face China in their matchday-three fixture on Tuesday (12:00 BST). Mary Earps, Ella Toone and Katie Zelem know at least a point will secure their progression to the last 16 as Group D winners.
Later in the week, the knockouts begin, with United midfielder Vilde Boe Risa in contention to feature for Norway, after they progressed on Sunday. Our no.8's nation will play Group C winners Japan on Saturday (09:00 BST), after the latter secured their place at the summit of that group with an eye-catching 4-0 win over Spain earlier today.