Emma Byrne
Former Ireland goalkeeper on ITV1

We are so proud of them. I think they did really well to nullify Australia's threats in behind.

I think they will be very, very happy with that.

They showed they can attack too.

Gilly Flaherty
Former England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

They will have been aware of it throughout the week.

I have trained with Heather and she's such a great character. The tears in her eyes when she pulls up in the warm-up is devastating but Ireland have a game to win.

BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

There is live commentary of this game on Radio 5 Sports Extra which you can listen to on this page.

The players are coming out on the pitch. Plenty of Irish fans in the stands to greet the girls in green.

Eniola Aluko
Former England forward on ITV1

It does have an affect. Since the last game it's been six days. The first two games after a game you have to get your recovery right.

You have to get that right and be ready for it today.

Rhia Chohan
BBC Sport in Perth

Lily and Bridie Watson say Ireland have brought the weather with them. They’re hopeful the Olympic champions will get a result tonight.

“Canada had first game nerves but we should hold them off and get a couple goals.”

Image source, BBC Sport

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI at Perth Rectangular Stadium

Image source, Claragh Connor

Plenty of the Irish squad's families have travelled to Australia for this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Claragh Connor's partner is Ciara Grant. They even play in the same club team at Hearts in Scotland and Connor admits the Irish international "is a much better player".

Grant, who took time away from football to qualify as a doctor and helped in her local hospital during the Covid pandemic, is "an exceptional individual in every sense".

Connor added: "A doctor at the World Cup, you never really think you are going to be putting those words together.

"It's a credit to her and shows her hard work. I'm so proud of her.

"The fact she has got her reward by coming here is incredible."

As for tonight's game with the Olympic champions? "There's nothing to lose and we have every chance," Connor said.

"Just go at them and I think we're going to get the win".

Image source, Claragh Connor

Canada right-back Jayde Riviere and left-winger Adriana Leon both ply their trade in the WSL with Manchester United, and will be looking to make big strides towards the knockout stage with victory over Republic of Ireland today.

Alongside in the starting XI is Chelsea midfielder Jessie Fleming and, in the absence of Christine Sinclair, Leon could be relied upon to provide the spark for the Olympic champions.

Ireland, on the other hand, are vying to remain in the competition, following their opening-day defeat to Australia.

Image source, Getty Images

Emma Byrne
Former Ireland goalkeeper on ITV1

I don't think it will affect the team too much because it's O'Gorman who comes in and has loads of experience.

She was playing when I was playing!

She is a bit more defensive and not get up the line as much as Heather Payne. Ireland are in good hands with Aine. It's not an awful thing to happen [to have her come in].

Republic of Ireland boss Vera Pauw to RTE Sport: "I'm so proud to see what the fans have done. Fantastic.

"I think the Irish are best at that [dealing with the rain].

"Lucy Quinn will give a little bit more power at the start of the game, driving us forward.

"It's a shame Fleming is fit... but we want to play the best."

The Republic of Ireland could become only the second European nation - after Scotland in 2019 - to lose their first two Women's World Cup games ever.

Rhia Chohan
BBC Sport in Perth

I've just made Lee and Karolina come up with with a forfeit for whoever's team loses today. Cooking for the week it is!

Image source, BBC Sport

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI in Perth

Heather Payne only trained lightly yesterday with a heavily strapped leg and, despite being named to start, it looks like she's in a bit of bother for the warm-up.

Aine O'Gorman has joined the warm-up with the rest of the starters as Payne retreats to the bench for treatment.

And we've just had confirmation that O'Gorman takes her place in the team.

It's hard to tell if it's the rain or there are a few tears, but Payne looks absolutely gutted. Who can blame her?

Eniola Aluko
Former England forward on ITV1

They have to take them [their chances].

We know what Katie McCabe can do. I don't think we've ever seen a Katie McCabe goal that's not [good].

If they get those chances today, they've got to take them against a very good defensive side.

Image source, Getty Images

Sounds like there could be a change in the Republic of Ireland line-up. Updates when we get it.

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI at Perth Rectangular Stadium

After an hour or two of dry weather, it's absolutely teeming it down as the teams warm-up.

You have to feel for the fans on nights like this, with the stands behind each goal uncovered and opened to the elements.

I don't think it'll dampen the spirits of the Irish fans too much, however.

Republic of Ireland

Image source, Getty Images

Republic of Ireland defender Diane Caldwell, speaking on ITV: "[The opening game was] a great occasion for us and the fans that night and unfortunately we couldn't get the points that we wanted.

"Everyone know that we are defensively strong and in this level it's about the final third and that's where we have to tweak.

"It is a really tough game. They are vastly experienced and they will have that tournament know-how. We have to be ready for that occasion."

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI at Perth Rectangular Stadium

Image source, Getty Images

Such has been the severity of the rain in Perth, covers were placed on the pitch to protect it from the onslaught.

The Irish team still took part in their stadium familiarisation session last night, and it looked like the green carpet was rolled out for them.

Interestingly, Canada chose not to do their session so will step foot inside the stadium for the first time today.

Despite the weather, neither Vera Pauw or Bev Priestman had any concerns yesterday. It's the same for both sides, after all.

Image source, Inpho

Rachel Brown-Finnis
Ex-England goalkeeper

I can understand why Ireland were cagey against Australia - it was their opening game of their first World Cup, and it was against the co-hosts - but they don't look like a side that is suddenly going to start getting lots of goals now.

Canada have got more quality, and they also really need a win here. I think they will get it too, although I can see Ireland scoring one and keeping it close.

Brown-Finnis' prediction: 2-1