Christine Sinclair returned to the starting lineup for Canada against Australia on Monday, but her time on the pitch only lasted 45 minutes in a blowout 4-0 loss.
Sinclair was among four starters subbed off by head coach Bev Priestman with Canada trailing 2-0 at halftime.
Cloe Lacasse replaced Sinclair, while Deanne Rose, Sophie Schmidt and Allysha Chapman replaced Jordyn Huitema, Jayde Riviere and Julia Grosso.
The changes failed to make a positive impact for Canada, with the team falling behind 3-0 on a Mary Fowler goal just under 15 minutes into the second half. Stephanie Catley added a fourth goal for Australia, converting a penalty in additional time.
Adriana Leon was replaced by Evelyne Viens on a concussion substitution later in the second half. Priestman used the team's final substitution in bringing on 18-year-old Olivia Smith in place of Quinn.
Canada came into the game likely needing at least a draw to advance to the Round of 16. With Nigeria and Ireland finishing 0-0. that statement held true.
Sinclair, international soccer’s all-time leading scorer, returned to the starting 11 after only playing half of Canada’s 2-1 win over Ireland. Canada head coach Bev Priestman confirmed at Sunday’s pre-match news conference that Sinclair would be available for the match.
Sinclair started in Canada’s group opener, a 0-0 draw against Nigeria, then went on as a substitute at halftime in Canada’s win over Ireland.
After having a penalty saved against Nigeria, Sinclair failed to become the first player to score in six World Cups in likely her final appearance at the tournament.
