A pre-World Cup friendly between Ireland and Colombia was abandoned after just 20 minutes due to what the Irish FA called “overly physical” play.
The behind-closed-doors game in Brisbane, Australia, may have been a costly one for Ireland: Star midfielder Denise O’Sullivan was taken to the hospital for a scan on her shin after a tackle from a Colombia player.
Ireland will now face a nervous wait over the 29-year-old’s status ahead of the country’s first women’s World Cup, which will kick off on Thursday against co-host Australia.
In a statement, the Irish FA said: “The behind-closed-doors game between the Ireland women’s national team and Colombia on Friday evening was ended after 20 minutes of play.
“The game, which was held in Meakin Park, Brisbane, became overly physical and it was decided, following consultation with the match officials, to end the game.”
Colombia, which will kick off its World Cup on July 24 against South Korea, disputed the Irish FA’s characterization of the friendly in a statement of its own.
“The Colombian Football Federation informs that the friendly match that was to take place as part of today’s training between the Colombia women’s national team and Ireland was suspended because the Irish national team preferred not to continue playing when 23 minutes of the first half had elapsed,” the statement said.
“Although all the processes and training of our teams are framed within the rules of the game, healthy competition and fair play, we respect the decision of our rival team.”
North Carolina Courage midfielder O’Sullivan has been capped 101 times for Ireland, scoring 19 goals.
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