IRELAND’S training game against Colombia today was abandoned after 20 minutes – as Denise O’Sullivan was taken to hospital.
The Girls in Green faced the South Americans in a final World Cup tune-up game at their Meakin Park training base in Brisbane.
Denise O’Sullivan warming up prior to the match kicking offSportsfile
Captain Katie McCabe looking on at Meakin ParkSportsfile
Vera Pauw is now set to hold a press conference tomorrow which had not previously been plannedSportsfile
Midfielder Sinead Farrelly during the match itselfSportsfile
But the game was abandoned early after Irish ace O’Sullivan was carried off on a stretcher with an injured shin.
It is not yet known if it is a serious injury, but the North Carolina player was was taken straight to hospital for a scan.
After she was taken off, the Ireland team jointly decided against continuing the game after consulting with match officials.
The game was played behind closed doors.
Media had been told on Wednesday they could attend only for that allowance to be withdrawn at the last minute at the request of Colombia.
Ireland then remained on the pitch and put on a training session instead with a view towards next week’s World Cup opener with Australia.
There were some “over physical” challenges before O’Sullivan’s injury, with Colombia picking up two yellow cards – one for the challenge on O’Sullivan – in the opening 19 minutes.
The FAI swiftly released a statement on the sudden conclusion.
It read: “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.
“The Ireland team then underwent a full training session to continue preparations for their opening game in FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, against Australia in Sydney on July 20.”
INJURY SCARE
Vera Pauw has not been without her fair share of injury scares as the start of the World Cup closes in.
Last week, the Tallaght Tigers played their final home game before the tournament against France.
The result – a 3-0 defeat – came secondary to the sight of captain Katie McCabe being forced off with an apparent ankle injury in the first-half.
Fortunately, the Arsenal star quickly made a full recovery.
She has even been a full participant in training every day since they touched down in Oz on Sunday.
Wednesday saw Pauw deliver a very encouraging update on the left-back’s status.
She said: “There are no worries at all. She did the last training session.
“Yesterday (Tuesday) we had a pool session which is also part of our jet lag protocol. It is all planned.
“The day before we played on 11 aside on a very small pitch and she went in full power, full blocks, full sprints so there is no issue with her.”