Ireland’s Friendly With Colombia Abandoned, O’Sullivan Hospitalized

A friendly game between Ireland and Colombia ahead of next week’s Women’s World Cup was abandoned after 20 minutes, with the Irish federation saying the game became “overly physical”.

Irish public service broadcaster RTE said midfielder Denise O’Sullivan was taken to hospital after she suffered a shin injury following a bad challenge during the friendly, which took place behind closed doors at Meakin Park in Brisbane.

The report said she would undergo a scan on her shin with team head coach Vera Pauw facing a nervous wait on the results, which are expected on Saturday, according to the British newspaper The Guardian.

“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 Irish federation said in a statement.

“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 20 July.”

The game was Ireland’s final before they begin their maiden World Cup campaign against co-hosts Australia in Sydney on July 20. They also face Nigeria and Olympic champions Canada in Group B at the tournament, which is being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

Irish media reported that two Colombia players received yellow cards during the friendly. Colombia are also participating in the World Cup, placed in Group H with Germany, South Korea and Morocco.

O’Sullivan Scare

O’Sullivan’s availability for Ireland’s World Cup opener is in doubt following her injury, which comes six days before the game.

Her absence could be a huge blow for Ireland, who are playing at the World Cup for the first time after six attempts.

O’Sullivan is one of Ireland’s best players, alongside captain and fellow midfielder Katie McCabe. Head coach Pauw has previously described the 29-year-old O’Sullivan as a complete player, capable of being the perfect playmaker.

O’Sullivan has been part of the Ireland team for more than a decade, having made 102 appearances and scored 18 goals.

At the club level, she plays for North Carolina Courage in the NWSL in the United States. She has helped the team win the NWSL Championship twice and the NWSL Shield three times. Previously, she played for Glasgow City, winning the Scottish domestic league three times.

Injuries Ahead Of World Cup

Several key players have been forced to skip this year’s World Cup due to injuries, including England captain Leah Williamson and Netherlands forward Vivianne Miedema.

Williamson and Miedema, along with Fran Kirby, Beth Mead (both England), Janine Beckie (Canada) and others have all been ruled out due to anterior cruciate ligament ruptures.

Reuters has reported that various studies suggest women are two to eight times more likely to suffer ACL injuries compared to men in the same sport and 25% less likely to return after recovery.