July 17 – A women’s World Cup warm-up game at the weekend between the Republic of Ireland and Colombia was called after 20 minutes because of “overly physical” challenges.
Ireland midfielder Denise O’Sullivan was taken to hospital after injuring her shin and the decision was taken to abandon the indoor door game in Brisbane.
O’Sullivan’s injury came just six days before Vera Pauw’s team kick off their World Cup campaign against co-hosts Australia, the first time the Irish have qualified.
O’Sullivan, who plays club football for North Carolina Courage in the US, is one of the key players in Pauw’s team alongside Arsenal midfielder Katie McCabe.
A statement from the Football Association of Ireland 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.
“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.”
Meanwhile Spain captain Ivana Andres has apologised to the Maori people of joint hosts New Zealand for a video showing four members of her country’s World Cup squad mocking the traditional haka.
The video was posted shortly after the team’s arrival in New Zealand but was removed when experts of Maori culture and protocol condemned it as disrespectful.
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