The Republic of Ireland’s behind-closed-doors match against Colombia ahead of the Women’s was abandoned after 20 minutes because game became ‘overly physical’.
The decision was made following some rough challenges in Friday’s contest at Brisbane’s Meakin Park, and that Ireland midfielder Denise O’Sullivan was taken to hospital and is set to undergo a scan after sustaining a shin injury.
A statement from the 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.”
Vera Pauw’s Ireland team are also set to face Canada in Perth on July 26 and then Nigeria in Brisbane five days later, as the Girls in Green play at a major tournament finals for the first time in their history.
A Mary Fowler goal, meanwhile, gave Australia a 1-0 win against France in front of a record crowd in Melbourne on Friday as the home side enjoyed a timely shot of confidence six days out from co-hosting the Women’s World Cup.
France’s loss in the friendly at Docklands stadium came with a sting in the tail, however, with winger Selma Bacha rolling her left ankle in stoppage time and carried off on a stretcher.
Fowler’s composed 66th-minute strike in front of 50,629 fans at Docklands stadium settled the Matildas’ nerves after captain Sam Kerr and strike partner Caitlin Foord were subbed off near the hour-mark after a fruitless hour in front of goal.
The crowd was an Australian record for a women’s soccer match, smashing the previous best of 36,109 in 2021, when the Matildas hosted the United States in Sydney.
‘This was good for the momentum, especially the momentum for the country,’ Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson told reporters.
‘It’s going to be electric in the opening game.’
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