Ireland-Colombia World Cup warm-up clash called off

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Ireland’s Denise O’Sullivan (L) was said to have been taken to hospital in their World Cup warm-up.
Ireland’s Denise O’Sullivan (L) was said to have been taken to hospital in their World Cup warm-up.

A friendly match, featuring Australia’s World Cup opponents Ireland against Colombia, has been abandoned after becoming “overly physical”.

The game in Brisbane, which was played behind closed doors on Friday, was called off after 20 minutes.

“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 Football Association of Ireland (FAI) said in a statement.

“The Ireland team then underwent a full training session to continue preparations for their opening game in FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.”

Irish media reported that midfielder Denise O’Sullivan was taken to hospital after suffering a shin injury during the match.

Ireland are playing in their first World Cup which is being co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia from July 20-August 20.

They begin their Group B campaign against Australia in Sydney on July 20 before facing Canada and Nigeria.

Reuters