Denise O'Sullivan injury update: Colombia respond after game with Ireland abandoned

DENISE O’Sullivan's participation in Ireland’s World Cup opener against Australia is in doubt.

The 29-year-old was injured after an overly physical approach by Colombia forced manager Vera Pauw to abandon the unofficial friendly in Brisbane.

The workout – closed to fans and media – was designed to be a 90-minute exercise featuring two possible starting teams but there was nothing leisurely about the South Americans’ tactics from the outset.

A late tackle on Ireland’s midfield dynamo brought matters to a head, with Pauw consulting with officials and withdrawing her team from proceedings.

The Knocknaheeny native was brought to hospital for treatment on the shin injury, flanked by physio Angela Kenneally, with results of a scan set to determine her prognosis.

With just six days left before a full 81,500-Stadium Australia hosts the meeting between the co-hosts and the tournament debutants, the 102-times capped Cork native is considered a major doubt. Ireland then face Olympic champions Canada in Perth on July 31 and conclude five days later against Nigeria in Brisbane.

A FAI statement 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."

Colombia issued their own statement in response to the events: “the friendly match that was to take place as part of today's training between the Colombian Women's National Team and Ireland, was suspended because the Irish National Team, rival in the practice of this Friday, preferred not to continue playing when 23 minutes of the first half had already elapsed.

“Although all the processes and training of our national teams are framed in the rules of the game, healthy competition and FairPlay, among others, we respect the decision of our rival team.

“Colombia will return this Saturday to Sydney to continue with its preparation and before the debut in the orbital appointment, a second friendly training match is scheduled against its similar China.”

However, Colombia star Daniela Caracas has added insult to Denise O’Sullivan's injury by hitting out at the Republic of Ireland.

In a video captured on social media, Caracas described the Irish women as 'babies' in conversation with Colombian fans following the game.

“They are just girls," said the Espanyol star, "one little foul and they started complaining, they were having a chat amongst themselves to continue or not so we weren’t going to hang around waiting for them.”