Nathalie O'Brien joins exclusive club from the northside to play in a World Cup

THIS year two women from the northside of Cork city got the opportunity to play at a World Cup. 

Denise O'Sullivan and Nathalie O'Brien were former teammates at Wilton United and while they went on different pathways, it's no surprise that both got to play on the biggest world stage.

We know the achievements of O'Sullivan in Australia and now O'Brien has just returned from Brazil where she competed in the Deaf Futsal World Cup. 

She pulled on the green jersey with fellow Cork player, Rebekah Grant from Carrigaline.

"To play in a World Cup was a dream, and to play it in the beautiful footballing country of Brazil made it that extra special," said O'Brien.

Brazil was an unbelievable experience, it's a different world altogether and it was a huge eye-opener. 

"Futsal is really loved in Brazil, and the fact we got to go to Brazil to play in a tournament that is loved, we were welcomed with open arms by all the local people.

FOCUSED

"With matches and training on every day, we didn't get an opportunity to go sightseeing. But at least we got to sunbathe in the 38-degree weather," laughs O'Brien.

"I always come home from tournaments feeling proud that I got another opportunity to represent my country at a major tournament."

O'Brien and her teammates were in a really tough group but having drawn level with the eventual winners Japan, it has given the Irish girls a huge boost and confidence as they now plan for the Olympics early next year.

"In our group - we played Brazil, Argentina, England, Germany and Japan. We beat Argentina and drew with Japan, who went on to win the tournament. Our 1-1 result against Japan, where we equalized in the last 30 seconds will probably be one of our best results to date which we are proud of. 

We're also proud of the fact we beat Argentina, it was Ireland's first time beating a South American team.

"The standard was outstanding. We played against some of the best deaf athletes in the world, and for them to compliment us after games letting us know we were tough to play against, we are proud of that. 

"As Ireland is the only country not to have any futsal league, it was difficult getting oppositions to play against week-in, week-out to get some match practise in. 

"We feel things could have been a lot different if we had that preparation and competition prior to the tournament, however we are hoping to get some matches in over the next three months to bring the standard up, even more, to help us prepare for the Deaf Olympics being held in Turkey in March.

"All games were played indoor inside the Futsal courts, which was really tough as we had to play in 35-degree heat every day." 

They had great support, with her dad and partner Maggie over there. 

"They made the trip to Sao Paulo to support myself and the girls. I played in all six games, with a two-minute break in each half as Futsal is roll-on, roll-off. 

"It is 20 minutes a half, but some games would be on over 90 minutes with the stopping and starting system being used. 

"It was really difficult, but we managed to find our rhythm early on in the tournament to ensure we were all able to handle the heat and perform the best way we could. By the end of tournament, I was knackered!

"I thought it was a professional standard, as always at these major tournaments. 

"They're very strict. Some players would get pulled for random testing and hearing testing after games to make sure they met the criteria for hearing loss as some players have up to 60-70% hearing loss, so they make sure you meet that point to be qualified to participate. 

HISTORIC

"There were 26 countries overall who took part in this World Cup and we were happy with our performances and the experience we gained.

"Now we have a little break before our next focus is the Deaf Olympics in March which will be held in Turkey. 

"It will be Ireland's first time ever participating in Deaf Olympics for Futsal so it is something we are really looking forward to as it will be another opportunity of creating history.

"The highlight of Brazil for me was getting to play in proper old retro Futsal courts, what an experience that was. 

"And seeing my family at the games supporting me, it gave me a feeling of pride and one which I am always very proud of."