Ireland's preparations for their first ever World Cup got off to a bumpy start last week with a tumultuous friendly against Colombia.
The game was played behind closed doors, as the two teams looked to get game time into the legs of their full squads ahead of kick-off in the tournament on Thursday.
However, controversy was to arise, as the game was called off after just 20 minutes. In a statement, the FAI confirmed the game had been abandoned after it became "overly physical," and Vera Pauw went on to confirm the Colombian bench had scoffed at her when she suggested the two sides tone down the physicality of what was solely meant to be a warm-up game.
With Ireland star Denise O'Sullivan injured after a clumsy tackle in the early stages, their anger was understandable, but the Colombian side have not been the most understanding thus far.
Pauw was shocked to learn that Colombia's Daniela Paracas had angrily said "let them eat shit," when asked of Ireland's decision to demand an early end to the game, and Paracas' teammate Leicy Santos has now added her voice to those criticising the Irish demand to end the game early.
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Colombia midfielder reacts to controversy of Ireland game
Ireland and Colombia arranged a behind closed doors friendly for last Friday, as both teams prepare for the World Cup.
Tournament debutants Ireland have been placed in a "group of death" with hosts Australia, Olympic champions Canada, and African powerhouses Nigeria.
On the other hand, Colombia are appearing at their third World Cup, having reached the last 16 in 2015. They have been drawn in a group containing Germany, Morocco, and South Korea.
The game between Ireland and Colombia took a nasty turn with the injury of Denise O'Sullivan, and Vera Pauw and the Irish contingent have been adamant that they made the right call in curtailing the game.
Speaking to the media down under during the early hours of the Irish morning, Colombia's Leicy Santos slammed the decision.
As we slept, @Lucas_Cln was on-hand at Colombia's base camp for @StatsPerform to hear them claim Ireland showed a lack of respect by not completing the friendly. Full clip available here: https://t.co/4u5KegQ51L pic.twitter.com/qywT8SswGv
— Andrew Cunneen (@Cunneen92) July 18, 2023
Atletico Madrid star Santos said she could not understand why Ireland had requested an end to the game, and said that she felt it showed a lack of respect for the Colombian team:
Basically the whole team was in shock. We didn't understand what was going on. We felt it was super unfair and - extremely for me - disrespectful, that they had left the game.
Thankfully for Ireland, hopes are high that Denise O'Sullivan will be recovered in time to fight for a place in the starting lineup for the opening game against Australia, in spite of the injury sustained against Colombia.
Ireland face the hosts at 11am Irish time on Thursday morning, while Colombia get their tournament underway against South Korea on July 25.
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