The Republic of Ireland have seen their final World Cup warmup game against Colombia abandoned in controversial circumstances this afternoon.
Taking place behind closed doors in Brisbane, this was the team's final opportunity to get up to speed ahead of their tournament opener against Australia on Thursday. However, the Irish management team opted to halt the game with only 20 minutes played after it became 'overly physical'.
In fact, Ireland star Denise O'Sullivan would be taken to hospital as a result of a shin injury picked up after a tackle from an opponent. This was the final straw for the Irish camp, with the Colombians having already picked up two yellow cards up to that point in the fixture.
In a statement, the FAI confirmed that the decision was taken alongside the officials to end the fixture prematurely.
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.
Ireland will now be sweating on the fitness of O'Sullivan, who is one of the key players in the team. The midfielder was a certainty to start the tournament opener against Australia next week, although that could now be in doubt.
Vera Pauw and her coaching staff will be hoping that the issue does not prove to be a serious one.
This was Ireland's third and final warmup game ahead of the tournament, having also hosted Zambia and France in Dublin in recent weeks. Katie MccAbe was forced off with an injury in the game against the French, although she has since fully recovered after rolling her ankle.
Ireland will face Australia on July 20th, before other group games against Canada and Nigeria on July 26th and 31st respectively.
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