Ireland’s ‘overly physical’ Women’s World Cup warm-up against Colombia abandoned

By Sports Desk July 14, 2023

The Republic of Ireland’s behind-closed-doors match against Colombia ahead of the Women’s World Cup was abandoned after 20 minutes after becoming “overly physical”.

The PA news agency understands the decision was made following some rough challenges in Friday’s contest at Brisbane’s Meakin Park, and that Ireland midfielder Denise O’Sullivan was taken to hospital and is set to undergo a scan after sustaining a shin injury.

A statement from the Football Association of Ireland 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.”

Vera Pauw’s Ireland team are also set to face Canada in Perth on July 26 and then Nigeria in Brisbane five days later, as the Girls in Green play at a major tournament finals for the first time in their history.

Related items

  • Babar relieved after Fakhar and Rizwan guide Pakistan past Ireland Babar relieved after Fakhar and Rizwan guide Pakistan past Ireland

    Babar Azam was left relieved after Pakistan made light work of chasing 194 to keep their T20I series with Ireland alive and take it to a winner-takes-all-decider.

    Andy Balbirnie's 77 helped Ireland to their first victory over Pakistan in this format on Friday, but Babar's side responded in style on Sunday with their own seven-wicket triumph.

    Lorcan Tucker's 51 powered Ireland to an impressive 193-7 in Dublin as Shaheen Shah Afridi registered figures of 3-49 and Abbas Afridi managed 2-33.

    Yet that total was far from imposing as Pakistan chased the target down with 19 balls to spare thanks to a remarkable partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman.

    The pair combined for a 140-run stand off only 78 balls for the third wicket as Fakhar smashed 78 from 40, while Rizwan was unbeaten on 75 after facing just 46.

    "I'm relieved, credit to all batters," Babar said after the win. "We lost a few wickets early on but we kept the momentum going.

    "Fakhar is very experienced and played according to situation which demanded positive intent. It's a good side, we got positives in this match and will look to give 100 per cent in the next match."

    Rizwan added: "They played really well against us. It was not an easy chase because the Ireland bowlers knew their conditions better.

    "They gave us a difficult time early on, but we decided that chasing 194, we have to attack. You're always under pressure when you lose especially with World Cup around the corner."

    The two sides will meet again in Dublin on Tuesday to settle the three-match T20I series.

  • Arteta hails 'phenomenal' Arsenal drive to take Man City all the way Arteta hails 'phenomenal' Arsenal drive to take Man City all the way

    Mikel Arteta hailed the "phenomenal" drive shown by his Arsenal side to push Manchester City all the way in the Premier League title race.

    The Gunners moved one point clear of City at the Premier League summit on Sunday with a 1-0 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

    City have a chance to restore their advantage when they travel to Arsenal's fierce rivals Tottenham on Tuesday, before then hosting West Ham.

    Regardless of what happens in midweek, Arsenal will go into their final game of the campaign at home to Everton with the title battle still alive.

    Speaking to BBC Sport after his side's latest win, Arteta said: "It is a phenomenal thing they are doing."

    However, Arteta was not entirely pleased with the manner of his side's slender victory, even if they were good value for the win overall.

    "We weren't composed, clean enough, consistent enough and were unable to do the simple things right," he said. "That doesn't give you control. 

    "Some of the players have not been in this position; they don't know what is at stake and how you feel emotionally to have to win and win and win from December or January."

    Arsenal's win was just their second in 17 Premier League trips to Old Trafford, most recently coming out on top in November 2020.

    Lenadro Trossard scored what proved to be the winner with 20 minutes played, tapping in from close range after being set up by Kai Havertz.

    "We needed a result today in a really difficult place," Arteta added. "Our history was not in favour of a result today.

    "There was so much at stake and we're happy with the result. We started the game really well and were dominant. 

    "We scored the goal and I think the goal led to slightly bad things because we started to play too safe, too sideways, too backwards with not enough structure.

    "We started to give the ball away in good areas and that is a danger against them. But we defended well and didn't concede too much."

    Arsenal now find themselves cheering on Tottenham against City, knowing that anything other than a win for Pep Guardiola's men will leave their title fate in their own hands.

    Asked if he will be watching that game, Arteta said: "We will be sat watching and it’s true we need the result in order to achieve [the title]. In football there are always possibilities."

  • Tuchel skips goodbye from fans after final Bayern home game Tuchel skips goodbye from fans after final Bayern home game

    Departing Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel opted on Sunday to quietly slip into the changing rooms instead of joining his players to celebrate after the Bavarians beat Wolfsburg 2-0.

    Tuchel will be leaving at the end of the season – a year earlier than his contract ends – following a disappointing campaign with no silverware.

    The win came four days after Bayern's Champions League semi-final exit to Real Madrid confirmed their first season without a trophy in over a decade.

    "These are the moments for the players," he said when asked why he did not join his squad who went in front of the Bayern ultras after their final home game of the season.

    "I don't want to be in the spotlight there. That's for the team. I know that the cameras are there.

    "I prefer to go in [to the changing rooms]. It is about the team. The fans are there for the team. They need to be celebrated."

    There has been little to celebrate for Tuchel in his 14 months in charge, with Bayern having managed to win only the Bundesliga title last season after Borussia Dortmund slipped up on the final matchday.

    He said he did not yet know what he would take away from his time at Bayern, who missed out on Bundesliga glory to Bayer Leverkusen this term.

    "Last home game and what remains I don't really know," he said. "It will take some time to see what is left.

    "It is a privilege to coach at this level. I came to win as many titles as possible. We did not succeed in that."

© 2023 SportsMaxTV All Rights Reserved.