Ireland ‘feared for their bodies’ in pre-WWC friendly – boss

Republic of Ireland manager Vera Pauw has said her players “feared for their bodies” during a Women’s World Cup warm-up match with Colombia that was called off after 20 minutes following a series of robust challenges.

The Irish Football Association confirmed midfielder Denise O’Sullivan was taken to hospital for treatment on a shin injury during the friendly at Meakin Park in Brisbane, Australia, but was found not to have suffered a fracture and could still play for Ireland at the tournament.

– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)

“We do not fear any physical contact, you know that, we are ourselves a team, that within the rules of the game, we are a very tough-playing team,” Pauw told Irish radio show Off The Ball.

“The players, [for] the first time since I am coaching them, they feared, they feared for their bodies.”

The match was Ireland’s final warm-up match ahead of their World Cup opener against Australia on July 20.

The Colombian FA also released a statement that said the Irish team “preferred not to continue” and added “we follow the rules of fair play.”

“It was something I had never experienced before in my 47 years being involved in football, not as a player, not as a coach,” Pauw added to Sky Sports. “It started lively, a good game,…