“They’re all little girls”
National player blasphemes after abandoning the game because of brutality
07/16/2023 3:13 p.m
Their players were “scared,” says Ireland’s national coach after the test match against Colombia was abandoned. The captain has to go to the hospital, it is unclear whether she can take part in the World Cup opener. But Germany’s group opponents show no remorse – on the contrary.
After the test match against Ireland was canceled due to excessive harshness, the Colombian footballers seem to have little understanding. Central defender Daniela Caracas made fun of the Irish in a video that was shared on social media. “They’re all little girls,” said the 26-year-old, who will meet Germany with her team at the World Cup, there: “One small foul and they’ll start complaining.”
The test match had already been canceled after 23 minutes on Friday. A representative of the Irish FA blamed the opponents’ “excessively physical play”. Ireland star Denise O’Sullivan has been taken to a hospital after suffering a severe blow to her shin. Although a fracture was ruled out there, the 29-year-old is still open to play against World Cup hosts Australia on Thursday.
The Colombian association commented on the case in a statement on its own website. Ireland’s decision to abandon the game is accepted, even though the Colombian team have been guided by the Laws of the Game, healthy competition and fair play throughout. Ireland coach Vera Pauw, on the other hand, said according to media reports that her players were “feared” for their physical integrity.
Trust in the referees
Colombia is a week away after the DFB team’s opening game against Morocco on Monday (10.30 a.m./ZDF) then the second preliminary round opponent on July 30th (11.30 a.m./ARD) in Sydney. The South Americans are considered their biggest rival in Group H, the South Korea (3 August/12 p.m./ZDF, as well as all in the ntv.de live ticker) completed.
National coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg had repeatedly warned against the Colombians’ physical style of play – most recently in the 2-3 defeat of the runners-up European champions against the equally robust World Cup outsiders Zambia in Fürth. But their players don’t want to be impressed by the tough style of play. “In such situations, we shouldn’t hold the ball for long, but play quickly with one or two contacts. That way we often avoid unnecessary duels. But of course we also have to fight back in direct duels,” said vice-captain Svenja Huth of “Bild”. -Newspaper.
Her teammate Lina Magull said with regard to the direct duel: “We’re not too worried. Everyone will be watching carefully – especially the referees, who can influence it and get a game under control.”