Test game canceled early
Brutality of World Cup opponents surprised DFB women
07/15/2023 12:13 p.m
After 23 minutes, Ireland’s national football team asked the friendly against Colombia to be abandoned. The reason: excessive hardness. At the World Cup, the German women meet the South Americans. DFB star Lina Magull is surprised by the demolition, but not worried about the tournament.
The demolition of a test match by World Cup group opponents Colombia due to excessive harshness caused surprise among the German footballers. “It sounds a bit brutal at first,” said national player Lina Magull. She has never experienced “that a women’s game was canceled because the game was too rough”.
The game between Colombia and Ireland in preparation for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand (July 20 to August 20) was not continued after 23 minutes on Friday. A representative of the Irish FA blamed “excessively physical play” by the opponents. “The game became too physical and after consultation with the referees it was decided to end the game.”
The Colombian federation confirmed that the game had been stopped after 23 minutes at the request of the Irish team. Colombia, a statement said, adheres to principles such as the rules of the game, healthy competition and fair play and “respects” the decision. After the break-up, the Irish completed a training session, while the Colombians withdrew. The encounter had taken place in Brisbane behind closed doors.
With a view to the second World Cup group game on July 30th (11.30 a.m. CEST/ARD and in the live ticker at ntv.de) against Colombia, however, Magull was calm. Of course it’s about your own health when you play against the team. But: “We’re not too worried,” assured the 28-year-old: “Everyone will be watching carefully – especially the referees, who can influence it and get a game under control.”
Irish star Denise O’Sullivan was taken to a hospital after being hit to the shin in the game, but a fracture could at least be ruled out. “I hope the Irish player is doing well so far,” said Magull, who, along with several other team-mates, found out about the incident via social media. “You should always make sure that it stays within limits and doesn’t degenerate,” she emphasized.