Ireland’s final World Cup warmup game has been abandoned after just 20 minutes following a bad challenge on midfielder Denise O’Sullivan.

The team was playing Colombia in a behind-closed-doors friendly in Brisbane as part of their final preparations for next Thursday’s world Cup opener.

Midfielder Denise O’Sullivan was stretchered off the field after less than a quarter of the match had been played and has been taken to hospital with an injured shin.

Ireland coaches then consulted with match officials before asking for the match to be abandoned.

In a statement, the FAI said the match “became overly physical and it was decided, following consultation with the match officials, to end the game”.

It remains unclear how serious the injury to O’Sullivan is.

Manager Vera Pauw is expected to give an update later today.

Ireland are due to kick off their World Cup campaign with the tournament opener against the hosts Australia.

Main image shows Denise O'Sullivan during a Republic of Ireland training session at Meakin Park in Brisbane, Australia, 13-07-2023. Image: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile