Ireland's O'Sullivan Declared Ready for World Cup Showdown Against Australia

 

Ireland midfielder Denise O'Sullivan will be fit to start Ireland's opening match in Group B of the Women's World Cup against Australia in Sydney on Thursday, according to coach Vera Pauw's statement to reporters.

During a closed-door friendly with Colombia in Brisbane last Thursday, O'Sullivan sustained an injury, leading Pauw to take her players off the field and cancel the match due to what the Football Association of Ireland described as "overly physical" play from the Colombian team.

Thankfully, a scan showed no fractures in O'Sullivan's shin, and Pauw confirmed that she has fully recovered and is ready to participate as Ireland enters their first game of the major tournament.

"Denise is in good shape and ready to play... She trained yesterday, and after a full session today, she will be able to play tomorrow," Pauw informed reporters on Wednesday.

Ireland will face the co-hosts in a sold-out opener before taking on Canada and Nigeria in subsequent matches.