VIDEO: USA star Wambach scores after Irish defender smashed in face

Showing the ruthlessness that makes her the cornerstone of the US Women’s soccer team, Abby Wambach buried a goal in the net despite an Irish defender on the ground after taking a ferocious hit in the face.

It was the first goal in the friendly between the Republic of Ireland and the US in San Jose on Sunday.

Ireland were defending a corner when Méabh De Búrca was hit hard in the face by the ball.

If you cannot see the embedded Facebook post check it out here.

Goalkeeper Niamh Reid-Burke went to De Búrca’s assistance, and Wambach took the chance to roll the ball into the unguarded net.

Wambach was right to play to the whistle, although you could argue the referee should have blown when an Irish player was on the ground with a possible head injury.

No serious harm done, De Búrca tweeted today to say she was fine.

Thanks for the tweets, my head is fine now! ⚽️✌️https://t.co/9gmaFOcWX6

— Méabh De Búrca (@MeabhDeBurca) May 11, 2015

Ireland went on to lose 3-0 and will play Haiti at 1am (Irish time) On Thursday.