Denise O'Sullivan: 'I love my country and playing for this team'

The Cork native won her 100th cap for Ireland as Vera Pauw's side proved a point against the World Champions on Saturday.

SPECIAL NIGHT: Republic of Ireland captain Denise O'Sullivan is presented with a bouquet of flowers and a gold cap in recognition of earning her 100th cap before the women's international friendly match between USA and Republic of Ireland at the Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

With a golden cap tucked in her backpack, Denise O’Sullivan made her exit from Q2 Stadium on Saturday evening insisting that her 100th international appearance was an occasion which showed just how far Ireland have come.

The Cork midfielder captained the visitors in their 2-0 defeat against the reigning World Cup holders in Austin and while she was left frustrated with the scoreline, the nature of the performance provided no little comfort. Vera Pauw’s side provided a much sterner test for the world’s no.1 ranked team than previous versions of Ireland.