O'Sullivan feared World Cup dream was over after Bedoya tackle

A fracture would’ve fractured her body and soul but thankfully the South American missed by inches the ankle bone and the impact on her shin was cushioned by the pad.

FEARED SERIOUS INJURY: Denise O’Sullivan admitted she feared her Women’s World Cup was over before it started when Lorena Bedoya implanted studs into her shinbone. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Denise O’Sullivan admitted she feared her Women’s World Cup was over before it started when Lorena Bedoya implanted studs into her shinbone.

Concern for the Cork woman’s availability spiked when she was hospitalised due to the Colombian’s vicious tackle during what was designed as an uncapped training workout six days before Ireland were to face co-hosts Australia in their opener.