AUSTRALIA – The Jamaican Women’s National Team made history at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Wednesday evening at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Melbourne, Australia, drawing 0-0 against Brazil in Group F.
This is a historical result, as it makes Jamaica the first Caribbean nation to qualify for a Women’s World Cup knockout round after they finished second in their group and advanced for the first time ever to the Round of 16.
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Both teams knew what was online for them. Jamaica required at minimum a draw to advance, while Brazil needed a win.
Jamaica captain Khadija Shaw returned after being out for the past game due to suspension and she and the rest of the Reggae Girlz wanted to keep their tally going of a third straight result.
Brazil tried to attack from the beginning, however, the defensive line of Jamaica was on point, blocking almost every shot that came toward GK Rebecca Spencer. Jamaica’s shot-stopper also made a pair of big first half saves to keep things level.
Legendary Brazil captain Marta was at her finest as well, orchestrating her team’s chances and creating spaces to find a goal, however, the attacking line of Jamaica also made themselves present, with Shaw the most dangerous one going forward and her first good look at goal coming in the 50’.
Shaw got another chance again in the 82’, when Spencer threw the ball to the Brazil half, Shaw finding it, controlling the ball and shooting, but the ball sailed over the crossbar.
Even though Brazil had more control of the ball in the game, Jamaica proved why they haven’t conceded a goal so far in this Women’s World Cup, with Spencer being the most important player of the match for the Reggae Girlz.
Spencer denied Brazil one final time in second half stoppage time when she controlled a header from a few yards out to nail down yet another clean sheet result and a history-making qualification for the Round of 16.
