The 43rd-ranked nation, Jamaica, have beaten expectations despite only scoring one goal in the group stage in their 1-0 win against Panama.
Coming into the tournament most pundits expected France and Brazil to escape group F, but the Reggae Girlz had other plans. Despite having over 70% of the ball, Brazil were not able to break down Jamaica’s mid-block defense, which meant Brazilian star forwards Marta & Debinha were unable to get many high-quality shots on target.
This is the first time the Caribbean nation has made it out of the group stage in a FIFA Women’s World Cup. For the Reggae Girlz, it has been an arduous process to even attend this year’s World Cup.
In June the players banded together to release a statement declaring their disappointment with the Jamaican Football Federation due to the lack of resources and contractually agreed upon compensation. Due to the subpar planning by the Jamaican Football Federation, the team missed out on competing in many official FIFA friendly matches prior to the tournament.
But now, after a historic World Cup, Rebecca Spencer and the rest of the Reggae Girlz are hoping that the successful campaign will put pressure on the Jamaican Football Federation to better support the team.
“Obviously we fight a battle constantly and for us as players, we kind of we put it to bed for the tournament because we know we’ve got a point to prove, and the better we do, the more pressure it creates,” said Spencer.
“We’ve heard that they’re looking at us and taking us seriously now, which they should have been doing.”
The Jamaican National team are using the fact that they have been underestimated to fuel their performances as the tournament has progressed, Spencer said that they feel that none of the other competitors in the tournament have been taking them seriously.
“I feel like we’ve been hugely underestimated,” said Spencer.
“Obviously, with the noise that was going on outside of us playing and the lack of matches that we had been in leading into the tournament. I don’t think anyone took us seriously but as a group, as players and staff, we know that we’ve got a lot of togetherness and a family feel within our group.
“We’re resilient and we have a point to prove. For months we’ve been saying it, we’re getting out of this group. Now we’ve proven just that and I’m just proud of everyone for sticking together and having that mentality and mindset.”
Back home in Jamaica Independence Day is coming up meaning that there will be a lot of celebration. Jamaican Head Coach Lorne Donaldson feels that the Reggae Girlz’ success will only add to the celebrations back home.
“Jamaicans love a reason to celebrate. They are going to celebrate like you’ve never seen [following the results] now going into independence day. It will be a celebration.
Jamaica will now face the winner of Group H in their round of 16 match-up. The Reggae Girlz will surely be hoping to keep the good times coming.
Featured Image Credit: Pokuah Frimpong
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