Jamaica books improbable place in Women's World Cup Round of 16
CBC
Jamaica held Brazil to a 0-0 draw Wednesday and advanced to the Round of 16 of the Women's World Cup for the first time.
After conceding 12 goals in its Women's World Cup debut in 1999, Jamaica shut out France, Panama and Brazil in consecutive games to book an improbable place in the tournament's knockout stage.
It's the first time since 1995 that Brazil has failed to advance out of the group stage.
In addition to being ranked well below both Brazil and France, Jamaica progressed despite the financial struggles it faced before the tournament.
These difficulties resulted in Jamaica receiving support from fans through crowdfunding due to inadequate support from its federation. Nearly $100,000 US was raised for the team through two fundraisers.
With Marta starting the match for the first time in the group stage, Brazil maintained possession for most of the first half but struggled to test Jamaica goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer.
The second half saw Brazil lift the tempo as the team chased the goal needed to advance. Brazil recorded six shots on target but struggled to threaten Jamaica's goal as Jamaica's organized defence stifled the team throughout the game.
A free kick from Andressa and a header from Debinha in stoppage time represented Brazil's closest chance of scoring the winning goal.
With the draw, the Reggae Girlz advance to the Round of 16 in their second Women's World Cup. The team made its debut in 2019 but lost all three group-stage matches, including a 3-0 loss to Brazil. This time, Jamaica finishes unbeaten in Group F.
"It's the best feeling I've ever had in my life. To be able to do this is unbelievable to just watch it, while I'm alive. I thank the girls for doing this for the country. The country should be proud." said Jamaica coach Lorne Donaldson.
Brazil's loss means it is eliminated from the Women's World Cup in the group stage for the first time since 1995. With the exit from the tournament, Marta has played her final World Cup match after announcing her plan to retire prior to the tournament. She bids farewell to the game's biggest stage as the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 17 goals.
Jamaica advances to play the winner of Group H next week in Adelaide, South Australia. Brazil's tournament comes to a disappointing end.
Player of the match Hildah Magaia called the moment "life-changing." Coach Desiree Ellis flagged something deeper, though, after South Africa beat Italy 3-2 to qualify for the Round of 16 for the first time.
South Africa had to beat eighth-ranked Italy to progress. A draw would have been enough to take Italy through. And in a turbulent final 20 minutes, both teams stood on the brink of qualifying.
