To add to the pain for Norris, the Briton finished under investigation for a procedural infringement at the initial aborted start
sports2 days ago
Four months ago, Jamaica’s players felt unprepared for the Women’s World Cup, blaming inadequate support from their football federation for leaving them without proper practice time or pay.
They turned to crowdfunding, which has raised nearly $100,000 to help cover their travel expenses to Australia.
Now, they're a win or draw away from advancing to the knockout round for the first time. Ranked 43rd, Jamaica take on No. 8 Brazil in a group-stage finale Wednesday.
“We always look forward to say, ‘We need to try any way possible to get to the second round,’” Jamaica coach Lorne Donaldson said.
“I think the players are liking Australia. They like it here. They see some kangaroos. So we want to stay a little bit longer.”
Helping their cause against Brazil, a team that has advanced past every group stage since 1999, is the return of top scorer Khadija “Bunny” Shaw. The all-time leading scorer for the Reggae Girlz sat out the 1-0 win over Panama after being red-carded late in the opening 0-0 draw against France.
“She sets the standard in training and in games,” midfielder Peyton McNamara said of Shaw. “And she’s someone we can all look up to when we’re playing with her.”
Without Shaw, the Reggae Girlz earned their first Women’s World Cup victory against Panama. The win was the first for a Caribbean team in the history of the tournament.
Defence has given Jamaica the upper hand against their first two opponents. Becky Spencer is the first goalkeeper to record two clean sheets for Jamaica in a World Cup. Defender Deneisha Blackwood earned player of the match against France.
“All along, we know we’re going to come into the World Cup as being the underdogs,” Donaldson said. “It’s nothing new to us.”
In their second Women’s World Cup tournament, Jamaica’s underdogs have the chance to oust one of the perennial top teams.
Brazil, coming off a 2-1 loss to France, need a win to ensure they advance to the knockout round for the seventh consecutive time.
“Brazil is a powerhouse,” Donaldson said. “We just have to come out and match them step for step. They’re very skillful. And we know they’re going to come after us with everything that they have. So we have to be ready.”
ALSO READ:
To add to the pain for Norris, the Briton finished under investigation for a procedural infringement at the initial aborted start
sports2 days ago
‘I'm Excited for what lies ahead – it promises to be a thrilling season of golf’ said the 24-year-old who is in his first pro season
sports2 days ago
This event serves as Qualifier Two for the 2024-25 EGF Order of Merit for Men and Women
sports2 days ago
The Arabian Ranches Golf Club event has drawn elite competitors,including UAE National Team player Thomas Nesbitt and low-handicap standout Craig Murray from GEMS First Point
sports2 days ago
The Dubai-born player is tied for 18th, with the top 22 players and ties advancing to the final qualifying stage
sports3 days ago
Sara Engsig dominates the Ladies’ Gross Division with a stellar 69 to be four shots clear of Lucia Maturi
sports3 days ago
Several football games were postponed over the weekend like Valencia vs Real Madrid and Villarreal vs Rayo Vallecano
sports3 days ago
Shubman Gill scored a fluent 90 after Rishabh Pant made a quick-fire 60, as the hosts took a slender lead of 28 runs
sports3 days ago