The Reggae Girlz of Jamaica qualified for the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time after holding Brazil to a goalless draw in Melbourne. While Jamaican ladies danced to reggae music, it was tears for their more illustrious opponents, who failed to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in 28 years.
Jamaica sat back and defended as if their lives depended on the outcome of the match. Their strategy paid off as the Samba Ladies could not find the goal they desperately needed, not even the inclusion of 37-year-old Marta, who is the leading all-time goal scorer both in the men’s and women’s World Cup with 17 goals, could make the difference.
France topped the group with seven points after defeating debutants, Panama 6-3 while Jamaica came second with five points.
The Reggae Girlz worked hard for their qualification right from their first match, which they drew goalless with France. When they defeated Panama by a lone goal in their second match they developed the self-belief and the confidence that they could reach the last 16 and they achieved it today against ‘almighty’ Brazil.
On Tuesday Jamaica will take on the first team in Group H which will be either Colombia or Germany, while France will take on the second team from Group H.
Remember that Group H will conclude their group matches tomorrow. Atlas Lionesses of Morocco will hope to join Nigeria and South Africa among the African team that reached the last 16 when they take on Colombia while Germany will take on South Korea. To qualify, Morocco will have to defeat Colombia while Germany fail to win against South Korea.
Nigeria should pay attention to Jamaica’s round of 16 match because if they can eliminate England, their quarter-final opponent will be the winner of Jamaica’s match.
