Jamaica took their World Cup run to another level on Saturday by leapfrogging Brazil in the Group F table. Thanks to their win over Panama, who will be heading home, the Reggae Girlz are second in their group, level on points with France.
Elsewhere, Sweden stormed to a 5-0 win over Italy, while the French earned a huge three points over Brazil in their nail-biting encounter. Let’s take a look at how the three latest matches unfolded.
Sweden 5-0 Italy
Embed from Getty ImagesA 5-0 victory over Italy moves Sweden closer to securing their progression from Group G. Amanda Ilestedt bagged a brace, converting two headers, while Fridolina Rolfo, Stina Blackstenius and Rebecka Blomqvist also got onto the scoresheet.
Italy initially enjoyed the better start to the game, however their defence was undone as they conceded three goals in just seven minutes. Despite suffering such a heavy defeat, Italy’s hopes of progressing to the knockouts are not yet over. A victory over South Africa will be enough to secure Milena Bertolini’s side a top two finish.
France 2-1 Brazil
Embed from Getty ImagesConceding just 11 minutes into their match with France, Brazil got their second group stage game off to a far from ideal start. Having been held to a goalless draw by Jamaica, France’s first goal of the tournament was marked by Eugenie Le Sommer. At times, the fluidity we have become accustomed to seeing was lacking in Brazil’s performance in the opening half.
However, Debinha pulled her side back into it with an equaliser just before the hour mark. It was end-to-end action after that, which could’ve gone in either side’s favour. But it was Wendie Renard who popped up with a towing header to snatch the victory late on. The goal was a direct result of poor defending from the Brazilians. Their entire backline failed to notice the French captain closing in from the set piece.
France’s victory sees them go top of the group, with Panama still to face. Brazil will need to take all three points from Jamaica if they are to retain their World Cup dreams. Improving their accuracy in front of goal will be pivotal for Brazil’s bid to secure a top two finish.
Panama 0-1 Jamaica
Embed from Getty ImagesRounding off the action from day 10, Jamaica pulled off a narrow 1-0 victory over debutants Panama to record their first ever win at the World Cup. Maintaining control throughout the first half, Alysson Swaby gave her side the lead in the 56th minute. An injury time penalty call for the Reggae Girlz was overturned following a VAR check, with the referee being called over to the pitch-side monitor.
The victory moves Lorne Donaldson’s side up into second in Group F, level on points with 2019 hosts France.
Panama’s World Cup dreams have come to an end after failing to secure a point from their opening two matches. Jamaica will need to produce a strong performance against the French if they are to progress from the group stage. The return of striker Bunny Shaw will provide a huge boost to her team, following her suspension in today’s game.
