From the jubilant scenes at full-time, you would have assumed Jamaica had won. “The last World Cup we didn’t get a point,” said defender Deneisha Blackwood. “So just to get a point in a big game, it’s a victorious feeling for us.”
Few would blame them for celebrating one point like three. Coming into this World Cup, opponents France were one of the most exciting sides, boosted by the appointment of international tournament specialist Herve Renard as their manager. The French offer speed out wide, goalscoring ability up front, and, in captain Wendie Renard, arguably the most revered centre-back in the competition.
Coach Renard set them up in an aggressive 4-2-4. France were ready to get the tournament started.
Instead, we got one of the least exciting games of the tournament so far in terms of goalmouth action, something which reflects excellently on the team France were up against. Jamaica had to battle at times, and they survived a late scare when Kadidiatou Diani hit the post and ended playing 11 vs 10. But, against the odds, they eventually secured their first-ever point at a Women’s World Cup.
In a wider context, the result in Sydney doesn’t feel like an anomaly.
Our Girlz first-ever point at the @FIFAWWC! 📰
