Jamaica will have to put aside the squabbles with their federation and shine their star striker Khadija Shaw if they want to win the first game in their history in the final phase of the Women’s World Cup. The Jamaican players, who will start this World Cup in Australia and New Zealand on Sunday in Sydney against the France team at 12:00 p.m., blame their federation in particular for the lack of friendly matches before the tournament.
Gathered in training in Amsterdam to prepare for their second consecutive World Cup, the Reggae Girlz could not play a preparation match until their arrival in Melbourne, winning against Morocco (1-0) on July 16. “The course was good. I would have liked to play a match, which would have been a real test but it was good all the same,” coach Lorne Donaldson told the Caribbean television channel Sportsmax. Also unhappy with the delays in match bonus payments, the players issued a statement last month demanding changes from the federation. “In recent months, due to the extreme disorganization, we have missed several Fifa friendlies sessions. This will inevitably impact our preparation for Australia,” they lamented.
SEE ALSO – United States, Norway: the winners of the Women’s World Cup
Before their opposition against Morocco, the Reggae Girlz’ last match dated back to April, against Sheffield United, a club in the English second division. Jamaicans have long had to struggle to obtain the resources necessary to participate in international competitions. For years the team has depended on the financial help of Cedella, Bob Marley’s daughter, and hopes of a second consecutive World Cup appear to have been dashed.
Four years ago, Jamaica participated in its first final phase at the World Cup in France. Falling into a difficult pool alongside Brazil, Italy and Australia – three nations with a history in women’s football and greater resources – the Jamaicans were eliminated after three defeats. But in Australia and New Zealand, everything suggests that they could do better, despite internal conflicts and a group once again relieved.
Facing Brazil, France and Panama, the optimism of the Caribbean is based on the presence of the prolific Khadija Shaw, elected player of the year in the Concacaf zone (North, Central America and the Caribbean) and author of 55 goals in 38 selections with Jamaica. The biggest star in women’s football in the Caribbean, Shaw has also scored 31 goals in 30 appearances this season for Manchester City. “I’m not surprised by what she’s achieved and she still has huge room for improvement, it’s pretty scary to be honest,” said England defender Alex Greenwood, her team-mate at Manchester City. “I think she can become the best player in the world if she wants to,” she added.
Beyond Shaw, the Jamaican team is packed with players from Europe and North America: Tottenham midfielder Drew Spence, Fleury (France) defender Chantelle Swaby and Florida State Seminoles striker Jody Brown will be watching at this World Cup. “We are not going to the World Cup to complain (…), we intend to leave the group,” warned coach Lorne Donaldson.
