Jamaica’s women’s national soccer team, the Reggae Girlz, made history at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 on Wednesday by advancing to the knockout rounds with a 0-0 draw against Brazil, eliminating the strong team from the tournament .
It is the first time a Caribbean nation has advanced to Round 16 of the Women’s World Cup. accordingly FIFA.
Said Reggae Girlz head coach Lorne Donaldson a post-game interview that qualifying for Round 16 was “one of the best feelings” of his life.
“Just to see these girls and see a country like Jamaica, to be able to do that is incredible, just to see it while I’m standing here and living,” he said.
He later added, “Thank you girls for doing this for the country and the country should be proud.”
The Reggae Girlz made their debut at the 2023 World Cup in a match against France on July 23 that ended in a 0-0 draw. A week later, the team defeated Panama 1-0. Their next game is scheduled for August 8th.
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The Jamaica women’s national soccer team has made headlines Financial difficulties in recent months.
In June, the team went public with its “biggest disappointment” with the Jamaica Football Association a letter shared on social media.
The letter said the federation had provided players with “substandard” planning, transport, accommodation, compensation and meals, among other complaints.
“We have also turned up repeatedly without receiving any contractually agreed compensation,” the letter reads, adding that “extreme disorganization of warehouse logistics” has resulted in them missing several FIFA friendlies ahead of the World Cup.
Rebecca Spencer, the Reggae Girlz’s goalie, was apparently referring to the team’s issues with JFF a post-game interview On Wednesday.
When asked what makes the team so strong together, Spencer replied, “Like I said, those above us don’t believe in us and always make us go through things we don’t want to go through.”
“And that just gives us more fire in our stomachs to go out there and do well,” she said.
Cedella Marley, the daughter of Bob Marley and Rita Marley pronounced about the lack of funding, support and widespread recognition for the Reggae Girlz over the years. In 2014, she became the team’s ambassador. which had remained inactive for years due to lack of funding.
In 2019, the Reggae Girlz made their World Cup debut after becoming the first Caribbean national team to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
