Jamaica advanced to the knockout round for the first time following a 0-0 draw Wednesday that ended BrazilтАЩs run in the group stage for the first time since 1995 at the WomenтАЩs World Cup.
The scoreless game in Melbourne also ended Brazilian great MartaтАЩs World Cup career.
She holds the all-time scoring record with 17 goals at the World Cup but couldnтАЩt add to her tally in her sixth trip to the global tournament.
After conceding 12 goals in its WomenтАЩs World Cup debut in 1999, Jamaica shut out France, Panama and Brazil in consecutive games to finish second in Group F behind the French.
In addition to being ranked well below both Brazil and France, Jamaica progressed despite the financial struggles it faced before the tournament.
These difficulties resulted in Jamaica receiving support from fans through crowdfunding due to inadequate support from its federation. Nearly $100,000 was raised for the team through two fundraisers.
After opening the tournament with a 4-0 victory over Panama, Brazil failed to get the victory it needed to extend Marta’s World Cup campaign.
KEY MOMENTS
With Marta starting the match for the first time in the group stage, Brazil maintained possession for most of the first half but struggled to test Jamaica goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer.
The second half saw Brazil lift the tempo as the team chased the goal needed to advance. Brazil recorded six shots on target but struggled to threaten JamaicaтАЩs goal as JamaicaтАЩs organized defense stifled the team throughout the game.
A free kick from Andressa and a header from Debinha in stoppage time represented BrazilтАЩs closest chance of scoring the winning goal.
WHY IT MATTERS
With the draw, the Reggae Girlz advance to the Round of 16 in their second WomenтАЩs World Cup. The team made its debut in 2019 but lost all three group-stage matches, including a 3-0 loss to Brazil. This time, Jamaica finishes unbeaten in Group F.
BrazilтАЩs loss means it is eliminated from the WomenтАЩs World Cup in the group stage for the first time since 1995. With the exit from the tournament, Marta has played her final World Cup match after announcing her plan to retire prior to the tournament. She bids farewell to the gameтАЩs biggest stage as the World CupтАЩs all-time leading scorer with 17 goals.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
тАЬItтАЩs the best feeling IтАЩve ever had in my life. To be able to do this is unbelievable to just watch it, while IтАЩm alive. I thank the girls for doing this for the country. The country should be proud.тАЭ тАФ Lorne Donaldson, Jamaica coach.
WHATтАЩS NEXT
Jamaica advances to play the winner of Group H next week in Adelaide, South Australia. BrazilтАЩs tournament comes to a disappointing end.
