The Jamaican women’s World Cup team has just made history as the first Caribbean team to reach the knockout stage. The team secured a draw against Brazil, reaching the round of 16 for the first time.
According to ESPN, it’s the team’s second World Cup. Coach Lorne Donaldson has led them through a triumphant second effort, beating Panama on Saturday (marking the team’s first win at a World Cup) and drawing their game against France on July 23.
Donaldson’s defense strategy proved successful against Brazil. The team only managed to get one shot near Jamaican goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer in the 39th minute. The second half saw Brazil scrambling to put numbers on the board. Midfielder Débora Cristiane de Oliveira attempted a goal via header but was unsuccessful against Spencer’s ruthless protection of her post.
Jamaica’s offense put in just as much effort. Forward Khadija Shaw did her best to get a goal for the Caribbean team; however, her attempt didn’t pan out. But the team didn’t need to win the game to move forward—all they had to do was hold their own against Brazil, and that’s what they did.
The Guardian reported Donaldson couldn’t be prouder of his team’s extraordinary achievement.
He told ITV, “I tell you what, this is one of the best feelings I’ve ever had in my life! To see these girls, to see a country like Jamaica, to be able to do this, is unbelievable to just watch it while I am alive, right here, standing. I thank the girls to do this for their country, and the country should be proud. The resilience! The fight! We know it’s a war and we have to be ready. We stayed in the battle and we won the war. We have some more work to do but we’ll enjoy tonight. I did a cartwheel [Donaldson had promised to do one if Jamaica got through] but I don’t know if it was a good one. I can’t do two cartwheels, I might hurt myself! A cup of beer and I’m good, I’m not a big drinker. I will enjoy it!”
While Jamaica is celebrating, Brazil is in mourning. Their inability to beat the Caribbean team resulted in their elimination from the World Cup. Their draw against Jamaica came after France beat them 5-3 on Saturday.