The spectacular run of the Reggae Girlz, Jamaica’s national women’s football team, continued as the Girlz defeated Colombia in the knock-out round of the FIFA Women’s World Cup at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Melbourne, Australia on 8 August 2023.

Good Odds for Jamaica

The Reggae Girlz made good on the promise of their previous tournament performances in which they did not allow a single goal from their opponents during the group stage, which included two of the top teams in the world, France and Brazil. With their shut-out of Brazil, the Jamaican shocked the world by defeating Brazil at the group stage, something that had not happened since 1995.

Historic Performance

Jamaica is the first country from the Caribbean to reach the Women’s World Cup knock-out stage. This was also the first time that any team, male or female, reached that stage at a World Cup tournament.

Success Based on Defense

The Reggae Girlz achieved their historic status at the 2023 World Cup by relying on a resolute defense. Jamaica was one of only three teams  – Japan and Switzerland the other two – to collect three clean sheets in a row. Lorne Donaldson, the manager of the Reggae Girlz, was ecstatic at the team’s success in moving so far into the competition, telling an ITV interviewer that it was “one of the best feelings” he has ever had.

Manager Cites Team’s Winning Attitude

Donaldson said Jamaica should be proud of what the Girlz had done for the country. He noted the team’s resilience and fight, characterizing the competitions as a war and that the team was committed to staying in the battle until the finish.

Accolades from Jamaica’s Minister of Sport

Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, described the performance of the national senior women’s team to reach the Round of 16 as “the proudest moment in Jamaica’s football history.” Granger communicated with the team after their draw with Brazil to remind them how their entire country was cheering them on. Minister Grange made similar remarks after Jamaica’s draw with France when she said she would never tire of telling the team how much their presence on the world stage wearing the national colors of Jamaica meant to the whole country and showed that “dreams do come true.” She called the team an inspiration for Jamaica, adding she was glad the Jamaican Government was able to support the Jamaica Football Federation and women’s program for another successful World Cup campaign.

Photo – Official Instagram Page for Reggae Girlz Foundation