Jamaica Beats Panama 1-0 To Secure Historic Win in the Women’s World Cup

The Reggae Girlz pulled off another historic performance after they beat Panama to give themself a strong chance to reach the next round of the World Cup. Following France’s win over South American powerhouse Brazil, the Reggae Girlz only need a point in their final group game against Brazil to qualify for the round of sixteen.

Jamaica dominated possession for most parts of the first half, creating a few look-ins for the attackers, but the Panamanian team matched all of the threats the Reggae Girlz presented.

Before the game, Jamaica’s coach Lorne Donaldson said the match was going be a ‘dog fight’. The first half definitely turned out that way, with constant fouling from the Panamanian women forcing the referee to issue two early yellow cards; Jamaica’s Blackwood also got her name in the ref’s book.

The Reggae Girlz had their best chance of the first half when Drew Spence took a fantastic free kick that hit the bar. The goalkeeper managed to get a slight touch on the ball, causing it to bounce off the bar.

Jamaica did, however, get their goal through a set piece. Carter whipped in a perfect corner to pick out Jamaica’s captain for the night, Swaby, who finished superbly with a well-timed header. Jody Brown started the second half like a house on fire as she rect havoc on Panama’s defence, even forcing the corner, which led to the goal.

Swaby’s 56-minute strike gave Jamaica the perfect platform to take total control of the rest of the game, which they did by holding out Panama to win 1-0 for a first-ever World Cup win.

Watch the match highlights below:

Check out the postmatch press conference below:

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