Jamaica scored their first ever Women’s World Cup goal, b
The Reggae Girlz, who did not collect any points from their last two matches, took to the field with a lineup of mostly substitute players. The main difference was in the goalkeeper position and the forward line. Meanwhile, Australia, who were looking for a positive result to secure progression, still played with their best starting eleven. However, a debut was handed to Karly Roestbakken, 18 years old player who played as a left back as she was added to the squad 11 hours before the first match in France was held as an injury replacement.
Australian lethal weapon, Sam Kerr, showed her class by scoring all goals in the match. It began in the 11th minute when Emily Gielnik sent in a cross from the left side through the penalty box, and Kerr headed the ball into the back of Nicole McClure’s net. Six minutes later, Emily van Egmond did the same scheme from the other side, but her cross just too high for the forward.
Three minutes before half-time, Sam Kerr’ doubled The Matildas lead before Havana Solaun, who started for Jamaica in last two matches, closed the gap again three minutes after the second half started. Solaun has a unique heritage as she was born in Hong Kong but spent most of her career playing in the United States before moving to a Norwegian club this season. She made a run down the middle, passing the Australian defenders and tricking Lydia Williams before scoring the first ever goal for Jamaica at a World Cup
But Sam Kerr finished the game with another two goals after mistakes from Jamaica’s defense line. Her hattrick was completed in the 69th minutes after substitute Hayley Raso sent in a cross from the right side, which was deflected off a Jamaican defender before meeting Kerr’s foot. Her fourth looked like a bonus after McClure failed her attempt to start play from goal, allowing the Australian striker to complete the resounding scoreline.
Marta Breaks Record as Italy and Brazil Advance
Italy have shocked the world with a fantastic campaign in their first World Cup after 12 years. However, their amazing run came to an end with a narrow 1-0 loss against Brazil, as their living legend Marta hit the winner in the 74th minute from the penalty spot.
But it was Italy who presented a serious threat in the first five minutes as Barbara Bonansea running down from the left side and blasted the shot at the Brazilian net, but it was ultimately stopped by the goalkeeper. The Azzurre thought they had even scored after 29 minutes but the other Juventus striker, Cristiana Girelli, was caught offside after getting a cross from the right side. Brazilian goalkeeper Barbara then showed a classy save to prevent Bonansea’s volley chance from inside the penalty box at the 40th minute, leaving the game goalless at half-time.
Brazil came out more forceful in the second half as Andressinha made a golden chance from her freekick execution that unluckily only hit Laura Giuliani’s bar in the 52nd minute. The Portland Thorns midfielder, who has become the main set-piece taker, then sent a cross into the penalty box four minutes later than found Kathellen’s header but unfortunately missed the target.
Brazil finally scored after Barcelona winger Andressa Alves was knocked down by Atletico Madrid defender Elena Linari at the 72nd minute. Marta stepped up confidently and sent Giuliani the wrong way, scoring her 17th goal at a World Cup, which broke the record in both Men’s and Women’s tournament. However, despite the loss, Italy progressed as group winners with Australia and Brazil behind them, as all three sides ended the group stage with three points.
Australia for sure meets Norway, the runner-up of Group A, while Italy and Brazil still waiting for the next opponent. as China (third in Group B) and Nigeria (third in Group A) are available for the Azzurre while As Canarinhas likely will meet France (Group A winner) or Germany (Group B winner).