The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Finals are quickly approaching, and on Wednesday, the women’s Jamaica team made history by clinching a spot in the knockouts for the first time.
The Reggae Girlz now leads over Brazil after a last-16 thrill caused the South American team to falter early. France beating Panama 6-3 sent Brazil home, leading Jamaica to the knockouts.
Following the news, the Reggae Girlz manager said that the knockout round qualification is “one of the best feelings I’ve had in my life.” The Jamaican team reached the knockout stage after Brazil’s team manager called it “war.” The other Group F game between France and Panama led Jamaica as the runner-up who will face Group H in the next round.
It is also noted that Brazilian striker Marta, 37, has officially ended her soccer journey after playing in her final World Cup. She is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time and stunned fans after her team came to a 0-0 draw in the team’s final group-stage match.
CNN also reports that France overcame any potential setbacks as it snatched a win against Panama during the last 16. France beat Panama 6-3.
“Marta Cox’s stunning free kick put Panama upearly on, but France recovered quickly by scoring five unanswered to take control of the match,” CNN reports. “Kadidiatou Diani was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick to become the first female French player to do so at the World Cup.”
In a thriller, South Africa and Italy battled it out in a show-stopping encounter in which South Africa clinched the win 3-2. The team is now second in Group G and will also reach the knockout stage for the first time. Thembi Kgatlana’s late goal led to the win, sending Italy home.
Sweden will face the U.S. in the next round as they won 2-0 against Argentina. The next game is scheduled for Sunday. The U.S. almost lost to Portugal earlier this week but has maintained to potentially advance to the Finals.
