‘I’m excited to see how far we can go’

GROWTH, MATURITY, belief and faith.

These are among the many factors that national midfielder Tiffany Cameron attributes to Jamaica’s historic run at the Women’s World Cup, a run she believes can go even further.

Jamaica advanced to the round of 16 for the first time in its history after a 0-0 draw with Brazil on Wednesday, a result that makes them the first Caribbean team to advance to this round.

For Cameron, her third time at a World Cup at any level (the first was at the youth level with Canada) has been a memorable experience. As part of two senior World Cups with Jamaica, she says the maturity the players have shown has made all the difference.

“I’m extremely proud of our team and how far Jamaican football has come. We have about 11 or 12 of us from the last World Cup and I think that has helped the team in terms of experience. Because the last World Cup was quite difficult for us because the entire team had never played in a World Cup before. I was the only player who had played in one at the under-17 level. It goes to show how much we have grown,” Cameron told The Sunday Gleaner.

Cameron has played key roles in the last two games for the Reggae Girlz, at right back against Panama and more in her midfield role against Brazil. While adaptability has been her strength, what she is also proud of is how much the young talent have acquitted themselves in their first senior World Cup.

“The younger generation they are the future for us and it’s amazing for me as a senior player to be a part of the group and to also show my experience by helping out some of the younger ones who might have some nerves and offering them some advice on and off the field,” Cameron said. “That has been an honour to be a part of.”

Head coach Lorne Donaldson’s mantra of defending the foxhole has been bought into by the players, resulting in them being the only team in the round of 16 yet to concede a goal. Cameron feels there is also an element of faith that has played its part in the results.

“He has been our strength and our provider and we are so thankful that he shows up for us every single time and we never feel alone. We all are talented individuals but it takes an extra amount of faith to get as far as we have,” Cameron said.

“I think it goes to show, no matter what happens, we have each other’s backs. Of course, on a team, not everyone will be best friends but when we step on the field we all have our best interests for each other. That is super important and that’s the secret to our success.”

In their round of 16 clash with Colombia on Tuesday, Cameron is bullish about their chances having gone through a group that included France and Brazil.

“Now that we have competed against some of the best countries in the world and we have been able to draw with them, we all have this belief now that we can make it further in the tournament and I’m excited to see how far we can go.”

daniel.wheeler@gleanerjm.com