Brown intent on carrying on story
Published:Wednesday | August 2, 2023 | 12:11 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
AFTER GETTING their first taste of victory at a FIFA Women’s World Cup, Reggae Girlz winger Jody Brown said her side is eager for more, and fancy their chances of pulling off an upset against the world number-eighth-ranked Brazil in a decisive Group F match at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Australia at 5 a.m. today.
The 21-year-old Brown, who played in all of Jamaica’s three matches at the 2019 tournament as a substitute, spearheaded the Jamaican attack in the absence of main striker Khadija Shaw in the last game against Panama, and she is looking to continue where she left off against the Brazilians.
“It felt good to win a first game at the World Cup. We have been dreaming of this one a long time and we are now able to get that job done; and now everyone’s excited and we are just ready to get another one,” she said.
Brown, who was the main creative spark against Panama with her penetrative runs down the flanks, one of which led to the corner from which Allyson Swaby scored, said she knew she had to turn up big for that game in Shaw’s absence.
“The second half against Panama was my best. I was just focused that we need to get a win. I think I played good. I really contributed to the game. I was really focused to get a win and knew I had to create a chance. I am just happy that at the end of the day we were able to get a win.”
Players have each other’s back
She said facing the Brazilians in a do-or-die match is no small challenge, but that they have a team where each player has each other’s back, and it is that sense of unity and solidarity that has helped them to continuously overcome their obstacles.
“Mentally, physically, we have to get our bodies right. It will be a tough game against Brazil. We just got to get our minds ready and fresh, knowing that we are going to go out there and compete.
“We are on four points with France, but we have to get it done against Brazil. We know what to expect. Everyone has to be ready, and for us it would be amazing just to get through. I would love to experience that, but we have to stay focused and try to get through.”
One of the things that will help the Reggae Girlz is their experience of having been to the big show before.
“I played the last World Cup, but I think I have grown in so many areas, where I get a chance to express myself more. The team knows what to expect now. Everyone is ready and more mature, so we just have to go out and get the job done. We have been doing good, and we just have to keep that going.”