Spotlight on Reggae Girlz vs Brazil

With the full contingent of Reggae Girlz set to make their anticipated return against Brazil today, the confidence is high within the squad as the team expects a ‘back-and-forth’ encounter against the South American giants.

Both teams have played out exciting games in their last two meetings. At the 2019 Women’s World Cup, Brazil defeated Jamaica 3-0 through a Cristiane hat trick, but Jamaica had the more favourable result at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, as a 0-0 draw was enough to send the Girlz to the knockout stages and eliminate Brazil.

Defender Deneisha Blackwood said today’s match is the perfect opportunity for the Girlz to make their return to the national programme.

“I think our expectations for this particular game is that both countries are a lot similar in terms of physicality and technical abilities, so I think this game is going to really be a back-and-forth game,” she said. “I think it’s a good game for us to bring back our team and start our campaign again. This game is going to come down to be which team is more physical and I think it’s going to be a good matchup like always.”

Blackwood said it has been a quick transition back into the national programme for the players who have last been in action for Jamaica against Canada in September last year.

She said the team’s chemistry has not suffered despite the months of inaction and will pick up where they last left off.

“I think our team is very good in terms of camaraderie and stuff so when we got back, it’s like we never left. Yes, we haven’t been together for the last nine months but you wouldn’t tell. I feel like our mindset when we’re together is always to be better, so I feel like the environment has always been that.”

Head coach Hubert Busby said one particular focus of the game will be to ensure the team is able to have a good defensive showing against the South Americans.

He believes a strong defence is the key to ensuring the team has the ability to take advantage on the offence.

“I think it’s a platform on which we built a lot of our success,” he said. “I think it is one of the things we’ll continue to do. The game is played in many different phases but you always give yourself a good opportunity to be successful with a good defensive platform so that will continue as well.”

Jamaica will be without top player Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, who is out injured. Busby said despite the loss, the squad’s depth will be able to cover her responsibilities throughout the fixtures.

“I’ve stated numerous times that you don’t replace Bunny Shaw,” he said. “Injuries happen and unfortunately she’s not able to be with us but we have a really good depth and a really good squad, so we know another player will step up. We have more than enough from those players who will give us different qualities.”

Jamaica play Brazil today at 3 p.m. (Jamaica time) ahead of their second fixture on Tuesday at 6 p.m.