Jamaica Stuns France with Goalless Draw in Women's World Cup Opener

 Jamaica Stuns France with Goalless Draw in Women's World Cup Opener

Jamaica Stuns France with Goalless Draw in Women's World Cup Opener(Image-Getty)

France's quest for a triumphant start to the Women's World Cup was foiled by a determined Jamaican side in a goalless draw during the opening Group F encounter at Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday.

Ranked fifth in the world and having reached the semi-finals in the previous year's Euros, the French team struggled to find their rhythm as the tenacious Jamaicans continuously pressured them throughout the entire 90 minutes. Despite facing three losses in their 2019 World Cup debut, Jamaica earned their first point in this tournament through their spirited performance.

In the 90th minute, France's forward Kadidiatou Diani came close to securing a victory with a powerful header that struck the crossbar and then the post, much to the delight of the nearly 40,000-strong crowd, who had rallied behind the underdog 43rd-ranked team.

Reflecting on the match, France coach Herve Renard acknowledged the challenge they faced against a group of highly athletic women. He expressed some optimism for the second half, during which they created opportunities, but they couldn't find the back of the net.

At the final whistle, the Jamaican team celebrated as if they had won the entire tournament, despite losing their star player Khadija Shaw to a red card in stoppage time. For Coach Lorne Donaldson, this draw was a moment of pride and a remarkable achievement for Jamaican football, possibly the finest result in their history, surpassing any previous records in both men's and women's competitions.

Early in the game, it seemed as if the match might lose its two key players when France's captain Wendie Renard and striker Shaw collided heads. Fortunately, both players returned to the field after receiving brief medical attention. Shaw's direct running and physicality posed constant challenges for the French team.

In the 36th minute, France created the first significant opportunity, with Diani making a strong attempt that was saved by Jamaica's goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer. Spencer continued to impress, denying Renard's header at the ensuing corner.

As the game progressed, France gained more control, with Diani and midfielder Sandie Toletti having chances before the hour mark, but failing to trouble Spencer. In the 66th minute, Diani missed another header, and ten minutes later, Eugenie Le Sommer's shot was saved as rain poured down on the pitch.

Jamaica, led by outstanding left-back Deneisha Blackwood, remained steadfast in their task, defending relentlessly as the French bombarded their box with crosses in the intense final moments of the game.

Khadija Shaw's relentless performance was unfortunately marred by her receiving a second caution for a tackle on Renard deep into France's half, resulting in her being sent off.

Next up, France is scheduled to face Brazil in the match that was expected to decide Group F, while Jamaica will take on Panama in Perth on the same day.

Coach Renard expressed satisfaction with his players' fighting spirit and believes it will be crucial for the challenges they will face in the upcoming matches. He maintained that they deserved to win, considering the lack of clear chances for Jamaica, and he hopes Jamaica continues to display the same determination against Brazil and Panama.