Grenoble, France (June 9, 2019) — For the first time ever, Jamaica heard their national anthem at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The Reggae Girlz shocked the world when they qualified for the World Cup in October.
Now in France, the Reggae Girlz heard their national anthem for the first time on the world’s biggest stage. Kicking off Group C action, Jamaica took on a struggling Brazilian team looking for redemption. Brazil has picked up losses in the last nine matches.
FIFA Women’s World Cup: Jamaica drops opener to Brazil
The Brazilians were without superstar forward Marta, who is dealing with a thigh injury. Marta was technically listed as a substitute, but the odds of her touching the pitch were slim.
Jamaica, on the other hand, started their star forward Khadija Shaw, whose nickname is “Bunny” Shaw. Jamaica wasn’t too far behind the Brazilians on the statistics sheet. The Reggae Girlz took 13 shots, with three hitting on frame. The Jamaicans didn’t stay quiet, but made Brazilian goalkeeper Bárbara work for her clean sheet.
Meanwhile, in goal for Jamaica was 19-year-old college standout Sydney Schneider. The University of North Carolina Wilmington goalkeeper made a penalty save against Andressa Alves in the 38th minute and finished the match with three total saves.
However, the power of Brazilian forward Cristiane proved too much for Jamaica. The 34-year-old forward scored three goals to net the first hat-trick of this year’s World Cup. She also broke Carli Lloyd’s record in 2015, as Cristiane is now the oldest hat-trick scorer in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Cristiane wasn’t the only Brazilian to make history, either.
Formiga, a 41-year-old midfielder, made her seventh FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance. There have only been eight World Cup tournaments for women. Formiga started and featured for the entire 90 minutes. She currently features as the club level for Paris Saint-Germain.
Formiga has over 160 appearances for the Brazilian national team.
Formiga became the oldest athlete in FIFA World Cup history and the first to play in 7 tournaments.
150 players at this #FIFAWWC weren't even born when she played her first in '95 😱pic.twitter.com/XqSwopO8sL
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 10, 2019
The Goals, Big Saves and Moments
Here was the moment Jamaica's national anthem played for the first time at a #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/cQLhvO0Equ
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 9, 2019
BIG SAVE!
Bunny Shaw tests Brazil's goalkeeper from distance but Barbara is up to the challenge. pic.twitter.com/TYr1YKgqoT
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 9, 2019
Cristiane gives Brazil the lead with her 90th international goal and 8th at a #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/DsLxVIfR88
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 9, 2019
PENALTY SAVE! 👐
Jamaica's Sydney Schneider guesses right and stops Andressa Alves from the spot to keep it a one-goal game. #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/BwUaSgjxcr
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 9, 2019
CRISTIANE AGAIN!
She scores her 2nd goal of the game and 9th of her #FIFAWWC career as Konya Plummer's attempt to clear off the line is just a tad too late. pic.twitter.com/rzeH3vS7Nf
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 9, 2019
THERE'S THE HAT TRICK! 🎩
Cristiane adds to Brazil's lead and becomes the 9th player in #FIFAWWC history to score 10 goals. pic.twitter.com/4qESJWtFlP
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 9, 2019
What’s Next?
Brazil are looking to get Marta back before facing Italy. The Italians upset Australia with two goals from Juventus forward Barbara Bonansea. The match will air on June 13 at 12 p.m. ET.
Meanwhile, the Reggae Girlz get an extra day of rest before taking on Australia. The Jamaicans will look to contain Sam Kerr, who scored the lone Australian goal against Italy. The match will be on June 14 at 12 p.m. ET.
