Jamaica sit ahead of their Brazilian opponents before kickoff in Melbourne, with the Reggae Girlz able to progress with just a draw against Pia Sundhage’s side. With the weight of expectation applied firmly on Brazilian shoulders, will the Seleção crumble under pressure, or will they rise to the challenge and send the Jamaicans packing?
Jamaica’s tournament began with a goalless draw against France, but the Reggae Girlz were able to claim their first win of the campaign against Panama as Allyson Swaby edged them ever closer to progression.
Brazil’s campaign got off to a flying start in Adelaide with a hefty 4-0 win over Panama, in which Ary Borges netted the first hat-trick of the tournament thus far – but Pia Sundhage’s side tasted defeat against France last time out, with the result leaving them lingering in third place.
As it stands, a point would be enough to send Jamaica through. Put simply, Brazil need to win to keep their fate in their own hands. A draw could be enough for the Seleção, but they would rely on Panama beating France by at least two goals which seems rather improbable.
Team news
Khadija Shaw will return to the starting eleven for the Reggae Girlz after missing out through suspension against Panama. Cheyna Matthews could also be recalled to the lineup after being named as a substitute last time out.
Pia Sundhage is expected to name an unchanged starting eleven for Brazil.
Predicted lineups
Jamaica: Spencer; Cameron, A. Swaby. C. Swaby, Blackwood; Matthews, Spence, Sampson, Brown; Primus, Shaw
Brazil: Lele; Antonia, Rafaelle, Costa, Tamires; Borges, Kerolin, Bertolucci, Adriana; Debinha, Geyse
Where can I watch?
Kick-off in Melbourne is scheduled for 11:00am on Wednesday, 2nd August 2023. The match will be broadcast live on ITV1 and ITVx, with coverage starting at 10:30am. If you’re unable to watch the match, fear not – we’ll have a detailed match report published within minutes of the final whistle.
