In a Women's World Cup campaign that started so badly with an injury time loss against Italy in the opener, the Matildas followed up a 3-2 comeback victory over Brazil with a 4-1 defeat of Jamaica on June 17 in Grenoble, which was much closer than the final scoreline. The difference—Sam Kerr (Chicago Red Stars/Perth Glory). She scored four times—twice in each half—in leading her front line, her leaping headers resembled the iconic native Australian symbol of the kangaroo, not as easy task as the Jamaicans brought a tall and physical presence to the match. Jamaican coach Hue Menzies simply said after the game: "I told her [Kerr] after the match that it's good to sit back and watch her play—I'd pay to watch her." The game was not the one sided blow-out as the score indicates and substitute Havana Solaun (Klepp in Norway after playing for Seattle Reign and the Washington Spirit in the NWSL) scored an historic first goal for Jamaica at a Women's World Cup in the 49th minute, part of a 20 minute spell in which Jamaica put Australia under strong pressure. Jamaica moved Khadija Shaw (who will play with Bordeaux this fall) further up front from her starting central midfield position and "Bunny" twice almost brought Jamaica level on goals. Australian head coach Ante Milicic explained that: "[When] Shaw went up front, we didn't have one [player] in front and one behind and in the end we couldn't affect the ball and once she got outside; there's not one team in the World Cup that can keep up with her. Once we conceded a goal, you could see we were a bit nervous from their direct style of playing…We need to be better in the way that we keep the ball, at times we have to realize that we don't have to score from every attack we can come back out from one side, keep the ball, be patient…we put ourselves under pressure and it was unnecessary but in the end it was 4-1, we put ourselves into the next round, second in a tough group, and we back ourselves." Captain Steph Catley said of the early pressure from Jamaica in that second half that: "It became a bit sketchy during the game."
With the 4-1 win, Australia finished second in their group as Brazil defeated Italy 1-0 at the same time in Valenciennes, leaving all three sides even with 6 points. Italy won the group with a Goal Difference of +5, while Australia and Brazil each had a +3 Goal Difference, but Australia captured second with 8 goals scored to Brazil's 6—five of them coming from Sam Kerr during this tournament so far. Brazil will face France in the knockout stage and Australia has a much more manageable task with Norway, while Italy will likely play China or Nigeria, with the Round of 16 matches beginning this Saturday.
Notes: Kerr's hat trick is an Australian record for number of goals in a game.
Forward Lisa De Vanna (Sydney FC) started the match, her 150th game in a Matilda shirt.
If Brazil should somewhat upset France, we worry about a decline in the overall atmosphere from fans and the general public in the tournament, hoping that they don't lose interest. Germany and Canada both fell in the Quarterfinal stage as hosts in 2011 and 2015, respectively and largely the tournaments still captivated home fans. We expect that France would be the same, and Brazil may not have enough fuel in the tank after exceeding expectations in this World Cup; the old guard Cristiane and Marta will have to be outstanding to knock off Les Blues.
Havana Solaun was born in Hong Kong of a Cuban father and Jamaican mother, and lived a few years in Cuba but was largely raised in the U.S. and went to the University of Florida. She lived in Canada as well and was in a national team camp at one point, and played for the U.S. U-17, U-20 and U-23 national sides, before deciding just recently to join Jamaica. Her goal should help increase her visibility for her professional career and she could be a target for a higher level league.
In a later article, we will hear more from Jamaica coach Hue Menzies about his hopes for the future of his program.
A huge Merci Beaucoup must go to the City of Grenoble for their support of the Women's World Cup. The Canada-New Zealand and Australia-Jamaica matches were close to capacity in the very modern 20,000 Stade des Alpes. The fans were appreciate of the play on the field and created a wonderful atmosphere.
Tim Grainey is a contributor to Tribal Football. His latest book Beyond Bend it Like Beckham on the global game of women's football. Get your copy today.
Follow Tim on Twitter: @TimGrainey
