Jamaica yesterday ensured there would be no fairy-tale ending to Marta’s FIFA Women’s World Cup career as they strangled Brazil 0-0 to reach the last 16 and condemn the South Americans to their earliest exit since 1995.
It was heartbreak for the legendary Brazilian attacker Marta, who at age 37 has said this would be her sixth, but last World Cup. She was in tears at the end.
However, it was joy in Melbourne for a Jamaica team who have yet to concede at the tournament and are into the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.
Photo: Reuters
Manager Lorne Donaldson’s unbeaten side, who have defied rows with their federation to get this far, are most likely to meet Colombia next after finishing second in the group behind France.
“This is one of the best days I’ve ever had in my life,” Donaldson said. “To see a country like Jamaica be able to do this, it’s unbelievable... The girls are doing it for the country, the country should be proud.”
Meanwhile, Kadidiatou Diani scored a hat-trick as France marched into the last 16 of the World Cup in a 6-3 thriller against Panama.
It was a polished recovery after Marta Cox’s wonder strike on 67 seconds left the French reeling, swerving a free-kick into the corner for Panama’s first-ever World Cup goal.
She spun away in celebration and was mobbed by teammates as the tears flowed at a sold-out Sydney Football Stadium.
However, the euphoria was short-lived as France ran riot, although Panama refused to give up.
In yesterday’s earlier games, Sweden are to meet the US in the last 16 after beating Argentina, while South Africa stunned Italy for their first win ever at the tournament and a place in the knockout stage.
Sweden confirmed top spot in Group G with a 2-0 win over an Argentina side that finished bottom with a solitary point and are on their way home.
A Rebecka Blomqvist header and an Elin Rubensson penalty did the damage for Sweden.
South Africa finished second in the group and are play 2019 runners-up the Netherlands for a place in the last eight.
It was a historic night’s work for the African champions, their stunning 3-2 win over Italy a first World Cup win and taking them into the knockouts for the first time, too.
Italy, who had only needed a draw to go through, are instead going home.
Captain Thembi Kgatlana scored a dramatic winner in the 92nd minute for South Africa.
“They fought like warriors. They fought like the heroines that we know that they are,” South Africa coach Desiree Ellis said.
“They’ve made history — not just getting our first win, but a place in the round of 16, and that is freaking amazing.”
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