France’s hopes of a winning start to their Women’s World Cup campaign were thwarted by a hardworking Jamaica side in a 0-0 draw in the opening Group F clash at Sydney Football Stadium yesterday.
The fifth-ranked French, semifinalists at last year’s European Championship, were unable to get their game going as the Jamaicans hassled and harried them throughout the 90 minutes to earn their first World Cup point after three losses on their 2019 debut.
Forward Kadidiatou Diani almost clinched the winner for France in the 90th minute, but her powerful header hit the bar then the post to the delight of the crowd of nearly 40,000, who had embraced the 43rd-ranked underdogs.
The Jamaicans celebrated at the final whistle as if they won the tournament, even though they lost their best player, Khadija Shaw, to a red card in stoppage time.
Coach Lorne Donaldson thought the draw would rank as Jamaica’s finest football moment.
It looked like the game might be robbed of its two biggest names when France skipper, Wendie Renard, and striker, Shaw, clashed heads in the opening few minutes.
Both returned to the pitch after brief medical attention, however, Shaw was soon causing France plenty of problems with her direct running and physicality.
France put together the first move of any quality in the 36th minute with forward Diani set free to draw a save out of Jamaica goalkeeper, Rebecca Spencer, who was again at full stretch to deny Renard at the ensuing corner.
Outstanding left back, Deneisha Blackwood, led the way as Jamaica kept to their task, however, they held on as France lofted cross after cross into their box in a frenetic finish.
Shaw, who had been a constant thorn in France’s side, was sent off when she received a second caution for a tackle on Renard deep in the France half.
France would take on Brazil on Saturday in the match that was supposed to decide Group F, while Jamaica will face Panama in Perth later the same day. –Reuters
