Jamaica’s only goal in the 2023 Women’s World Cup so far has been netted by Allyson Swaby (number 17)
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Hosting Countries: Australia and New Zealand Dates: 20 July – 20 August
Broadcasting Details: Watch it live on BBC TV, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, and the Sport News Center website & app. Full broadcast details; latest news
Lorne Donaldson, Jamaica’s coach, declares the team ready for a “pugilistic showdown” with Colombia in the forthcoming Women’s World Cup last-16 tie in Melbourne on Tuesday.
Both teams were among the major shocks during the group stages, with Jamaica moving forward at Brazil’s expense, and Colombia triumphing in Group H.
Donaldson is urging his team to give their utmost as they strive to secure a quarter-final spot against either England or Nigeria.
“We aren’t planning major changes, but we’ll definitely give it our best,” he remarked.
“It’s akin to a boxing match, someone has to go down. We aim to be the last ones standing when the whistle blows.”
Jamaica’s progression to the knockout stages can be attributed to their strong defence; they remain the only team not to have conceded a goal at the World Cup.
Their only goal came from defender Allyson Swaby during their 1-0 win over Panama. Goalless draws against France and Brazil earned them second place in Group F.
“The goal deficit doesn’t bother us much,” Donaldson added. “We have faced strong teams, two of the best ones, which were expected to beat us by six or seven goals.
“We must score to win this game, so we’ll put our best foot forward.”
Colombia is likely to field 18-year-old defender Ana Maria Guzman in lieu of the suspended Manuela Vanegas.
She will be the second teenager in Colombia’s probable starting lineup, along with Linda Caicedo.
“This is an immense opportunity,” said Guzman. “Being part of such a team is a blessing, and I am committed to giving my all for the national team and my teammates.
“We might be the youngest players, but our skill set is commendable on the field.”
Rachel Brown-Finnis’ prediction
So far in the tournament, Colombia has been my surprise package, and they thoroughly deserve their place in the last 16.
Their performance has been notably well-structured and they’ve had some striking moments in the attack – their last-minute winning goal against Germany was executed superbly, both in creation and scoring.
Jamaica has also demonstrated considerable tenacity, but Colombia appears to have more strategies to breach the opposition.
Brown-Finnis’ prediction: 2-0
Key stats
This is Colombia’s second appearance in the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup, having reached this stage on their debut in 2015.
Jamaica is the first Caribbean nation to reach the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup – be it men’s or women’s – since Cuba in 1938.
The Reggae Girlz are only the third team from the Concacaf region to reach the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup, following USA and Canada.
These two teams are the last remaining representatives from their respective federations (Colombia from Conmebol, Jamaica from Concacaf) at this World Cup.
Jamaica did not concede in any of their three group games. In contrast, in their Women’s World Cup debut in 2019, they let in 12 goals in three matches.
Women’s World Cup 2023, Jamaica vs Colombia, Coach Lorne Donaldson
