The Reggae Girlz have checked off another historical feat in the country’s football history after qualifying for the round-of-16 in the FIFA Women’s World Cup following their 0-0 draw against Brazil on Wednesday.

Jamaica, who came into the game needing only a point to secure a historical qualification, did just that to knock out the Brazilians and advance second from Group F.

In a game where chances were far-and-few, Jamiaca’s defensive potency was again the main component for the result, as the Brazilians were left frustrated by their attacks.

Despite being heavily marshaled by the Brazilian defenders, Captain Khadija Bunny Shaw had a few menacing runs toward the goal, including a powerful shot atop the 18-yard box, which went just above the crossbar inside the 75th minute.

Jamaica, however, had to survive a few late corners in a nerve-racking final 10 minutes of the game before the referee’s whistle signaled the conclusion of what is now a historic feat by the Girlz.
The Reggae Girlz, who finished their fixtures on five points, advance behind France on seven.

Speaking to the media after the game, Head Coach Lorne Donaldson said: “It’s a fight, it’s a war, we know we are going into war, and we have to be ready….and we stay in the battle and we won the war,” he explained.

This marks the first time that any senior football team, male or female, has passed the group stage of a World Cup tournament for Jamaica.

The Reggae Girlz will now face Columbia in the knockout round on Tuesday.