For the first time in the history of Jamaica, the country has reached the knockout round of a FIFA senior tournament, just like South Africa’s Banyana Banyana earlier in the day.
It came at the expense of South American giant, Brazil, who did it all but score in a goalless draw inside the Rectangular Stadium in Melbourne.
Jamaica, who had managed to hold off France in a goalless draw and beat Panama in their second game, needed to avoid a defeat to secure make history and managed to hold off Brazil to earn their needed point.
Despite their 18 shots attempted with eight hitting the target, Jamaica remained unbroken thanks to their Goalkeeper, Rebecca Spencer and her outstanding defenders.
The result sees them progress as runner-up behind France, who had inflicted a huge blow on Brazil with a late winner from Wendie Renard last time out.
Kadidiatou Diani is the hero of the day, scoring a hat-trick in a thrilling 6-3 win over already eliminated Panama.
Whilst there was nothing at stake, Panama took an early lead in the second minute, when Marta Cox scored an astonishing freekick to register the fastest goal of the tournament so far.
France regrouped and started to exert their dominance and in the 21st minute, their reward came when Maelle Lakrar beat everyone to head home a Clara Mateo’s cross.
Kadidiatou Diani scored a brace to help France turn things around and assume the advantage while Lea Le Garrec added one more deep into added time from a Selma Bacha assist to make it 4-1 to Harve Renard side.
Diani scored her second penalty of the day to complete her hat-trick five minutes after the restart. Yomira Pinzon scored a retaken penalty for Panama to make it 5-2 four minutes after the hour mark.
Lineth Cenedo made it 5-3 before young winger, Vicki Becho scored the final goal in the tenth minute of added time to seal a 6-3 win for France.
Jamaica will face the winner of Group H while France will take on the runner-up in the same group.
Brazil heads home following a dismal outing, which got off to a promising start against Panama, who joins them on way out from the group stage.
Kehinde Hassan
