Jamaica make history with first-ever World Cup point in stalemate against France

Sydney Football Stadium bore witness to a historic moment in the FIFA Women's World Cup as Jamaica bagged their first-ever point, resulting in a determined 0-0 draw against France.

Khadija Shaw's late red card could not dampen the spirits of the Reggae Girlz as they held their ground against the persistent French side.

Throughout the game, the Jamaican defence proved formidable, leaving minimal opportunities for Herve Renard's French side.

Despite maintaining pressure for much of the match, the French team was unable to penetrate the tenacious Jamaican backline.

The first half saw equal chances for both sides. French forward Kadidiatou Diani threatened with a near miss after the half-hour mark, with a quick response from the Jamaican goalkeeper, Rebecca Spencer. As the half-time approached, Diani's deflected attempt veered just wide.

Jamaica's best opportunity came from their star player, Khadija Shaw, whose long-range free-kick narrowly missed the left-hand post.

The second half saw France maintain their pressing play without landing any substantial attacks until the game's final minutes.

An excellent corner from Kenza Dali found Maelle Lakrar, unmarked six yards out. However, the ball met more of Lakrar's shoulder than head and ended up spinning onto the roof of the net.

In added time, a flicked effort from Diani hit the underside of the bar and then the post before being scrambled to safety.

However, the Jamaican squad faced a daunting challenge as Shaw received her marching orders for a second bookable offence. Despite this setback, Lorne Donaldson's team held firm to secure a historic point.

This game marked a significant milestone for the Jamaican team, which had debuted at France 2019 with three consecutive defeats. 

Deneisha Blackwood's sturdy defensive display was instrumental in securing the historic draw.

After the match, a disappointed Diani expressed her frustration at missed opportunities but asserted that the French team would work hard to improve in the future. Eugenie Le Sommer, France striker, shared a similar sentiment, lamenting the missed chances.

In contrast, an ecstatic Chantelle Swaby, the Jamaican centre-back, said, "Coming into this game, we knew it was going to be the toughest ones and I think believing in ourselves as a team and each other showed, and we were able to come out with a point."

France Women: Pauline Peyraud-Magnin; Estelle Cascarino, Sakina Karchaoui, Maelle Lakrar, Wendie Renard; Grace Geyoro, Amel Majri (Vicki Becho 66), Clara Matéo (Kenza Dali 66), Sandie Toletti; Kadidiatou Diani, Eugenie Le Sommer.
Subs not used: Constance Picaud, Solene Durand, Selma Bacha, Eve Perisset, Elisa De Almeida, Laurina Fazer, Lea Le Garrec, Viviane Asseyi, Naomie Feller.
Booked: Clara Matéo (13).
Sent off: None.

Jamaica Women: Rebecca Spencer; Deneisha Blackwood, Allyson Swaby, Chantelle Swaby, Tiernny Wiltshire; Jody Brown, Cheyna Matthews (Havana Solaun 71), Vyan Sampson, Drew Spence; Atlanta Primus (Solai Washington 71), Khadija Shaw.
Subs not used: Sydney Schneider, Liya Brooks, Konya Plummer, Kaylssa Van Zanten, Kayla McKenna, Peyton McNamara, Paige Bailey-Gayle, Trudi Carter, Tiffany Cameron, Kameron Simmonds.
Booked: Atlanta Primus (20), Khadija Shaw (36), Khadija Shaw (90).
Sent off: Khadija Shaw (90).

Referee: María Carvajal.
Attendance: 39,045