FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: The secret formula behind Jamaica's history-making Reggae Girlz

On Wednesday 2 August, the Jamaican women’s national team made history by qualifying for the Round of 16 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.

A 0-0 draw with Brazil, a result that saw the South American side crash out in the group stages, saw the Reggae Girlz advance to the knockout rounds for the very first time.

They are set to face Colombia on Tuesday (08 August) for a place in the last-eight, in a win that could see them truly defy the odds.

Prior to Australia and New Zealand 2023, Jamaica had participated in just one other World Cup tournament – France 2019.

They finished bottom of their group four years ago, failing to earn a single point and conceding twelve goals on their way to an early flight home.

Before that, they had failed to qualify for the tournament on five different occasions; not entering on two.

This time, though, things are different.

Even if they are to fall at the hands of Colombia, they have written their name in history with their progression Down Under.

So what exactly is the secret behind this campaign compared to the rest?

The difference between this campaign and their previous outing can be chalked down to one thing in particular: defence.

They may have won just one game thus far by a narrow one-goal margin, but the key is that they are yet to concede to their opponents.

At the back, the Reggae Girlz have been immovable.

In a tournament that is being dubbed as one for the goalkeepers – three shot-stoppers have won official Player of the Match awards in their nation’s respective knockout ties, for context - Jamaica ‘keeper Rebecca Spencer is among those that have stepped up to the occasion.

In particular, she was formidable against Brazil having faced eight shots on target, avoiding conceding a single one that would have seen them exit the competition.

Defensive sister duo, Allyson and Chantelle Swaby have been a mainstay partnership in the centre of the backline, flourishing over the course of the tournament.

Their displays from front to back can be attributed to the cumulative time their team has had to come together and gel over the years, according to Chantelle.

“I think in 2019 we came in with a lot of new players, especially even for me, my first time with the team was in 2018,” she said.

“Since then we have been able together for three years; after that we’ve been able to play games, and kind of rotate the same pool of players.

“I think the level has also increased with the players now in the team. I think that based on the experience of being together since the previous World Cup has definitely helped our defence.”

Allyson Swaby, Deneisha Blackwood, and Spencer, have all been subject to Player of the Match awards in their group games – all members of the defensive line. 

Full-back Tiernny Wiltshire believes they are paying dividends for the work put in on different aspects of her game. 

“I just feel like throughout this entire year, we have tried to exercise discipline and instil values and instil a standard and I feel as though we have not let that standard drop–we have raised it,” she said. 

“We continue to raise the bar by pushing each other and working after practice, watching films together and seeing what we can do to be better.”

The Reggae Girlz will face Colombia on Tuesday night as they continue to raise their standards and make even more history as the tournament goes on.