Brazil have dramatically crashed out of the after failing to beat Jamaica in their final group match.
The Selecao threw everything at their opponents as they sought a late winner but could not find a breakthrough, with a goalless draw sealing Jamaica’s progress to the knockout stages of a World Cup for the first time.
When the full-time whistle was blown Brazil still had a faint hope of progressing but it would have required Panama to come back from 5-3 down against late on to win – something which did not happen.
A sixth goal from Les Bleus in the 10th minute of added time wrapped up a 6-4 victory for the French and confirmed Brazil’s shock elimination.
The 2007 runners-up enjoyed near total domination for large spells, attempting 18 shots to Jamaica’s three – none of which were on target – while they had 73% possession.
But Jamaica defended resolutely and stubbornly while Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw was a willing runner at the other end of the pitch, constantly providing an out-ball and posing a threat on the counter.
It is the first time in 28 years that Brazil have failed to progress from the group stage, while Jamaica’s progress is all the more remarkable because the Reggae Girlz were forced to crowdfund in order to get to the World Cup due to a lack of funding from their national Football Association.
Brazil legend Marta, who is the leading scorer in men’s or women’s World Cups, looked hugely emotional as the seconds ticked away, and will now hang up her boots after failing to add to her tally at her sixth tournament in Australia.
Speaking shortly after the full-time whistle was blown, she reflected: ‘We need to keep supporting. Marta ends here. There’s no more World Cups for Marta.
‘But keep supporting Brazil. For them, this is just the beginning. For me, it’s the end of the line.’
There were rather different emotions from Jamaica head coach Lorne Donaldson, who was thrilled with his side’s display, telling ITV Sport: ‘I tell you what, this is one of the best feelings I’ve ever had in my life.
‘Just to see these girls, and to see a country like Jamaica, be able to do this, it’s unbelievable to watch it while I’m alive here standing.
‘It’s unbelievable. I thank the girls for doing this for the country, and the country should be proud.
‘The resilience, the fight. It’s a war, we know we’re going into a war, and we have to be ready. And it was a war and we stayed in the battle and we won the war. We have some more work to do, but we’ll enjoy tonight.
‘I did a cartwheel – I don’t know if it was a good one! I can’t do two cartwheels or I’ll hurt myself! I need a cup of beer and I’m good. I’m not a big drinker. Cup of beer and I’m good – and I will enjoy it!’
Brazil’s exit was not the only shock on Wednesday, with South Africa winning a thrilling contest against Italy in stoppage time to send their more illustrious opponents out, while Argentina also exited the tournament after losing to Sweden.
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