We gave it our all – Solaun

GRENOBLE, France:

History-making Jamaican FIFA Women's World Cup (FWWC) goal-scorer Havana Solaun said she and her teammates gave it their all against Australia, despite a 4-1 loss at the Stade des Alpes in their final Group C game last night.

Solaun became the first Jamaican to score at the FWWC after running on to a delightful through pass from Khadija Shaw in the 49th minute, before rounding Australian goalkeeper Lydia Williams and slotting into the back of the net.

The goal led to emotional scenes on the field and throughout the stadium, as the Jamaicans capped a positive performance with a goal that despite not helping towards any points at the tournament, is sure to add continued momentum to a programme that has caught the imagination and attention of the world.

Australian star Sam Kerr proved too much to handle for the Jamaican defenders, scoring all four of Australia's goals with strikes in the 11th, 42nd, 69th and 83rd minutes to power the Matildas to a second-place finish in the group behind Italy, who lost 1-0 to Brazil with all three teams finishing on 6 points. All three have progressed to the next round.

LEAVE IT ALL ON THE FIELD

"I think we went out there as a team with the mindset that we have nothing to lose. It wasn't the result that we wanted, but as a team, I have so much belief that we can do so many great things and we wanted to just leave everything on the field," said Solaun, who had just entered the game at the beginning of the second half.

The 26-year-old midfielder from Norwegian top-flight club Klepp IL was featuring in only her sixth game for the Reggae Girlz and believes the focus must now be on ensuring that this group of players are given every opportunity to grow together and get regular exposure to top level competition.

"The thing about our team is that we don't get to train together that often and I think even in these games, we got better after every game and I think moving forward, it's about getting that time together and learning how to play together," Solaun said.

Solaun, who was born in Hong Kong to a Jamaican mother and Cuban father, actually represented the United States at the Under-17 and Under-23 levels before committing her senior international future to Jamaica.

The Reggae Girlz had lost their previous two games in the competition without scoring a goal. They were beaten 3-0 by Brazil in their opening game, which was also played at the Stade des Alpes in June 9, before losing 5-0 to Italy on June 14 in Reims at the Stade Auguste-Delaune.

They will next turn their attention to the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, from July 26 to August 11.