Bailey-Gayle ready to fulfil dream at Women’s World Cup

With four days left before fulfilling her lifelong dream of playing in a FIFA Women's World Cup, national player Paige Bailey-Gayle is banking on the togetherness of the team as well as the travelling support to put them in the best position of getting out of a difficult group.

Jamaica will open their Women's World Cup campaign on Sunday against France as they hope to improve in their second World Cup appearance in as many tournaments.

Bailey-Gayle, who made her debut in 2021 will be among those who will be making their first appearance at the tournament. Bailey-Gayle who plays for Crystal Palace in England says that while the nerves are there, she is anxious to finally get off and running.

"I can't wait to get started. Obviously, we have been working hard. So we are looking forward to the next game (against France). For me personally, I am nervous because I don't know what to expect but it is the big stage and I have been dreaming of this so I am excited," Bailey-Gayle said.

It has been far from an ideal preparation period for the Reggae Girlz where they have had to deal with their own preparations on the field and the tug of war with the Jamaica Football Federation off the field which intensified during the local camp in June.

But Bailey-Gayle said that it brought the team closer together

"The team got closer because we are fighting for something. We had to come closer and work as a team so that whatever was off the pitch doesn't affect us on the pitch. That is the main thing," Bailey-Gayle said.

Jamaica got the momentum going with a 1-0 win over Morocco on Sunday in their first game since April, in a dress rehearsal before their opener against France. For her, she not only wants to give a good account of herself but to get Jamaica to the round of 16 in their second attempt, backed by the support they have been getting in Australia.

"I just want to put the best version of myself and showcase what I have been working so hard for. That is the main thing for me personally and obviously for the team is to make it out of the group," Bailey-Gayle said. "We know Jamaica is a small island but we can feel the support wherever we go. We had a dinner where we met some people that are from Jamaica that live in Australia so we know wherever we go we have support."

The tournament kicks off early tomorrow morning Jamaica time when co-hosts New Zealand open Group A against Norway, co-hosts Australia face the Republic of Ireland and Nigeria play Canada in a triple header.