Latest News
Gilbert optimistic ahead of World Cup opener with France
July 21, 2023
The Reggae Girlz believe they have a good chance of not only matching up but causing a shock when they face France in their daunting Women's Cup opener.
Jamaica's Reggae Girlz will begin their campaign against Le Bleus on Sunday at 5 a.m. Jamaica time at the Sydney Football Stadium in Sydney, Australia.
Coming off their 1-0 win over Morocco on Sunday in their final-warm up game, the Reggae Girlz are in camp in Australia and were sweating the fitness of Jody Brown, who received a thigh injury during the game. She recovered enough to train by herself on Wednesday.
The Girlz are not favoured against France, but national assistant coach Xavier Gilbert said it would not stop them from dreaming in their second tournament appearance at their first in France 2019.
"Nothing is wrong with dreaming. Sometimes you dream, and the dream becomes a reality, so nothing is wrong with that, but I think we have a good chance. If we play smart and contain them as we go along, it will get easier for us," Gilbert said.
Gilbert says that the experience of captain Khadija Shaw will be vital, having played two years in the French League and dealing with key French defenders, which include captain Wendi Renard of Olympic Lyon.
"We do have quality players; there is no doubt about that. We can match up against them. Psychologically, our top striker (Shaw) is raring to go. They know that she can be a handle. She had played against them in the league before, and she is mindful of what she has been doing and how she has been progressing," Gilbert said. "And it leaves openings in the attacking phase to capitalise, and that is one of the things that we want to exploit."
