The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 was driven forward (on FOX and the FOX Sports App) on Sunday as France took on Jamaica at Australia’s Sydney Football Stadium.
This is Jamaica’s second appearance at the tournament, having failed to win the group stage in 2019, and thanks to a spirited defensive performance, they clinched their first points in team history.
On the other hand, France – a huge favorite – entered the tournament as the fifth-placed team in the world, according to FIFA. However, new coach Hervé Renard has some work to do as he is missing a number of key players from previous teams. The return of Wendie Renard, one of women’s most decorated players, gave Les Bleus a huge boost. However, despite 13 shots on goal, they failed to score in the opening game.
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France 0, Jamaica 0
90′: How??
Exactly how that ball failed to cross the white line is beyond us, as it hit almost everything but the back of the net. Kadidiatou Diani thought she had scored a surefire goal with that headed attempt, but the head slammed into the goalpost and crossbar before rebounding the other way.
88 minutes: Over the net!
France tried valiantly to score at the last minute, but missed the target several times, including an erratic header from Maëlle Lakrar.
54 minutes: Diani again!
France striker Diani tried another shot, this time with her head, but missed the target to the left of the goalpost
45+5′: Far right
Blocking a shot from Diani’s foot is not for the faint of heart. But Jamaica’s defense managed to do so twice in the first half, helping France remain goalless throughout the first half.
41 minutes: I give everything
Bunny Shaw was one of Jamaica’s greatest attackers in the first half and didn’t hold back at all on offense. A typical example: A shot on goal from a distance.
36 minutes: Rejected!
Jamaican goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer put in an excellent performance in the first half despite France’s many advances. This was just one of their excellent stops:
28′: At the drawing board
Strategically, France are smart and almost worked a magic with this set piece, having a great scoring opportunity in the penalty area.
24′: Yellow abound
Jamaica received a yellow card themselves as both teams maintained their intensity.
14′: It’s getting restless
It was a fast-paced game from the start, and with speed comes physicality. France’s Clara Matéo received a yellow card for her role in a minor dispute.
FOREPLAY
Prepare the stage
The World Cup NOW team followed the game live on Twitter before kick-off.
write history
Eugénie Le Sommer and Wendie Renard became the first players in France’s history to qualify for four World Cups.
Check out the full Women’s World Cup schedule here and find out how to watch every game live. The latest results can be found here.