The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup pushed forward Sunday (on FOX and the FOX Sports app), as France took on Jamaica at Sydney Football Stadium in Australia.
This marks Jamaica’s second appearance in the tournament after going winless in the 2019 group stages, and it earned its first points in team history thanks to a spirited defensive stand.
On the other side, France — a heavy favorite — entered the tournament as the fifth-ranked team in the world, per FIFA. New manager Hervé Renard has his work cut out for him though, as he’s missing a number of key players from past teams. The return of Wendie Renard, one of the most decorated players in women’s soccer, offered a massive boost for Les Bleus, but they were unable to score in the opener despite 13 attempts on goal.
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90′: How??
Exactly how this ball didn’t cross the white line is beyond us, as it hit just about everything but the back of the net. Kadidiatou Diani thought she had a surefire goal on this header attempt, but it banged off the goalpost and the crossbar before bouncing the other way.
88′: Over the net!
France tried valiantly to put a last-minute score on the board, but missed the mark on several occasions, including a wayward header by Maëlle Lakrar.
54′: Diani again!
France star forward Diani unloaded yet another shot attempt, this time with her head, but missed the mark to the left of the goalpost
45+5′: Wide right
Stopping a shot off Diani’s foot is not for the weak. But Jamaica’s defense did so twice in the first half, helping keep France scoreless through the first half’s entirety.
41′: Going for it all
Bunny Shaw was one of Jamaica’s main aggressors in the first half, and she didn’t hold back in the slightest on offense. Case in point: An attempt on goal from long distance.
36′: Turned away!
Jamaica goalie Rebecca Spencer was superb in the first half despite France’s many advances. This was just one of her excellent stops:
28′: At the drawing board
From a strategic standpoint, France is cerebral, and almost made magic happen on this set piece, as it got a great opportunity on goal in the box.
24′: Yellows abound
Jamaica earned a yellow card of its own as both teams kept up the intensity.
14′: Getting chippy
This was a fast-paced match from the outset, and with speed comes physicality. France’s Clara Matéo earned a yellow card for her role in a small fracas.
PREGAME
Setting the stage
The “World Cup NOW” crew previewed the match live on Twitter ahead of kickoff.
Making history
Eugénie Le Sommer and Wendie Renard became the first players in France history to suit up for four World Cups.
Check out the full Women’s World Cup schedule and how to watch each match live here. Find the latest scores here.
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