Jamaica vs Brazil: Reggae Girlz end Marta's FIFAWWC career as Samba Girls book flight back home

Jamaica have made it to the round of 16 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, FIFAWWC, for the first time in their history after a gallant outing against Brazil.

The Reggae Girlz held the South American giants to a brilliant goalless affair in the final game of the group stage in Group F on Wednesday.

The draw saw the Jamaicans escape a group that contains France and Brazil without conceding a single goal in the first phase of the FIFAWWC.

The Samba Girls went into the last game of the group stages needing three points to continue their journey while Jamaica needed to avoid defeat to continue their fairytale.

Brazil started with positive intent and attacked with purpose but were unable to find a breakthrough despite coming close several times in the opening half.

The Samba Girls continued from where they left off in the second half, but as was the case in the opening 45 minutes, they were unable to get behind a resolute Jamaican defense that had failed to concede a single goal in Australia.

In the end, the Reggae Girlz kept their backside shut and held on for a decisive share of the spoils that was enough to see them through.

With the goalless affair against the Samba ladies, Jamaica became the latest country to make history as they qualified for the round of 16 as the second best team in Group F.

They joined group winners, France, as the teams to represent the group in the knockout round while Brazil will book the next flight back home.

Brazil’s shocking exit at the ongoing FIFAWWC co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia means curtains for one of the game’s great. Marta.

The 37-year-old tried to make it happen for her country but was expertly caged. She attempted three shots but failed to really threaten the Reggae Girlz goalkeeper before she was subbed off.

With the Samba Girls heading home, this is Marta’s final FIFAWWC for her country, having played in six different World Cup tournaments.

She made her international debut in 2002 and has represented Brazil 174 times and scored 115 goals. She exits as the highest scorer in the history of the World Cup (both men and women), with 17 goals in 23 matches.