Jamaica knock out Brazil to reach Women’s WC last 16

Melbourne (Australia): Jamaica held Brazil to a 0-0 draw Wednesday and advanced to the pre-quarters of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 for the first time.

After conceding 12 goals in its Women's World Cup debut in 1999, Jamaica shut out France, Panama and Jamaica in consecutive games to book an improbable place in the tournament's knockout stage. It's the first time since 1995 that Brazil has failed to advance out of the group stage.

In addition to being ranked well below both Brazil and France, Jamaica progressed despite the financial struggles it faced before the tournament.

Key moments

With Marta starting the match for the first time in the group stage, Brazil maintained possession for most of the first half but struggled to test Jamaica goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer.

Why it matters

With the draw, the Reggae Girlz advance to the prequarters in their second Women's World Cup. The team made its debut in 2019 but lost all three group-stage matches, including a 3-0 loss to Brazil. This time, Jamaica finishes unbeaten in Group F. (AP)