Tottenham Women star Rebecca Spencer keeps historic Jamaica clean sheet
Jamaica held on to draw 0-0 with France and claim the country’s first-ever Women’s World Cup point, thanks to the help of two Tottenham Women stars.
On Sunday 23 July, the Reggae Girlz and France played out a stalemate to get Group F up and running. Spurs stars Rebecca Spencer and Drew Spence both started the match down under and completed the full 90.
France are favourites alongside Brazil to qualify from their group and were left frustrated as they couldn’t find a way past a determined Jamaica side, who are competing at only their second FIFA Women’s World Cup.
And the point represented the Caribbean nation’s first-ever at a Women’s World Cup after they lost all three group games during their first appearance at the competition in 2019, conceding 12 goals and scoring just once.
Despite seeing striker Khadija Shaw sent off in stoppage time, Spencer and Spence were able to help their nation hold on and claim what might well prove to be a very valuable point as they look to make an unlikely run to the knock-out stages.
Spencer made a key save in the first half as she scooped away Kadidiatou Diani’s near-post drive, and put in a strong display overall, earning the highest match rating (7.7) of all 22 players on the pitch (Sofascore). The 32-year-old made five saves in the rainy conditions inside the Sydney Football Stadium.
Her contribution was therefore key to the result, as was her club teammate Spence’s efforts in midfield. The 30-year-old, who recently began representing Jamaica in 2021 after playing for England at senior level, was named in the 2022 CONCACAF Team of The Tournament.
She was therefore going to be vital to any success Jamaica enjoyed at this World Cup and made some key contributions throughout the draw against France, registering two clearances, four interceptions, four tackles and winning 70 per cent of her ground duels (Sofascore).
However, the historic result would have been dampened by Shaw’s sending-off, which came as a result of two bookable offences. The Manchester City striker scored 31 goals in 30 games last season and it was no surprise the team looked for her at every attacking opportunity.
A win against Panama will give them real hope of qualification from Group F, but they will now need to do it without their captain and star striker who will be suspended, meaning Spence and Spencer will now need to find another level on the 29 July to help the nation earn their first-ever victory at the finals.
In other Tottenham news, three other Spurs stars have made impressive starts to their World Cup campaigns.