Tottenham Women stars Drew Spence and Rebecca Spencer continue fine World Cup
History has been made by two Tottenham Women stars and Jamaica as the Caribbean nation qualified for the World Cup knockout stages.
When Lorne Donaldson’s side were drawn into Group F, which contained two sides from the top 10 of the FIFA Women’s World Rankings, very few would have given them any hope of qualification.
Nonetheless, on Tuesday 2 August, Brazil were left frustrated as they couldn’t find a way past the resilient Jamaicans, who held the South American giants to a goalless draw in Melbourne.
Donaldson’s ladies were under intense pressure for 90 minutes as they had just 27 per cent of the ball and faced 18 shots, while only having three of their own (Sofascore).
Despite the one-sided nature of the contest, it was Jamaica who were left smiling when all was said and done as they qualified for the Women’s World Cup last 16 for the first time ever.
In 2019, their first appearance at the tournament, the Reggae Girlz lost all three matches in the group stages. In 2023, they are so far undefeated in the competition and the progress has been truly impressive.
Of course, it takes a strong team performance to produce such a result, but Spurs stars Rebecca Spencer and Drew Spence in particular were brilliant throughout the match.
Spencer is yet to concede at the tournament as the 32-year-old made it three clean sheets out of three and her heroics between the sticks earned her the title of player of the match.
Going into the fixture all eyes would have been on her and what she could produce as Brazil’s need for victory meant the goalkeeper was always going to be under intense pressure, and when the lights shone brightest, she was up to the task.
Spurs’ shot-stopper made an impressive eight saves against the Seleçao and made two high claims, as well as completing seven of her attempted 35 long balls (Sofascore).
Fellow Tottenham teammate Drew Spence had an equally important role to play from midfield and the 30-year-old played it well. Having only recently made her debut for the country and being named a part of the 2022 CONCACAF Team of The Tournament, it could be argued that Spence’s presence has been key in her country’s emergence.
And against Brazil, she was certainly key. The midfielder worked hard in the centre of the park and won three ground duels and three aerial duels. As well as this, she made an interception, blocked a shot, and made two tackles and three clearances, with some crucial ones coming from inside the box (Sofascore).
Celebrations would have continued late into the night as Jamaica were left standing tall on the global stage and their remarkable and unlikely journey will continue on Tuesday 8 August, against the winners of Group H, when they look to go another step further and continue to write their incredible story.
In other Tottenham News, an academy star has been called up to first-team training by Ange Postecoglou.