Tottenham Women stars Rebecca Spencer and Drew Spence on the brink of history
Last time the Jamaica national team lined up at a FIFA Women’s World Cup they lost all three games but this year they are so far undefeated as Tottenham Women’s stars continue to shine.
On Saturday 29 July, they defeated Panama 1-0 to win their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup match thanks to Allyson Swaby’s second-half header, which in the process knocked the Panamanians out of the competition.
Significant progress has been shown and the Reggae Girls now find themselves in with a chance of making history, with a real opportunity to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament.
They sit second in Group F, level on points with France and one ahead of Brazil and should they avoid defeat against Brazil in their final group match they will qualify for the Women’s World Cup last 16.
With Jamaica down in 43rd in the FIFA Women’s World rankings, and France and Brazil both in 5th and 8th respectively, it would be an incredible feat for the nation to qualify from their group.
And a big part of the Caribbean Island’s success at the tournament so far has been down to the Spurs duo of goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer and midfielder Drew Spence. Both players were instrumental in their victory and received the two highest match ratings on the pitch for their country against Panama, with Spence being awarded a 7.9 and Spencer a 7.8 (Sofascore).
Spencer, 32, is yet to concede at the tournament and made four saves against Panama, as well as registering a successful passing accuracy of 83 per cent and playing 14 accurate long balls from the 19 that she attempted (Sofascore).
Meanwhile, Spence, 30, had a very busy match in Perth, as she made 73 touches, completed six successful dribbles out of the seven she attempted, won 11 of her 19 ground duels, made one interception, two clearances and two tackles (Sofascore). As well as this, her first-half free kick was pushed onto the bar by Panama goalkeeper Yenith Bailey.
Just one more big performance is now needed from the Spurs Women stars if they are to qualify for the next stages of the tournament and they will need to be on top form on Wednesday 2 August when they take on Brazil.
In other Tottenham News, Bethany England made her first appearance at the Women’s World Cup.