3 minute read

A look at the Matildas' final match of their World Cup group stage, a meeting with world No.53s Jamaica, known as the 'Reggae Girlz'.

AUSTRALIA v JAMAICA

Women's World Cup - Group C

Stade des Alpes, Grenoble

Tuesday June 18, 9pm local - Wednesday June 19, 5am AEST

AUSTRALIA

Jubilant captain Sam Kerr declared her side "back in it" after their gutsy 3-2 comeback win over Brazil in Montpellier, and the Matildas can show as much with a professional display over Jamaica. Anything but a handy Australian win in Grenoble would be a surprise, especially given the importance of snatching one of the top two qualifying positions to avoid a Round of 16 clash with a top seed. That said, expect coach Ante Milicic to make minor changes to freshen his side.

Coach: Ante Milicic

Captain: Sam Kerr

Ranking: 6

Best World Cup finish: Quarter-finals (2007, 2011, 2015)

Key player: Chloe Logarzo. At her first tournament, the supreme athlete has wowed in two opening performances and could announce herself on the world stage if she can continue her showings.

JAMAICA

First-timer the Reggae Girlz have succeeded by simply reaching France, where they have been whacked 3-0 and 5-0 in back-to-back outings. Jamaica were always going to find the going tough against three top-15 sides, and it remains to be seen whether coach Hue Menzies will field his strongest side against Australia or give fringe players a taste of the tournament before they head home.

Coach: Hue Menzies

Captain: Konya Plummer

World ranking: 53

Best World Cup finish: First tournament

Key player: Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw. The prodigiously-talented 22-year-old has overcome the death of four brothers, three due to gang-related violence, to lead Jamaica to qualification - putting the country's inadequacies at this tournament into perspective.

VENUE

The 20,000-capacity Stade des Alpes was a budget build a decade ago but has one of the most striking backdrops in world football, nestled at the base of the French Alps. Unfortunately for the local football side, Grenoble Foot 38, were relegated and bankrupt a year after moving into the stadium, dropping to the French fifth tier before working their way back to Ligue 2.

HEAD TO HEAD

First meeting.