The players are out on the pitch, greeted by a decent enough crowd but there are plenty of empty seats. Now the anthems.
The BBC are kindly taking us around Reims, which looks like your quintessential town but with some added football fans for the day. There is a little bit of cloud around but it seems nice enough.
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Abhijato Sensarma emails in to say: “There are two World Cup matches which will be going on simultaneously in just a while – England v Windies playing cricket, and Italy v Jamaica playing football. In one match, the Europeans are beating the Caribbeans comfortably… Surely the same has a chance of happening in the other match (this one) too?”
I am now mainly hoping someone plays in massive reflective aviators like Chris Gayle.
Hope Solo has spent most of her time on screen for Japan v Scotland criticising everything in sight. I might have to up my game to be as harsh as she is. The truth certainly does hurt.
Jamaica’s first ambition will be to not receive such a non-penalty as they did against Brazil. Silly VAR.
Lineups: Jamaica v Italy
Jamaica: Schneider, Campbell, Allyson Swaby, Plummer, Blackwood, Chantelle Swaby, Asher, Adamolekun, Solaun, Shaw, Grey
Italy: Giuliani, Guagni, Gama, Linari, Bartoli, Bergamaschi, Giugliano, Cernoia, Bonansea, Girelli, Sabatino
Preamble
Good afternoon!
How can Italy top beating Australia? Well by beating Jamaica of course! They need the points today following the Matildas turning it around against Brazil after coming from two goals down to win making make this group as lively as it gets.
Jamaica are no mugs, that’s for sure. Bunny Shaw is their standout player and she has the capabilities to put Italy under pressure and she will really need to perform to give her side some hope, as a defeat would effectively end their campaign in France.
Let’s see what happens!!
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