FIFA Women’s World Cup: Jamaica can spring a surprise at WWC 2023, says Sampson

Jamaica was beaten by Brazil, Italy and Australia in the group stage of the 2019 tournament in France, conceding 12 goals and scoring only one.

File Photo: “We’re a small nation, but we don’t fear anyone,” Vyan Sampson (in black) recently told FIFA+. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Jamaica lost all three games and finished bottom of their group in its only previous Women’s World Cup appearance but defender Vyan Sampson says the team is much more organised under new coach Lorne Donaldson and can spring a surprise this time around.

Jamaica was beaten by Brazil, Italy and Australia in the group stage of the 2019 tournament in France, conceding 12 goals and scoring only one.

It also lost all three games in the Cup of Nations tournament in February but Sampson said the team was making progress ahead of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

“Can we cause a shock or two? 100%,” Sampson told FIFA+ on Wednesday.

“We’re a strong and powerful team and we have speed in all areas of the pitch. That’s something that I think a lot of nations will be aware of when it comes to us. But we’ve also, with the help of our new and technical staff, really buckled down and become a much more organised team too ... We’re a small nation, but we don’t fear anyone.”

Jamaica captain Khadija Shaw has been in fine form for Manchester City this season, leading the Women’s Super League with 18 goals in 19 games.

“I honestly think her name should be in the conversation for the world’s best,” Sampson said. “The fact we have her in our locker is another massive part of what makes us believe that we can do something at this World Cup.”

Jamaica is in Group F with France, Brazil and Panama at the World Cup, which will be held from July 20-August 20.