Jamaica's Allyson Swaby (top) celebrates with teammates after scoring their goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Group F match against Panama in Perth, Australia, on Saturday. (Photo: AP)
‘HERE TO STAY!’
Former Reggae Girl Christina Chang de Oliveira says the team has shown the world at the FIFA Women’s World Cup this summer that it is capable of playing at the highest level.
Jamaica followed up their first-ever Women’s World Cup point against France last Sunday with a 1-0 win over Panama on Saturday. It’s also the first-ever win by an English-speaking Caribbean nation at a FIFA Women’s World Cup. The team’s four points after two games is also the most Jamaica has ever had in a World Cup at any level it has played.
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Chang de Oliveira, a member of the team that qualified in 2018 for the previous tournament, says the team, this summer has built on the achievements of the one that played in France at the previous World Cup.
Christina Chang De Oliviera (right) shares a photo opportunity with Reggae Girlz teammate Ashleigh Shim. (Photo: Sherdon Cowan)
“I believe the last World Cup showed that we were good enough to make a World Cup and begin the cycle of belief,” Chang de Oliveira told the Jamaica Observer. “Not only to the country, but to our own girls. This year we are here to compete, to show them that belief with confidence can make for a scary opponent. We are showing them that the future is now, and we have to take care of the talent now so when tomorrow comes it’ll be even brighter. Because we Reggae Girlz belong here and are here to stay!”
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Chang de Oliveira says the team did well to build on the 0-0 draw with France.
“I think the girls did a great job riding off the high from France,” she said. “We all know they like to play through Bunny [Khadija Shaw], so I was super happy they were able to show the world that they are all capable of playing at the highest level.
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“I loved that all the subs came in fired up and ready to continue taking it to Panama. The team, as a whole, created plenty of chances and they deservedly got the win.”
Panama midfielder Deysire Salazar (left) tackles Jamaica midfielder Drew Spence during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup Group F match at Perth Rectangular Stadium in Perth on Saturday. (Photo: AFP)
Allyson Swaby, wore the captain’s armband on the night in the absence of Shaw, who was suspended in the first game. She was a commanding presence in defence, with a 76 per cent passing rate, five clearances (two with the head), eight recoveries, and four of five aerial duels won (80 per cent). But her most noteworthy moment came in minute 56 when she finished off a Trudi Carter corner with her head to give Jamaica the win. She was also named Player of the Game.
Chang de Oliveira is not surprised by how well she played or led the team in the game.
“Allyson Swaby definitely rose up for her team and her country, and I couldn’t be happier for her,” she said. “I roomed with Allyson and she’s spent time with me and my husband training, so I’ve got to know her on a deeper level as well.
“She has been a constant on this team the past two cycles and has always worked so hard. So I wasn’t too surprised at all [that she was the captain]. It’s great to see her continuing to grow in her leadership role because she contains all the qualities of a great one. She’s a professional, kind, and gets along with everyone. I’m not sure you can find one person that can say a bad thing about her.”
Chang de Oliveira, who lives in Florida with husband Icaro de Oliveira, is expecting her second child in December. She hopes that both of them will represent the Reggae Girlz someday. That possibility seems realistic as Icaro was also a footballer. He now operates the Elite Striking Academy, also based in Florida. He may hope their daughters represent his nation of Brazil, who Jamaica meet in their final group game on Wednesday, needing just a draw to advance to the round of 16.
Chang de Oliveira jokes that it will be a torn household during the match.
