06-08-2019, 09:34 AM
Kingston (Jamaica) (AFP) - They don't have tons of money, sponsors or flashy practice facilities but they didn't let that stop them: Jamaica's 'Reggae Girlz', the women's national football team that did not even exist a few years ago, are heading to France to do battle for the World Cup.
With the help of the daughter of late reggae legend Bob Marley, the team -- the first from the Caribbean to make it to the finals -- are ready to compete for the sport's Holy Grail.
Before heading to France, the Reggae Girlz gave their fans something to celebrate with a 3-1 victory over Panama at the National Stadium in Kingston on May 19.
The friendly was only part of the day, which turned into a colorful Sunday street party, complete with blaring vuvuzelas and blasting dancehall music.
But the festivities did not mask the difficult task ahead -- the Reggae Girlz stand only 53rd in the world in FIFA's rankings, and on paper, they are clearly the weakest squad in the draw.
The players are certainly aware of their humble pedigree: the stadium's malfunctioning scoreboard and malfunctioning sound system symbolize where they stand in terms of the world's top teams.
https://news.yahoo.com/jamaicas-underdog-reggae-girlz-ready-world-cup-103552354--sow.html
With the help of the daughter of late reggae legend Bob Marley, the team -- the first from the Caribbean to make it to the finals -- are ready to compete for the sport's Holy Grail.
Before heading to France, the Reggae Girlz gave their fans something to celebrate with a 3-1 victory over Panama at the National Stadium in Kingston on May 19.
The friendly was only part of the day, which turned into a colorful Sunday street party, complete with blaring vuvuzelas and blasting dancehall music.
But the festivities did not mask the difficult task ahead -- the Reggae Girlz stand only 53rd in the world in FIFA's rankings, and on paper, they are clearly the weakest squad in the draw.
The players are certainly aware of their humble pedigree: the stadium's malfunctioning scoreboard and malfunctioning sound system symbolize where they stand in terms of the world's top teams.
https://news.yahoo.com/jamaicas-underdog-reggae-girlz-ready-world-cup-103552354--sow.html