1 month ago
15
REGGAE GIRLZ coach Hubert Busby Jr says he detects a bit of vengeance in the request from France, who they play next Friday, in international friendly games and in one from Brazil earlier this year.
The Girlz upset the applecart at the World Cup in France last year when they drew 0-0 with Brazil and France, ousting the former for a place in the knockout phase of the tournament in the process.
In June, the Girlz travelled to Brazil for two friendlies, losing both 4-0.
Although Busby believes there is an element of revenge in the requests for these games, he pointed out that the fact that top-rated teams are seeking matches with them is an indication of how much the programme is growing.
“I am looking forward to this match (against France). Since the last time we got together in Brazil, the players have settled into their clubs.
“The last time we got together, a lot of the players were coming off vacation and were just getting back to playing. So it was a little difficult with the playing rhythm (against Brazil).
“We knew going into those games against Brazil that they were going to be tough matches. They were getting ready to play in the Olympics and we saw how great they did.
“We will continue with our cycle. This (France game) is all in preparation for the World Cup in 2027. We are excited to be playing these matches.
“If you said three years ago that the likes of Brazil and France are reaching out to play matches against Jamaica on a regular basis, (that was not possible).
“There might be some revenge factor in those teams wanting to play us but, overall, it’s really a testament to how far this programme has come, and how far we need to go as well.”
He said the objective going into the France game is to build on the improvements they have made as a team, to ensure that everything comes together when World Cup qualifiers begin next year.
“As we chart this course of how we are going to get to the World Cup, what we want to do is ensure that we are deliberate in the games we play, and try to play as many top 10, top 20 opponents as possible to ensure that we are tested heading into World Cup qualifiers in arguably one of the top confederations when it comes to women’s football.
“Expectation for us really is to continue working on our playing model. It is important that we continue to build on our playing principles that we are flexible in and out of possession.
“We want to be known as a team that is known for a good defensive base. Results are always the main thing at senior international play. But the longer term is for us to for us to be successful this time next year when we are in October for our first round of (World Cup) qualifying.
“That is really the main goal for us, to be peaking at that sort of time heading into those qualifiers. So that is the objective for this match. We are looking to build on what we want to do in a year’s time,” he said.
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