Source: BBC Sport
Coach Lorne Donaldson says Jamaica are prepared for a “boxing match” with Colombia in Tuesday’s Women’s World Cup last-16 tie in Melbourne.
Both sides were among the biggest surprises from the group stages, with Jamaica progressing at the expense of Brazil, while Colombia won Group H.
Donaldson wants his side to give their all as they aim to book a quarter-final against England or Nigeria.
“We won’t change much, but we will give it a good shot,” he said.
“This is like a boxing match, someone will go down. We want to be standing when the game is over.”
Jamaica’s passage to the knock-out stages was built on defence, as they are the only team yet to concede a goal at the World Cup.
They have only scored once, through defender Allyson Swaby in their 1-0 victory over Panama, between goalless draws against France and Brazil which secured second place in Group F.
“A lack of goals is not a major concern,” added Donaldson. “We have played some good teams, two of the top teams, we were supposed to lose by six or seven.
“We do have to try to score to win this game, so we will put our best foot forward.”
Colombia are set to start 18-year-old defender Ana Maria Guzman in place of the suspended Manuela Vanegas.
She will be the second 18-year-old in Colombia’s likely XI, alongside Linda Caicedo.
“This is a great opportunity,” Guzman said. “To be in such a national team is a blessing, to give my best for the national team and teammates.
“Yes, we are the youngest players, but on the pitch, we are very skilled.”
Rachel Brown-Finnis’ prediction
Colombia have been my surprise team of the tournament so far, and they fully deserve to be in the last 16.
They’ve been brilliantly organised and have come up with some big moments in attack – their last-gasp winner against Germany was technically excellent, in the way it was created and scored.
Jamaica have shown a lot of resolve too, but Colombia have more ideas when it comes to unlocking the opposition.