Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz will play two international friendlies against Nigeria and the United States in June as the team begins preparations for the 2023 World Cup qualifiers that are scheduled to begin in November 2021.
The Jamaican women will be hoping to qualify for a historic second consecutive World Cup.
Jamaica Football Federation President Michael Ricketts made the announcement during a virtual press conference this morning.
“I am pleased to announce that Jamaica’s Woman National Senior team will play two international friendlies in the United States as part of the US Soccer 2021 Women’s National Team Summer Series. On June 10, the Reggae Girlz will play Nigeria at 4:30 pm and on June 13, they will play World Champions and host, the United States at 9:15 pm,” Ricketts said.
Both games will be played at the BVVA Stadium in Houston, Texas.
Ricketts said that Portugal will also be involved in the series and like Jamaica will only play two matches while the USA and Nigeria will play three games.
The president said it is expected that of the other three teams, the USA and Nigeria are expected to provide stern tests for the Reggae Girlz, who have been inactive for more than a year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“As we know, the US team is the best in the world and Nigeria, currently ranked 38th, is a historic powerhouse and the number-one team in Africa,” he said, adding that they have ensured that the players’ safety will be guaranteed.
“Our agreement ensures that the team will play in a highly-controlled environment under very safe Covid-19 protocols.”
In preparation for the four-team tournament, Ricketts said they are planning to have the players in a camp from June 4-8.
In addition, Ricketts said, the JFF intends to have more camps and international matches before the World Cup qualifiers begin in November.
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Nashville SC v San Jose Earthquakes: ‘A win would change everything’ - Godoy
Anibal Godoy insists that Nashville are already looking at their game against San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday as a must-win.
Nashville have won just once in the MLS this season and sit in 14th place in the Eastern Conference after a run of four without a win.
The Earthquakes, meanwhile, are bottom of the Western Conference having lost eight of their matches and recording just one win.
Godoy is aware of how their poor start to the season could affect their playoff hopes later down the line but is confident that Nashville can turn things around.
He said: “For us, it's an important week. It's a day we have to win, or we'll start to feel the pressure from other teams as they start to separate in the table.
“This league is long but if we want to get to the playoff you have to win games early on, especially at home.”
Liverpool agree compensation deal for Slot
Liverpool and Feyenoord have reached an agreement in principle over a compensation deal for Arne Slot to become the Reds’ manager next season, according to widespread Dutch media reports.
The Dutchman is reportedly poised to take over from Jurgen Klopp, who announced in January that he would be leaving the club at the end of the campaign.
Slot led Feyenoord to their second Eredivisie title last season after taking over the club in 2021.
It is believed that he topped the list of Liverpool’s favoured candidates due to his attacking playing style and ability to develop players.
Former Liverpool midfielder, Xabi Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title, and Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim were also reported contenders to take over from Klopp.
Slot had already confirmed his interest in managing in the Premier League, both earlier this week and previously when he was linked to Tottenham in 2023.
QPR 4-0 Leeds United: Shock loss for Farke's men seals Leicester's promotion
QPR thrashed Leeds United 4-0 in the Championship on Friday, ensuring Leicester City booked their promotion straight back to the Premier League.
Ilias Chair was the star for the Hoops as he scored the opener and assisted two more goals to ensure QPR will stay in the Championship for another season.
Lucas Andersen, Lyndon Dykes and Sam Field also got their names on the scoresheet in an emphatic win for Marti Cifuentes' side.
Leeds' heaviest defeat of the season was a huge blow in the race for an automatic promotion spot, with Ipswich Town just one point behind them in third place with two games in hand going into their away clash against Hull City on Saturday.
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