Monterrey, Mexico, July 8 (AFP\/APP):The United States steamrolled Jamaica 5-0 on Thursday to book a return to the women’s World Cup, helped by Haiti’s 3-0 victory over Mexico in the CONCACAF W Championship.<\/p>\n
Sophia Smith bagged a brace in the space of three minutes and Rose Lavelle, Kristie Mewis and Trinity Rodman scored second-half goals to complete the rout over the Jamaican team — known as the “Reggae Girlz” — who had surprised Mexico 1-0 in their tournament opener.<\/p>\n
Five minutes into the contest, Smith attacked down the right side and, after slipping the ball over Jamaican defender Deneisha Blackwood, she drove into the box and delivered a right-footed shot into the net.<\/p>\n
Three minutes later she struck again, played forward by a deep ball and scoring in front of goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer.<\/p>\n
The eight-team tournament in Monterrey serves as the regional qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2023 women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand — where the United States will be vying for a third straight title after triumphs in 2015 and 2019.<\/p>\n
The two top teams in each group book World Cup berths along with their semi-final spots in the CONCACAF tournament.<\/p>\n
The United States had opened their campaign with a 3-0 win over Haiti, but the Haitians bounced back with a vengeance against Mexico.<\/p>\n
Roselord Borgella in the 14th minute and Nerilia Mondesir in the 67th converted penalties for Haiti and Sherly Jeudy curled in a spectacular free kick in the 78th to seal the win.<\/p>\n
Haiti and Jamaica will meet Monday with second place in the group and another World Cup berth on the line.<\/p>\n
The third place teams from each group advance to next February’s global playoff for the three remaining World Cup spots.<\/p>\n
The winners of the tournament book a Paris 2024 Olympic berth while the runner-up and third-place teams will meet in a playoff next year to determine another Paris Games berth.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Monterrey, Mexico, July 8 (AFP\/APP):The United States steamrolled Jamaica 5-0 on Thursday to book a return to the women’s World Cup, helped by Haiti’s 3-0 victory over Mexico in the CONCACAF W Championship. Sophia Smith bagged a brace in the space of three minutes and […]<\/p>\n
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