Spencer still believes in World Cup dream despite preparation disappointment
Published:Sunday | June 18, 2023 | 1:38 AMLivingston Scott - Gleaner Writer
NATIONAL WOMEN’S goalkeeper, Rebecca Spencer, said not having a warm-up game while in camp in Jamaica was somewhat disappointing, as many players were looking forward to a game.
Coach Lorne Donaldson said the June 11-20 camp in Jamaica would be used solely for tactical and functional purposes, after which players would be given a rest before rejoining a pre-World Cup camp in Amsterdam.
However, Spencer thought that even one game should have been arranged for them.
“We would have hoped to have more fixtures leading into the World Cup. It’s disappointing that we weren’t able to get that over the line. As players, we deserve to have a little fixture and things sorted out for us, which hadn’t been done,” she pointed at a Reggae Girlz press conference at the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) office on Wednesday.
“So we are just focusing on ourselves and trying to get through this camp. Hopefully, once we get to Holland we will have some fixtures there that we can tap into.”
JFF president, Michael Ricketts, said a game was being arranged with Colombia for June 29 but Donaldson declined the match.
GOOD SPIRIT
Meanwhile, Spencer revealed that competition for places in the squad has been intense but that the fight for spots has been done in good spirit.
“It has been really competitive, the final squad has not been selected as yet and everyone knows there are competition for places.
“A lot of us are coming off a break, some were on a six-week break, some are still playing. So the full squad is not here.
“Everyone seems to be in good spirits. The team’s vibe is really good and we enjoy being around each other, so training has been excellent,” she declared.
Jamaica has been grouped with France, Brazil and Panama at the World Cup, but despite going up against two of the top-10 teams in the world, Spencer, who is going to her first World Cup, has no doubt in their ability to progress to the next round.
“We are not worried. Everyone says it’s the group of death, but I am confident we can get out of the group. They will be as worried about us as they think we are worried about them.
“This team is probably the best we’ve ever had. So I am really confident in what we can do. We can surprise everyone that’s there. Although it will not be a surprise to us, but for every other nation it will be a surprise to them,” she said.
The 32-year-old Tottenham goalkeeper also has high expectations of herself.
“Nothing really fazes me. No matter the situation. I come with a lot of experience. I have been playing in England for so long and I hope I can bring that experience to the team.
“Personally, I want to have the best competition of my life. So I look forward to it. I’ll just do my job and be there for the team.”