Jamaica have scored just one goal in their three World Cup group matches. 

But thanks to their formidable defence, that was enough for the Caribbean nation to progress into the last 16 for the first time at the expense of Brazil. 

The Reggae Girlz did not concede in the group stages, drawing 0-0 with the Selecao and France either side of a 1-0 win against Panama — with centre-back Allyson Swaby scoring the only goal. 

We assess whether this cagey, resilient approach is sustainable as they prepare to face Colombia in the last 16.

Defensive discipline

Jamaica set up in a 4-1-4-1 formation under manager Lorne Donaldson. 

The Reggae Girlz are organised out of possession, with holding midfielder Vyan Sampson protecting a defence featuring the Swaby sisters Allyson and Chantelle at centre-back. 

Tottenham’s Drew Spence is an important figure in midfield, while full-backs Tiernny Wiltshire and Deneisha Blackwood are difficult to beat. 

Donaldson sets up his team to soak up pressure without the ball — they have averaged just 35.3% possession at the World Cup so far. 

Only three teams posted a lower xG than Jamaica’s 1.5 during the group stages but if they can maintain such a solid defence, they have the potential to edge their way through the tournament.

A little bit of luck

Despite keeping three clean sheets in three games, Jamaica’s expected goals against (xGA) of 4.1 suggests there was an element of fortune to their path through the group stages. 

By comparison, Germany and Brazil each had an xGA of just 1.6 and found themselves unexpectedly on the plane home. 

Jamaica's backline may not be impenetrable — but they have given themselves the best chance of success with limited resources.

More belief

The Reggae Girlz have only qualified for one previous World Cup — in 2019 — and lost all three group games, conceding 12 goals. 

Four years on, they have fared much better. 

Donaldson said: "At the last World Cup, we were young, we were naive. We were a deer in a headlight. 

"We have a lot more belief, plus we have a little bit of a better team. With the coaching staff and the technical staff, we have a lot more belief we can go further."

Strong spine

That extra belief and experience has translated onto the pitch, with increased tactical discipline the foundation of their success so far. 

Jamaica possess a strong spine, with Tottenham goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer bringing her WSL experience to the team behind skipper Swaby, who spent the second half of last season on loan with Paris Saint-Germain. 

Spence also bosts top-level experience with Spurs, while striker Khadija Shaw came into the World Cup off the back of a prolific season at Manchester City. 

There is quality in the side to add to the discipline instilled by Donaldson.

Colombia challenge

The next test for Jamaica is a youthful, attack-minded Colombia, who won Group H ahead of Germany and Morocco. 

A defence that has yet to be breached will need to keep out Real Madrid starlet Linda Caicedo and experienced forward Catalina Usme in order to maintain a perfect record. 

Keeping things tight has worked so far for Jamaica. Whether it will continue to be effective remains to be seen — but while the Reggae Girlz remain in contention, write them off at your peril.