The final whistle blew at the Stade Auguste-Bonal in eastern France on Friday, signaling Jamaica’s senior Reggae Girlz’ 0-3 defeat to France in the international friendly, but Vyan Sampson’s spirit remained undaunted.

Defensive mainstay Sampson, who wore the captain’s armband, opted to focus on the positives, using the experience to fuel future growth.

Goals from Clara Mateo (22nd minute), captain Wendie Renard (39th minute) and Sandy Baltimore (48th minute) sealed victory for the technically qualified French side. However, the Reggae Girlz showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in the latter stages of the contest where they created scoring opportunities.

The match marked the first meeting between the two teams since the pulsating encounter during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia, which ended 0-0. The result gave the Reggae Girlz their first point at a World Cup.

“Playing in the World Cup is a different mentality; There are different things on the line and so the stakes are very different,” Sampson said during a post-match interview.

“We put everything into that (World Cup) game to get a result. This friendly was a very different type of game, an international window that is usually not important for us. It’s a very busy time for everyone, regardless of the league they play in.

“So player management was very important. “Obviously we have new players coming into the squad and so we have to look at them and give them a taste of international football,” added Sampson, who was born in England.

Sampson acknowledged the challenges of playing against a top team like France, but emphasized Jamaica’s focus on self-improvement.

“France is always a good team, but we don’t look too hard on them because it’s against us in the end in terms of our journey. So yes, they are a good team, but there is more to this game for us.

“I felt we showed well against very good opposition. We could always do better, but with our short time at camp we had a few things to focus on. I felt like I gave them a good try,” she said.

The match had been a test of endurance, with injuries and substitutions affecting the outcome. However, Sampson chose to focus on the positives.

“We had a few injuries, a few different changes that obviously changed the outcome of the game, but that’s just football; we don’t look at it too much. We just make sure we take things from this game and go from there,” the 28-year-old Sampson said.

Sampson emphasized the importance of introducing new players to the team.

“It’s always good to have new faces and we’re always looking to build the team and improve in any way we can. The core of the team is still pretty much the same, so it’s just about strengthening those relationships and building a team,” she noted.

She also emphasized the value of experimentation, trying new positions and strategies against top opposition. “There were players playing in positions that aren’t necessarily their strong point, but we have to try those things to improve.”

On a personal level, Sampson reflected on his own performance. “I felt like I did my best to cover the spaces and cover my teammates, but I’m always a critical person and I always want more.”

Looking ahead, Sampson emphasized the importance of long-term progress.

“Sometimes, entering these windows, the moment we are looking for is not now; it is below, one year below. So as long as we keep making strides in every window, taking a little bit from every game, we’ll be where we need to be at the right time,” she said.

Jamaica defender Vyan Sampson (left) and Panama midfielder Marta Cox battle for possession during their Australia v New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup Group F match at Perth Rectangular Stadium in Perth on Saturday, July 29. Jamaica won 1-0. (Photo: AFP)