GRENOBLE, France — It was a baptism of fire for Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz, as their historic bow at the Fifa Women’s World Cup ended in a 0-3 defeat to Brazil at Stade des Alpes here yesterday.

Of the 17,668 attendees, with a robust support for the Girlz, that was not enough to propel them to a fairy tale start in their World Cup debut, as Brazil exposed and capitalised on the gaps in Jamaica’s defensive line.

Cristiane, starting in place of her injured captain Marta, netted all three goals in the 15th, 50th and 64th minutes, to ensure that Brazil’s tradition of having a perfect start to a World Cup campaign continues.

The veteran striker became the first woman to score two goals or more at three World Cups and the oldest player — male or female — to score a hat-trick at the tournament.

The victory also saw the South Americans snapping a nine-match losing skid as they assumed pole position in Group C, ahead of Italy, who had earlier toppled group favourites Australia 2-1.

For Jamaica, the result left them at the foot of the standing and a huge task ahead of them if they are to progress to the second round as at least one of the four best third-place teams.

With this being their first time on the global stage and the first Caribbean team to contest a World Cup, the Jamaicans exuded clear signs of nerves, and as such, absorbed consistent pressure from the Brazilians which saw them conceding four corners inside the first five minutes.

However, they did show signs of life with a good break down the right channel in the eighth minute, but Cheyna Matthews’s cross intended for Khadija Shaw was gobbled up by goalkeeper Barbara.

Brazil had a break of their own immediately after when Debinha slipped into a one-on-one situation with Sydney Schneider, but the tall Jamaican custodian advanced well, diving full stretch to her left to thwart a goal scoring opportunity.

That was the first of a series of breathtaking stops by the 19-year-old Schneider, who ensured that the scoreline was not embarrassing.

The prolific Shaw gave the Brazilian a glimpse of her ability going forward, but was prevented from doing much by the defenders who were quick to close her down.

Cristiane eventually sent Brazil in front when she expertly met and headed in a cross from Barcelona midfielder Andressa that flew past Schneider, who had no chance diving to her left.

After conceding, the Girlz gradually settled into their game and gave the Brazilian defence a few scares, while Schneider continued to command her box well at the other end.

On the half-hour mark, Shaw found space to get a shot off, but her stinging right-footed effort was tipped over by Barbara.

Meanwhile, Schneider’s highlights included an impressive save to deny Andressa from the penalty spot seven minutes from the break after Allyson Swaby was deemd to have handled the ball inside the area.

The South Americans continued to create chances and went further ahead five minutes into the resumption when Cristiane slotted in her second goal from a tight angle, with Andressa once again providing the assist.

Try as they may, the Jamaicans, though making some promising runs and finding space in behind Brazil’s defence at times, just could not find that elusive first World Cup goal.

Instead, it was Brazil’s 34-year-old Cristiane, who enjoyed the scoring form, as she completed her hat-trick with a well-taken left-footed free kick that kissed the underside of the crossbar on its way in.

Jamaica’s inexperience showed in the latter stages of the contest, as the players seemed flustered, and at one point were reluctant to chase the ball, which allowed Brazil a few more openings, but Schneider was at her best to save some pride.

The 53rd-ranked Jamaicans will next play the number 16-ranked Italy in Reims on Friday, while number 10-ranked Brazil take on number sixth-ranked Australia in Montpellier a day before.

Teams:

Jamaica — Sydney Schneider, Konya Plummer, Allyson Swaby, Deneisha Blackwood, Dominique Bond-Flasza, Marlo Sweatman, Havana Solaun (Chinyelu Asher 72nd), Chantelle Swaby, Trudi Carter (Tiffany Cameron 79th), Cheyna Matthews (Jody Brown 61st), Khadija Shaw

Subs not used: Nicole McClure, Yazmeen Jameison, Chanel Hudson-Marks, Toriana Patterson, Ashleigh Shim, Sashana Campbell, Mireya Grey, Olufolasade Adomolekun.

Booked : Plummer (17th)

Brazil — Barbara, Thaisa, Tamires, Andressa, Formiga, Debinha, Cristiane (Ludmila 65th), Leticia Santos, Kathellen (Daiane 75th), Beatriz (Geyse 65th), Monica

Subs not used : Leticia, Aline, Poliana, Tayla, Marta, Camila, Andressinha, Luana, Raquel Fernandes

Booked : Formiga (58th), Daiane (82nd)

Referee : Reim Hussein (GER)

Assistant Referees : Kylie Cockburn (SCO); Mihaela Tepusa (ROU)

Fourth Official : Kateryna Monzul (UKR)

Match Commissary : Susanne Erlandsson (SWE)