2 months ago
6
JAMAICA’S REGGAE Boyz will need a win to ensure their place in the knockout phase of the Concacaf Gold Cup, when they take on Group C leaders Panama in their final group game at the Q2 Stadium in Texas today at 6 p.m.
Panama lead Group C with maximum six points from two matches, while Jamaica and Guatemala are tied for second on three points, with an identical goal difference. Guadeloupe are at the bottom of the group without a point.
Although the Reggae Boyz have historically struggled against the Central Americans, they did defeat them 1-0 the last time they met in the Concacaf Nations League last year.
Coach Steve McClaren said the first 20 minutes of the match is going to be crucial, but said their sole intention is to win the game.
“I said after the (last) game that there are no easy games in football. The level of players, technically and tactically, are a lot better. I like Thomas (Christiansen - coach) from Panama. I know the level he is working at and he has been at Panama five years, and you can see why they have made progress.
“But this is a very important football tournament in which we want to do well, and we have come to a stage where the third (group) game you must draw or win to go through, or you have to score many goals to go through. So we will wait and see. But the main thing we are focusing on is beating Panama,” he said.
“The first 20 minutes of any game is the most important, in both halves. So it is important that we know what is going on with the opponent. So if there is anything, we can adjust or move.”
CRITICISMS
McClaren has been strongly criticised for the team’s performance and organisation in their 0-1 loss to Guatemala and their 2-1 win over Guadeloupe. While he admitted that they are still searching for their best 11, there will be no experimentation tonight.
“We assessed after the Nations League and after St Vincent (Gold Cup qualifier). We’ve been months in camp. A week in the UK with two games. And another eight-10 days in Jamaica with two World Cup qualifiers and already two games in the Gold Cup.
“So we are searching for the right squad, the right set of players, the right processes to make sure we win football matches. As the ultimate goal is World Cup qualifying. But we come to the Gold Cup to win football matches, not to experiment.
“For the three camps that we’ve had, we have had players coming and going and we changed every time. But this is an important tournament and we want to win tomorrow (today). So I will put a team out there that I think will win the game,” he insisted.
Meanwhile, Reggae Boyz striker Michail Antonio added that, with what the Reggae Boyz have accomplished over the last few tournaments, it would be a grave disappointment if they are eliminated at the group stage.
“In the last couple of games we lost our shape, lost our way during the game. Obviously, the quality that we have and we have done it over the last years in the Gold Cup, getting to the semi-finals, getting to the finals, it would be disappointing for us to not get there and disappoint our fans and our country. So when we go out tomorrow (today), it is not just for us and ourselves, but for our country. We must make sure things are done right. Panama is a good team. But so are we,” he stated.
In 21 meetings with the Panamanians, the Central Americans have won 10 times. Jamaica have won four, while seven games have ended in draws.
Jamaica first defeated Panama in 1969, but had to wait 40 years and nine games before they saw their next win.
Although Panama continue to hold a superior record over the Reggae Boyz, the Caribberan side have improved their results in the last six years, with two wins and two defeats in their last four meetings.
English (US) ·