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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE REGGAE BOYZ
Jamaica supporters are not quite sure what to expect after their 2012 CFU Cup disappointment
 By Aldwyn McGill
Soccer Analyst
Producer- Stars Soccer Review Magazine
Jamaica Reggae Boyz blew a glorious opportunity to get the country’s football on the fast track during the Final (Hexagonal) round of the CONCACAF 2014 World Cup Qualifiers. Jamaica was eliminated at the group stage of the 2012 CFU Caribbean championship and unfortunately from the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup as a result.
It is a severe blow to the Reggae Boyz supporters 2014 World Cup ambitions since the Gold Cup would have given Jamaica more competitive games against World Cup qualifier opponents. It would have also helped to improve the team’s fitness both mentally and physically.
Jamaica entered the Caribbean tournament as the prohibited favorite to make a successful defense of its championship title. In turn, the Reggae Boyz was sent packing after losing the last group match 1-0 against Cuba at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua.
After an impressive 4-year run as Caribbean Champions, Jamaica back is now against the wall.
The situation could have been avoided had the Reggae Boyz played each and every game at the CFU Caribbean Cup with the same intensity. It certainly would have given Jamaica a better shot at a final four finish and a Gold Cup berth.
Instead, the Boyz lost their opening match to newcomers French Guiana and did not change their fortunes with a scoreless draw against Martinique before facing a resurging Cuba team.
Give Cuba credit, they played a hell of an offensive game when only a tie would have sent the team to the semi-finals. Reggae Boyz on the other hand was in a must win situation and lost outright.
The Boyz have only themselves to blame after falling prey to a trend that has occurred at the CFU Championship the previous two editions where a prohibited favorite was eliminated due to oversight.
The Reggae Boyz took French Guiana lightly and the French in return took the lead in the 19th minute. Reggae Boyz equalized (22’) minutes later but could not use the momentum to take the lead.
The teams went into the break tied at one apiece and under normal circumstances the favored Reggae Boyz would have shut down French Guiana after the break and pulled away for the win. But it was the appreciative French Guiana which took the lead after three minutes into the second half and held on for the 2-1 win.
Jamaica cookie started crumbling when French Guiana played Cuba next and after a 1-0 lead at the half Cuba came from behind to win the match 2-1. Martinique defeated French Guiana to win the group and Jamaica and Cuba played for second place.
Jamaica has won 5 of the 16 Caribbean Championships, and 3 of the last 5, but Jamaica supporters are not quite sure what to expect from the Reggae Boyz after their 2012 CFU Cup disappointment. Stay Tuned for 2014 WCQ analysis! |
