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Charmin
Starting Member
40 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 12 2001 : 1:12:04 PM
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After six games, and with almost two months break before the next W/Cup qualifying game, with is set in the early part of September, all six remaining teams...Mex, JA, USA, TnT, Hon and CRica...will no doubt be busy preparing themselves for the final strecth run.
With a number of South American teams pulling out of the Copa America which is being played in Columbia, because of the threat of violence. Two Concacaf teams; Honduras and Costa Rica will join another, Mexico, in this prestigious event that is normally held to crown the best in South America.
Trinidad and Tobago, though considered out of the runnings after six games and one single point, to be last in the group, will be heading to Asia, according to reports coming out of Trinidad and Tobago, to play in a football tournament involoving a few countries from that region.
The USA always takes care of itself, and with itself and Costa Rica leading the group of six, on thirteen points, though they trail Costa Rica on goal difference--With Jamaica and Honduras in striking distance on eight points each, and Mexico looking to avoid the embarrasment of failing to qualify for the W/Cup on seven, the USA I am sure, come September, will be a well prepared bunch under the guidance of the very confident Bruce Arena.
So what do we have so far; Costa Rica, Honduras and Mexico are all participating in the Copa America and barring any unforseen violence, all should be expose to a high, competitive and very intense level of competition that should serve them well, come September. Trinidad and Tobago will probably be using those games in Asia to prepare not only for it's remaining four W/Cup qualifying games, but also for the future, with it's new Techincal Director, Rene Simoes in charge.
All the teams; Mexico, Honduras, Costa Rica, USA and Trinidad and Tobago, Reggae Boyz fans will argue are being resonable to well prepared for the competition ahead.
What of Jamaica?
Well, the JFF has announce that the Reggae Boyz will be playing in a football festival, in late July, in St Kitts, against the host and Martinque. They will then journey to Grenada to play their national team in the early part of August. I believe it is August first. Before all that though, they will journey to Cuba to play their national team on July 20.
Naturally, when one looks at the oppostions, their rankings and level of play over the past, one then must ask, is this it? Also, shouldn't we be playing tougher teams at this critical point of our campagin?
What, if there is any reasons, why the JFF would not seek tougher opponents for the Boyz?
True, we will be without a majority of our starters who will proabably start come game day against the Mexicans. But should that matter?
I say yes, but that should not be the reason for playing tougher oppositions. Mark you, I welcome any game, considering that a few months ago we weren't playing any at all. Also, a number of players are sitting on one yellow-card. Quality exposure for the "Replacement Soldiers" should be key at this point.
I also think it is high time that we show a lot more confidence in our "Replacment Soldiers". For instance, we ran into a goalkeeping situation when both the regular starting keeper and his back-up went down with injuries, just before the TnT game. We raced away to foriegn shores for "Bugsy", only to realize that what was at home was better all along. So I say, don't short change the youths just because the regulars are not available, they too need quality competition which will enable them to be better competitors when called upon.
Anyway, maybe I am jumping the gun and the JFF will soon announce a few more games for the month of August against better competion. Lets hope that is the case.
Respect and irie ites!
Charmin
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Tillamawnin
Moderator
USA
197 Posts |
Posted - Jul 12 2001 : 9:58:59 PM
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Charmin, I really share your concern about us getting quality competition. As much as i welcome these matches against our smaller island brothers, the JFF must realize that this curry goat football thing can't work. We will only get better if and when we start playing against quality opponents.
Without adequate preparation, we are running the risk of not making it to Japan/S. Korea 2002.
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An eye for an eye, would make the whole world blind.
Ghandi |
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Karl
Senior Member
USA
914 Posts |
Posted - Jul 13 2001 : 1:15:55 PM
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Good post!
The Reggae Boyz should be playing teams with the calibre to make them better prepared for the "final run" in these qualifying matches.
The Boyz shall be playing the front runner - The US, Costa Rica joint leaders, Honduras who held us to a draw at home and a resurgent Mexico. The earlier results proved that at that stage all the teams were on par. The others have all taken steps to face quality opposition in the search for an edge in this final effort to attain a spot at the 'big dance'.
WHERE IS OUR EFFORT? In the scheme of THE BIG PICTURE where is the JFF's effort to guarantee the country, the players, the administrators, etc. the exposure and marketing possibilities to take us all forward? Penny wise and pound foolish? Or is it, NO VISION?
Karl |
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Karl
Senior Member
USA
914 Posts |
Posted - Jul 14 2001 : 09:10:35 AM
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If that match against Brazil comes off that would be great.
I am greedy! Can we have matches against two other quality teams....pleeeeeeeeeeeeeease!!!!
Cuba, St Kitts, Grenada...? Cho!
The Massive expect action against higher rated teams...to help the Reggae Boyz on the road to further excellence.
Karl |
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Diziah
Starting Member
USA
33 Posts |
Posted - Jul 14 2001 : 1:57:12 PM
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Curry goat football? have to laugh as I never heard that term before. It is really true that we need good competition. Competition will only make us better, as if we lose we can see where we are making the mistakes and try to correct the problem.
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Karl
Senior Member
USA
914 Posts |
Posted - Jul 14 2001 : 6:57:52 PM
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Hip! Hip!.....Horay!
Hip! Hip!.....Horay!
"....Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), received a fax from the Brazilian Football Federation signed by general secretary Marco Antonio Texeira extending the invitation."
THANK GOD, FOR JESUS! PRAYERS ANSWERED!
Karl |
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