Tweet
Bibi's double leads Boyz to victory
Bibi's double leads Boyz to victory
By Ainsley Walters, Freelance Writer
Jamaica's Rudolph Austin (right) fends off Shawn Martin Henriquez (left) and Ronald Cerritos Flores of El Salvador during their international friendly at the National Stadium last night. Jamaica won 3-0. - Ricardo Makyn
IT was three cheers for the Reggae Boyz last night as goals in either half from captain Ricardo Gardener and a thunderous 36-yard shot from fellow midfielder Rudolph Austin handed Jamaica a 3-0 victory over 10-man El Salvador at 'The Office'.
It was Jamaica's first friendly international at the National Stadium after drawing 1-1 with Peru in November 2006, and first victory at the venue following a 2-1 win over Canada last October.
Interim coach Theodore Whitmore, handling his first match in charge of the Boyz following the sacking of Bora Milutinovic, threw the 4-4-2 formation out the door and reverted to utilising a sweeper in Shavar Thomas.
Austin, the Portmore United midfielder, who is hunting a contract at English Championship side Stoke City, set the stadium alight in the 33rd minute when he cannoned a 36-yard shot high into the visitors' goal from the right side of midfield.
The entire El Salvadorean team, goalkeeper Miguel Moreno included, could only look on in disbelief as the ball dipped viciously into goal.
Wreaking havoc
El Salvador never seemed in the same class with the Jamaican professionals, who, barring goalkeeper Richard McCallum and Austin, all play overseas in either Europe or the United States.
Revelling in a 3-2-3-2 formation with Jamal Campbell-Ryce and Demar Phillips wreaking havoc as wide midfielders, operating almost as wingers, the Boyz constantly threatened in the first 16 minutes, forcing Moreno to make saves off Campbell-Ryce and Gardener.
The anxious crowd did not have to wait long for a second goal as striker Luton Shelton left at least four defenders in his wake at the top of the penalty box before poking the ball to Gardner, who easily booted past Moreno from the left side of the six-yard box in the 38th minute.
The dreadlocked Gardener, who signed a million-dollar contract for Bolton Wnderers as a teenager after impressing Sam Allardyce during the 1998 World Cup finals, notched his double and Jamaica's clincher in the 83rd when he calmly guided the ball into goal from the top of the box at 22 yards after being set-up by substitute Jermaine Johnson.
Whitmore afterwards dedicated the victory to late Reggae Boyz Stephen 'Shorty' Malcolm and Peter Cargill, his former World Cup teammates who both perished in motor vehicle accidents.
El Salvador coach Carlos Alberto de Los Cobos and captain William Castillo both congratulated the Boyz for a competitive match ahead of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying, which starts in February.
"They played very well, all the guys from Europe. It was a very important game for us as it was our last game," said Castillo.
De Los Cobos said the game was good preparation for El Salvador, adding that they fielded a full strength team.
Jamaica next play Guatemala on Wednesday and Whitmore said he and assistant Bradley Stewart will review last night's match before strategising for that encounter.
A beaming Captain Horace Burrell, president of the Jamaica Football Federation, said the victory was the first step towards South Africa 2010, adding that the federation would ensure friendly games for the Boyz whenever FIFA dates allowed.
Bibi's double leads Boyz to victory
By Ainsley Walters, Freelance Writer
Jamaica's Rudolph Austin (right) fends off Shawn Martin Henriquez (left) and Ronald Cerritos Flores of El Salvador during their international friendly at the National Stadium last night. Jamaica won 3-0. - Ricardo Makyn
IT was three cheers for the Reggae Boyz last night as goals in either half from captain Ricardo Gardener and a thunderous 36-yard shot from fellow midfielder Rudolph Austin handed Jamaica a 3-0 victory over 10-man El Salvador at 'The Office'.
It was Jamaica's first friendly international at the National Stadium after drawing 1-1 with Peru in November 2006, and first victory at the venue following a 2-1 win over Canada last October.
Interim coach Theodore Whitmore, handling his first match in charge of the Boyz following the sacking of Bora Milutinovic, threw the 4-4-2 formation out the door and reverted to utilising a sweeper in Shavar Thomas.
Austin, the Portmore United midfielder, who is hunting a contract at English Championship side Stoke City, set the stadium alight in the 33rd minute when he cannoned a 36-yard shot high into the visitors' goal from the right side of midfield.
The entire El Salvadorean team, goalkeeper Miguel Moreno included, could only look on in disbelief as the ball dipped viciously into goal.
Wreaking havoc
El Salvador never seemed in the same class with the Jamaican professionals, who, barring goalkeeper Richard McCallum and Austin, all play overseas in either Europe or the United States.
Revelling in a 3-2-3-2 formation with Jamal Campbell-Ryce and Demar Phillips wreaking havoc as wide midfielders, operating almost as wingers, the Boyz constantly threatened in the first 16 minutes, forcing Moreno to make saves off Campbell-Ryce and Gardener.
The anxious crowd did not have to wait long for a second goal as striker Luton Shelton left at least four defenders in his wake at the top of the penalty box before poking the ball to Gardner, who easily booted past Moreno from the left side of the six-yard box in the 38th minute.
The dreadlocked Gardener, who signed a million-dollar contract for Bolton Wnderers as a teenager after impressing Sam Allardyce during the 1998 World Cup finals, notched his double and Jamaica's clincher in the 83rd when he calmly guided the ball into goal from the top of the box at 22 yards after being set-up by substitute Jermaine Johnson.
Whitmore afterwards dedicated the victory to late Reggae Boyz Stephen 'Shorty' Malcolm and Peter Cargill, his former World Cup teammates who both perished in motor vehicle accidents.
El Salvador coach Carlos Alberto de Los Cobos and captain William Castillo both congratulated the Boyz for a competitive match ahead of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying, which starts in February.
"They played very well, all the guys from Europe. It was a very important game for us as it was our last game," said Castillo.
De Los Cobos said the game was good preparation for El Salvador, adding that they fielded a full strength team.
Jamaica next play Guatemala on Wednesday and Whitmore said he and assistant Bradley Stewart will review last night's match before strategising for that encounter.
A beaming Captain Horace Burrell, president of the Jamaica Football Federation, said the victory was the first step towards South Africa 2010, adding that the federation would ensure friendly games for the Boyz whenever FIFA dates allowed.
Comment