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Tough task for Jamaica's Young Boyz
Published: Saturday | June 18, 2011
André Lewis
Jason Wright
Under-17 captain, Omar Holness.
GORDON WILLIAMS, Gleaner Writer
MONTERREY, Mexico:
Jamaica will make a long-awaited return to the glamour of a global football stage today, when the Young Reggae Boyz tackle Japan in their opening game of the 2011 FIFA World Cup Under-17 tournament.
The encounter, the second half of a double header for teams in Group B, which also includes curtain-raisers Argentina and France, will be played at Estadio Universitario here. Jamaica's game kicks off at 6 p.m. (local and Jamaica time).
The country's last appearance in a World Cup came in 2001 when the Under-20 team played in Argentina, two years after the Under-17s competed in New Zealand and three from the country's historic participation at the 1998 senior tournament in France.
Lengthy preparation
Today's first-round game, part of the 24-team, three-week tournament, which is divided into six groups and scheduled to run from June 18 to July 10, will mark a culmination of a lengthy preparation and qualification road for Jamaica. That included the final-round CONCACAF qualifying tournament in February, which was held in Montego Bay, plus training camps in Jamaica, Brazil and Mexico and dozens of practice games, all this as the players juggled school and family obligations.
While head coach Wendell Downswell said he would have preferred if the team played more warm-up games against foreign opponents, the Jamaicans appear to have put all that behind them and are looking forward to competing in a tournament which has traditionally produced some of the game's biggest names, among them Ronaldinho, Emmanuel Petit, Cesc Fabregas and Iker Casillas.
The players have been upbeat in the days leading up to the Japan game, despite losing first-string goalkeeper Odean Clarke to a head injury a week ago, and receiving another injury scare when top defender Alvas Powell hurt his ankle in training on Thursday. He is expected to play today. Even Clarke, despite his inaction, seems positive about the tournament.
"I'm in the World Cup mood right now," he said a few days ago.
Downswell is confident Jamaica will put on a good show, despite being seen as underdogs to group favourites Argentina and France, and possibly qualify for the next round. But he admitted that it is a tall task.
"It's really a tough group for us," the coach said."It would be a positive to try to get out of the group. It won't be an easy task."
Japan have a more lofty target.
"We're hoping to go all the way to the final," said coach Hirofumi Yoshitake. "For that to happen, the players need to believe in themselves and make the absolute most of this experience. If they can do that, anything becomes possible."
Jamaica have been staying at the Presidente Intercontinental Monterrey, the same hotel as their group rivals, although Argentina had not checked in up to press time. Downswell has been pleased with the reaction of his players to the World Cup atmosphere.
"It's something they're really looking forward to," he said. "They see it as a lifetime dream. They're here to give it their best shot. They're into the World Cup. Everything is coming to grips with them. They're seeing the reality."
Japan pose a serious first challenge. The coach has been studying videos of Jamaica's opponents and declared there is "nothing real, real special" about Japan. He noted that they are "hard running," but without "the flair and flamboyance and craft of Argentia and, to a lesser extent, France."
Ja's hopes
Today, Jamaica will hope to stay organised and not concede early goals. In 1999, Jamaica let in 10 goals while scoring none. Powell will be key in defence, while the level-headed leadership of captain Omar Holness, accompanied by his booming shot, is expected to be a huge boost for Jamaica in the biggest game of the Boyz' early careers.
In attack, Jamaica will rely on striker Jason Wright, whose goals in Montego Bay helped Jamaica on the road to Mexico. But the Boyz's trump card could well be André 'L.A.' Lewis, a skilful player with confidence whom the coach may give reins to express himself.
Downswell conceded that "both teams play a very fast game." However, a draw against Japan would not hurt Jamaica badly. Therefore, the Boyz plan to be cautious, try to keep the ball, especially in the opening half, and capitalise on Japan's mistakes.
"Our approach will be methodical," the coach said. "Ball possession will play an integral part, especially in the first 45 minutes."
The top two teams from each group, along with the best four third-place finishers, will advance to the round of 16. In 1999, Jamaica failed to get beyond the group stage.
Published: Saturday | June 18, 2011
André Lewis
Jason Wright
Under-17 captain, Omar Holness.
GORDON WILLIAMS, Gleaner Writer
MONTERREY, Mexico:
Jamaica will make a long-awaited return to the glamour of a global football stage today, when the Young Reggae Boyz tackle Japan in their opening game of the 2011 FIFA World Cup Under-17 tournament.
The encounter, the second half of a double header for teams in Group B, which also includes curtain-raisers Argentina and France, will be played at Estadio Universitario here. Jamaica's game kicks off at 6 p.m. (local and Jamaica time).
The country's last appearance in a World Cup came in 2001 when the Under-20 team played in Argentina, two years after the Under-17s competed in New Zealand and three from the country's historic participation at the 1998 senior tournament in France.
Lengthy preparation
Today's first-round game, part of the 24-team, three-week tournament, which is divided into six groups and scheduled to run from June 18 to July 10, will mark a culmination of a lengthy preparation and qualification road for Jamaica. That included the final-round CONCACAF qualifying tournament in February, which was held in Montego Bay, plus training camps in Jamaica, Brazil and Mexico and dozens of practice games, all this as the players juggled school and family obligations.
While head coach Wendell Downswell said he would have preferred if the team played more warm-up games against foreign opponents, the Jamaicans appear to have put all that behind them and are looking forward to competing in a tournament which has traditionally produced some of the game's biggest names, among them Ronaldinho, Emmanuel Petit, Cesc Fabregas and Iker Casillas.
The players have been upbeat in the days leading up to the Japan game, despite losing first-string goalkeeper Odean Clarke to a head injury a week ago, and receiving another injury scare when top defender Alvas Powell hurt his ankle in training on Thursday. He is expected to play today. Even Clarke, despite his inaction, seems positive about the tournament.
"I'm in the World Cup mood right now," he said a few days ago.
Downswell is confident Jamaica will put on a good show, despite being seen as underdogs to group favourites Argentina and France, and possibly qualify for the next round. But he admitted that it is a tall task.
"It's really a tough group for us," the coach said."It would be a positive to try to get out of the group. It won't be an easy task."
Japan have a more lofty target.
"We're hoping to go all the way to the final," said coach Hirofumi Yoshitake. "For that to happen, the players need to believe in themselves and make the absolute most of this experience. If they can do that, anything becomes possible."
Jamaica have been staying at the Presidente Intercontinental Monterrey, the same hotel as their group rivals, although Argentina had not checked in up to press time. Downswell has been pleased with the reaction of his players to the World Cup atmosphere.
"It's something they're really looking forward to," he said. "They see it as a lifetime dream. They're here to give it their best shot. They're into the World Cup. Everything is coming to grips with them. They're seeing the reality."
Japan pose a serious first challenge. The coach has been studying videos of Jamaica's opponents and declared there is "nothing real, real special" about Japan. He noted that they are "hard running," but without "the flair and flamboyance and craft of Argentia and, to a lesser extent, France."
Ja's hopes
Today, Jamaica will hope to stay organised and not concede early goals. In 1999, Jamaica let in 10 goals while scoring none. Powell will be key in defence, while the level-headed leadership of captain Omar Holness, accompanied by his booming shot, is expected to be a huge boost for Jamaica in the biggest game of the Boyz' early careers.
In attack, Jamaica will rely on striker Jason Wright, whose goals in Montego Bay helped Jamaica on the road to Mexico. But the Boyz's trump card could well be André 'L.A.' Lewis, a skilful player with confidence whom the coach may give reins to express himself.
Downswell conceded that "both teams play a very fast game." However, a draw against Japan would not hurt Jamaica badly. Therefore, the Boyz plan to be cautious, try to keep the ball, especially in the opening half, and capitalise on Japan's mistakes.
"Our approach will be methodical," the coach said. "Ball possession will play an integral part, especially in the first 45 minutes."
The top two teams from each group, along with the best four third-place finishers, will advance to the round of 16. In 1999, Jamaica failed to get beyond the group stage.
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