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U-17s falter - Succumb 1-0 in WCup opener against Japan
U-17s make losing start
HOWARD WALKER @ the MEN’S UNDER-17 WORLD CUP IN MEXICO
MONTERREY, Mexico — Jamaica got an early setback at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup losing their opening Group B match against Japan 0-1 at the Estadio Univesitario yesterday.
In the curtain-raiser, France thrashed Argentina 3-0 to go top of Group B on goal difference ahead of Japan, also on three points, with Jamaica and Argentina remaining pointless.
Jamaica’s Jevani Brown (left) and Japan’s Sei Muroya await a high ball during their Group B U-17 World Cup match yesterday. Japan won 1-0. (Photo: Howard Walker)
Jamaica looked organised at the back, but they never really threatened up front and never created any clearcut chances for the entire 90 minutes.
With the wounded Argentina to play on Tuesday, and group favourites France on the 24th, the young Reggae Boyz chances of advancing will be a very difficult one from here on.
In front of a reduced crowd of 8,000 following the opening encounter between France and Argentina, which was watched by 16,200, Japan proceeded to dominate possession, bossing 51 per cent of the ball for the first half.
But it was the Jamaicans which came closest to scoring in the 21st minute when captain Omar Holness rattled the upright from some 35 metres after a patient buildup.
At the end of the half, Japan had outscored Jamaica six to three in shots as the first 45 minutes ended all square.
The start of the second half saw Japan's Musashi Suzuki entering the field of play against the country of his birth, Jamaica, in the 46th minute. The youngster was born in Montego Bay, St James to a Japanese mother and a Jamaican father.
But the Jamaicans got a major setback when the usual influential skipper Holness was injured and was replaced by Anthony Walker in the 56th minute.
Four minutes later, substitute Masaya Matsumota opened the scoring for Japan, collecting a ball just inside the box and slotting wide of the diving Nico Campbell in goal.
The Jamaicans brought on Patrick Palmer for Jevani Brown and Cardel Benbow for Shawn Lawson, but they were unable to pose any serious threat to the Japanese goal.
In the 80th minute, Jamaica had a loud shout for penalty after the speedy Walker appeared to be tripped in the box chasing a long ball.
In the 85th minute, Jamaican-born Suzuki broke loose but saw his shot well blocked by the legs of goalkeeper Campbell. He got another chance a minute later and dragged his shot wide.
With time running out, Jamaica drew their final card from the deck and pushed centre-back Powell forward, but it was too late as Japan held on for a crucial win.
Meanwhile, France turned in an impressive performance, whipping Argentina 3-0 to go top of Group B.
Yassine Benzia grabbed two goals in the 35th and 45th minute and was ably supported by a 38th-minute strike from Sebastien Haller.
Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport...#ixzz1PjW2GQ3D
U-17s make losing start
HOWARD WALKER @ the MEN’S UNDER-17 WORLD CUP IN MEXICO
MONTERREY, Mexico — Jamaica got an early setback at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup losing their opening Group B match against Japan 0-1 at the Estadio Univesitario yesterday.
In the curtain-raiser, France thrashed Argentina 3-0 to go top of Group B on goal difference ahead of Japan, also on three points, with Jamaica and Argentina remaining pointless.
Jamaica’s Jevani Brown (left) and Japan’s Sei Muroya await a high ball during their Group B U-17 World Cup match yesterday. Japan won 1-0. (Photo: Howard Walker)
Jamaica looked organised at the back, but they never really threatened up front and never created any clearcut chances for the entire 90 minutes.
With the wounded Argentina to play on Tuesday, and group favourites France on the 24th, the young Reggae Boyz chances of advancing will be a very difficult one from here on.
In front of a reduced crowd of 8,000 following the opening encounter between France and Argentina, which was watched by 16,200, Japan proceeded to dominate possession, bossing 51 per cent of the ball for the first half.
But it was the Jamaicans which came closest to scoring in the 21st minute when captain Omar Holness rattled the upright from some 35 metres after a patient buildup.
At the end of the half, Japan had outscored Jamaica six to three in shots as the first 45 minutes ended all square.
The start of the second half saw Japan's Musashi Suzuki entering the field of play against the country of his birth, Jamaica, in the 46th minute. The youngster was born in Montego Bay, St James to a Japanese mother and a Jamaican father.
But the Jamaicans got a major setback when the usual influential skipper Holness was injured and was replaced by Anthony Walker in the 56th minute.
Four minutes later, substitute Masaya Matsumota opened the scoring for Japan, collecting a ball just inside the box and slotting wide of the diving Nico Campbell in goal.
The Jamaicans brought on Patrick Palmer for Jevani Brown and Cardel Benbow for Shawn Lawson, but they were unable to pose any serious threat to the Japanese goal.
In the 80th minute, Jamaica had a loud shout for penalty after the speedy Walker appeared to be tripped in the box chasing a long ball.
In the 85th minute, Jamaican-born Suzuki broke loose but saw his shot well blocked by the legs of goalkeeper Campbell. He got another chance a minute later and dragged his shot wide.
With time running out, Jamaica drew their final card from the deck and pushed centre-back Powell forward, but it was too late as Japan held on for a crucial win.
Meanwhile, France turned in an impressive performance, whipping Argentina 3-0 to go top of Group B.
Yassine Benzia grabbed two goals in the 35th and 45th minute and was ably supported by a 38th-minute strike from Sebastien Haller.
Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport...#ixzz1PjW2GQ3D
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