Reggae Boyz disappoint in 1-1 draw

The star-laden Jamaican Reggae Boyz disappointed many at the National Stadium (nicknamed “The Office”) in Kingston, and those watching the game on TV in Jamaica, or abroad watching via various live feeds.

In a match where the Jamaicans did not make any use of the midfield, nor put together good passes, the first half was fairly even except for the score. Jamaica was leading Panama 1-0 with a brilliant header by Marvin Elliott from their first corner of the game.  Even so, they had the game in hand until the 67th minute when a giveaway turned into brilliant shot by Perez past a diving Ricketts to even the score.  From that point on, it was mostly Panama.

In many minds, this was step back for the Boyz after the promising game in Mexico.

The Points Table after 2 Matches

With the USA defeating Costa Rica and Honduras holding Mexico to a 2-2 draw, the Points table doesn’t look great for Jamaica who must now face a desperate Costa Rica in Costa Rica on Tuesday.

Team	Games	Wins	Draws	Losses	Goals For	Goals Against	Goal Diff	Points
Honduras	2	1	1	0	4	3	+1	4
United States	2	1	0	1	2	2	0	3
Panama	2	0	2	0	3	3	0	2
Mexico	2	0	2	0	2	2	0	2
Jamaica	2	0	2	0	1	1	0	2
Costa Rica	2	0	1	1	2	3	−1	1

Suggestions

1. Reggae Boyz and fans, don’t blame the officials (referee especially), though his officiating was bad at best and definitely helped the physical style of play that Panama brought into the National Stadium. The coaches and players are to be blamed but we SHOULD support them and remember that it’s early yet.
2. Captain Burrell and JFF, you should put the 2 schoolboys on the under-23 & under-20 teams, replace them with 2 more locals and work them out after March 26.
3. Captain Burrell and JFF, when you have an international match scheduled, bring in the international players 2 weeks in advance if at all possible and work them out together.
4. Coach Whitmore, put the best complementary players on the field, despite what the fans say. Remember a World Cup spot is on the line and so is your job.
5. Fans, the next match at “the Office” in June, regardless of the position Jamaica is in, a little less vuvuzela and a bit more cheering for your home side which will be better then. Rome was not built in a day.