The USA men team defeated Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz 3-1 in extra time, after being knotted 1-1 at the end of regulation plus stoppage time plus in the 2024 CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals in the USA (Texas)
However, it was not without controversy, with many Jamaican vloggers and fans feeling like the Boyz were robbed by the referees.
Coming into the game with many of their stars out due to suspension (red card), injury, or team suspension ( curfew violation ), the Boyz were not even supposed to compete well against their bigger, richer neighbors.
A first minute header by Greg Leigh, assisted by the solid Bobby De Cordova-Reid, and Reid’s leadership helped hold on to the lead until just before the 90 minutes of regulation. The initial 4 mins of stoppage time was adjusted to 5 mins when Bobby Reid was substituted by the coach. Just about 5 mins of stoppage time, Jamaica tried clearing the ball from all the USA pressure but, instead, kicked the ball out for a corner. USA were allowed to take the corner and the ball ended up ricocheting off JAM forward Corey Burke’s head into the goal ( own goal ). That was regulation.
The Boyz were all but celebrating a victory with 4.5 mins of stoppage time played and just waiting for that final whistle when everything went wrong…\
In extra time, it was always going to be tough for the Boyz who were likely hoping for another quick goal magic but it was the Wright man (Haji Wright) who sunk Jamaica from two brilliant runs and found even more brilliantly on both times by Gio Reyna. All he had to do was slot past goalkeeper Blake which he did on both occasions. USA 3 – JAM 1.
Jamaicans called foul on the 4 min to 5 min switch and then not blowing off the match just before the ball went out for a corner… but nobody on the USA side or the sides of the referees were listening.
Congratulations to the USA who move on against the winners of the 2nd game, Mexico. Mexico won 3-0 over Panama.
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