Jamaica 2 Guadeloupe 1
June 20 – Jamaica picked up their first three points and kept their hopes of progression to the knockout rounds alive. But it was not without a chaotic finale where they looked to be throwing everything away against a Guadeloupe team that stuck to their task.
Andre Blake in Jamaica’s goal was their hero with two outstanding saves in added time. In the first half Leon Bailey had been the difference between the teams as he shredded the Guadeloupe defence, picking up bruises and a goal for his efforts.
For their part Guadeloupe are committed and find ways to somehow stay in game they look to be out of. Until the last eight minutes of added time this game Jamaica looked to have it sewed up, despite a second half that was riddled with ill-discipline and a lack of cohesion.
Jamaica need to chill a bit when the pressure builds. Manager Steve McClaren must be worried about everything as it isn’t going to turn out alright on this showing.
Both teams went into their second Group C match at the PayPal Stadium in San Jose needing a win to keep their hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds alive.
Jamaica were beaten 1-0 by a Guatemala team who they had beaten 3-0 a week earlier. The frustration was clear from manager Steve McClaren as his team missed their chances but were ultimately outplayed by the Guatemalans.
Guadeloupe were picked apart by Panama who raced into a 4-0 lead within 22 minutes before easing off to win 5-2.
McClaren made two changes from his starting XI against Guatemala but kept faith in his from three of Leon Bailey, Demari Gray and centre forward Warner Brown. Guadeloupe’s Jocelyn Angloma made two defensive changes in a bid to shore up the big holes that appeared in the Panama game.
Jamaica started stronger. In the second minute Leon Bailey had a shot from the right saved by Brice Cognard. He had another chance on 18’ driving with the ball across the goal from the right but hitting his shot against Cognard’s post. Jamaica were in control but were not finding the killer blow.
On 23’ Bailey hit the woodwork again with a remarkable opportunistic effort. Spotting Cognard off his goal line, Bailey struck the ball from 7m inside his own half, watching it sail majestically over the Guadeloupe keeper but only to bounce back off the bar.
Jamaica were looking more confident and comfortable in possession but it was Guadeloupe who took the lead against the run of play just after the half hour.
In what had become a rare incursion into Jamaica’s half they won a corner. Taking it quickly, Noah Cadiou slid the ball to Thierry Ambrose who struck the ball first time past Andre Blake.
Jamaica had been caught napping and now had to chase the game.
On 40’ Jamaica were back in it and it was Bailey (pictured top right) who was at last on the scoresheet. Receiving the ball in the at the top of the box he stroked the ball left footed past Cognard.
Three minutes into added time Jamaica were in front. Gray crossing from the left found the towering presence of Jonathan Russell who headed back across into the corner of the goal – 2-1 and Jamaica looked to have the game under control.
A scrappy second half saw Jamaica lose their momentum. Guadeloupe couldn’t find enough to really threaten Jamaica’s goal as both sides traded fouls and the final whistle was yearned for. Jamaica’s Dwayne Atkinson was lucky not to pick up a second yellow card.
But from nowhere the game suddenly sprang to life with the drama having been reserved for the eight minutes of added time. Cometh the hour cometh the man and for Jamaica it is usually their captain and keeper Andre Blake. Two superb saves kept Gaudeloupe from getting what would have been a deserved equaliser.
Chaos had taken root in the Jamaican defence while up front they wasted the chance of the match with a sloppy pass to a wide open Michail Antonio.
In the end the final whistle was merciful for the Jamaicans. They have the individuals to progress but they need to move up another level collectively if they are going make a significant impression.
And that is what they now need to do against Panama in four days time.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1750498218labto1750498218ofdlr1750498218owedi1750498218sni@n1750498218osloh1750498218cin.l1750498218uap1750498218