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Top-star rating for the Reggae Boyz

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  • Top-star rating for the Reggae Boyz

    Jamaica wriggled free from one do-or-die World Cup qualifying predicament on Saturday by shocking CONCACAF kingpins Mexico 1-0 at 'The Office'. Here's how the Reggae Boyz did:


    GOALKEEPER: Donovan Ricketts could never have imagined before the game that he would be forced to make only one critical save against Mexico. Except for a couple anxious clearances, he had the pleasure of watching the Boyz at work, with no real alarms for himself. Yet when he blocked Carlos Salcidos' second-half effort from close range, he not only kept a 1-0 lead intact, but preserved Jamaica's slim hopes of advancing to the next round. GRADE B.


    DEFENCE: Except for a few occasions when Mexico's slick passing and movement threatened to make inroads, this unit was nearly flawless. Tyrone Marshall's performance was smooth and commanding at sweeper, while Goodison had another solid game in front of him. Claude Davis was occasionally pulled away from the central position, but he and his replacement, Damion Stewart, corked the area solid most times with physically intimidating play that disrupted the Mexicans, flow. Demar Phillips and Jamal Campbell-Ryce tracked back well on the flanks to assist and the central midfield helped turn away many threats before they got serious. Occasionally, the marking on crosses was off, especially on Salcidos' attempt and another glaring gaffe in the first half. But, overall, a fine effort. GRADE B-PLUS.


    MIDFIELD: Many eyebrows were raised when Oneil Thompson was slotted in at central. 'Bigga's' first few passes were not totally convincing, but his physical presence was key to Jamaica's big presence in the centre of the park. One crunching tackle near the start surely got the Mexicans' attention and set the tone. Rudolph Austin manned an interesting role just ahead of Thompson, stopping the early penetration. He also found time to be a real threat in attack, thumping a fierce drive that just missed at the start of the second half.

    Campbell-Ryce was a thorn for the Mexicans all evening, especially in attack. His work rate was exceptional. On the other flank, Phillips was not as prolific going forward, but his defensive effort was solid all day. Captain Ricardo Gardner threatened often with his bending corner kicks. The midfield could have done better keeping consistent possession late in the game, especially protecting a lead. But overall, in the most vital area on every football pitch, the Boyz certainly met the Mexicans head-on. GRADE B


    FORWARDS: Ricardo Fuller's first-half strike was all Jamaica needed to win and maybe now the talented forward can shake the tag that he rarely scores for Jamaica when truly needed. He, along with Shelton, was always going to trouble Mexico with their pace. Terrific support came from Campbell-Ryce in attack. Shelton's technical quality cost him a goal in the first half, from a cross that should have sent him goal bound. But no one on this line shunned the work, which kept the usually roaming Mexican captain Rafael Marquez largely busy with defensive duties. GRADE B


    SUBS: Stewart stepped in at an awkward time, but barely missed a beat when Davis departed. Omar Cummings' freshness and pace picked up well for Fuller. Jermaine Johnson didn't have much time but he, too, did his bit. GRADE B.


    COACHING: Theodore Whitmore has done nothing but win whenever called in as interim coach. The team he put on the field Saturday clearly banked on Jamaica's advantages over all CONCACAF rivals - speed and athleticism - a fact Mexico's coach Sven-Goran Eriksson admitted to. Whitmore also altered the formation. His clever use of Austin and emphasis on attacking through the flanks clearly unsettled Mexico. Despite the disappointment and uncertainty after the previous games, the team was clearly ready to play from the first whistle. Plus, any Jamaican coach who beats Mexico deserves maximum credit. But, on Wednesday, he must do it again. GRADE A.

    - Gordon Williams
    Sunday, August 28th, 2011. We will never forget !!
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