The Reggae Boyz on the rise: 2014 isn’t a dream for Jamaica

The Reggae Boyz on the rise: 2014 isn’t a dream for Jamaica

It seems like an age since Jamaica last qualified for the World Cup. Their first and solitary appearance came in 1998 in France, with iconic defender Ian Goodison and dazzling midfielder Robbie Earle at the fulcrum of the side, which finished third in the group stage.

Now, though, Jamaica have another crack at qualifying. The team find themselves at the final stage of qualification and are so close they can almost taste it. Theodore Whitmore’s men currently operate last place in the group but they could turn it around with the upcoming qualifiers in early June.

The ‘Reggae Boyz’ play three matches this month: Mexico on 4 June, USA on 7 June (both at home) and Honduras on 11 June (away). These games could well determine Jamaica’s fate in terms of their World Cup dreams; they simply must pick up points. They’ve made a solid start, drawing twice and only losing once, but are yet to win.

First things first, Mexico will provide very stiff opposition. Regional powerhouses and firmly expected to reach the World Cup next year (despite setting off in torrid fashion with a paltry three points to their name so far) – ‘El Tri’ will be looking to play with extra venom after Whitmore’s players held them to a historic 0-0 draw at the Azteca Stadium in February. Jamaica have proved they can hold their nerve against the best in the region, but to replicate their defensive solidity against the Mexicans this time around is a huge task.

The USA match will be equally as difficult. Jamaica did earn a shock victory against them at Independence Park in September last year - courtesy of a fine Lucas Shelton strike which decided matters - but the US still went onto finish top of the group in the Third Round. The statistics are with Jürgen Klinsmann’s troops, too: they’ve featured in eight previous World Cups and finished in the last 16 in South Africa.

One player Jamaica must try and negate is captain Clint Dempsey. The 30-year-old’s experience and efficiency in front of goal makes him an extremely dangerous weapon in the US’s armoury and if he is given too much space and freedom, he’ll give you your just desserts (as he’s shown so far in Fourth Round qualifying, scoring twice in three outings).

The trip to Honduras will be another stern test but one that the team should be able to cope with. Honduras sit in fourth and are vulnerable at the back, conceding five goals in three matches. If Jamaica are to take any positive results from these ties, however, they must put their increasingly worrying goal drought to an end.

The side have only netted once and that was scored against table toppers Panama by central midfielder Marvin Elliot - who rose highest to head home from a corner kick. There is a distinct lack of goals as they failed to find the net against Mexico and Costa Rica in late March. It is puzzling considering The ‘Reggae Boyz’ have enough strength in depth in attack with the likes of recently recruited Jermaine Beckford, Theo Robinson, Garath McCleary and Darren Mattocks.

The country’s all-time top goal scorer Lucas Shelton is seen as surplus to requirements despite his relatively young age of 27. Therefore the onus is on Huddersfield duo Beckford - who made his debut against Panama - and Robinson - who Jamaican supporters first saw a glimpse of against Mexico. Portland Timbers’ tall striker Ryan Johnson is an alternative option and the highly rated 22-year-old Mattocks.

It’s a shame Birmingham City forward Marlon King is currently out of favour. His dislike towards the JFF (Jamaican Football Federation) is well known following his fall-out with Captain Horace Burrell - JFF President - in 2008. He retired from international football in November last year but there are rumours circulating that he could make a dramatic return, if internal issues can be resolved between the player and federation. Despite his attitude and ill-discipline, he is a very good source of goals: 12 in 22 international appearances.

It’s a crucial and gruelling few weeks ahead for Whitmore and the team, but they are preparing wisely and already began training as they drew to Tottenham Hotspur. There is much anticipation from the Jamaican fans as the team are just one round of qualifying away from potentially securing their place at the World Cup Finals. Something they haven’t done in some 15 years.

This post was written by the The Home of Caribbean Football team. You can follow them on twitter @caribbeanftbl.