Jamaica’s head coach Steve McClaren praised his crew’s resilient efficiency, labeling their effort as “magnificent” after a hard-fought 2-1 victory in opposition to Honduras within the CONCACAF Nations League A Group B sport on the Estadio Nacional Chelato Uclés on Tuesday night time. The win propelled Jamaica to the highest of the group standings, placing them in prime place because the marketing campaign progresses.
“It was a troublesome sport, we knew it will be, not simply Honduras as a crew, but in addition enjoying away from house,” McClaren stated, emphasizing the problem of enjoying within the hostile ambiance of Tegucigalpa. “The group, the ambiance, they offer the gamers power, and I used to be very impressed. This crew can play soccer, and so they play it properly.”
Jamaica’s efforts had been spearheaded by a well-organized protection and fast counter-attacks that stored the hosts on edge. After a goalless first half, the Reggae Boyz broke the impasse 4 minutes into the second half when Norman Campbell’s cross pressured an personal purpose by Honduran defender Denil Maldonado. Nonetheless, the lead was short-lived as David Ruiz-Ochoa equalized nearly instantly for the hosts.
Large persona and effectiveness
Regardless of the setback, McClaren’s facet confirmed super persona and effectiveness in response. Substitute Kaheim Dixon mixed with Bobby Reid to arrange Michail Antonio within the penalty field, resulting in a foul and a subsequent penalty within the 76th minute. Antonio coolly slotted house, giving Jamaica the lead they’d not relinquish.
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“I believed in each side they had been magnificent,” McClaren stated, hailing his gamers for his or her composure and dedication. “The primary half-hour we had been controlling the sport. We had been very courageous in possession, constructing from the again. It’s troublesome to return away and play soccer like that, particularly on this ambiance.”
McClaren highlighted the gamers’ persona, noting that their response to adversity was key to the victory. “The final quarter-hour of the primary half had been powerful, Honduras had been so good, however we did properly to outlive and get to 0-0,” McClaren admitted. “Within the second half, we had been all the time harmful on the counter, and I credit score my gamers for the onerous work. They had been onerous to beat. Nice crew spirit, unbelievable crew spirit.”
Sits atop Group B on 4 factors
With the win, Jamaica now sits atop Group B on 4 factors, tied with Nicaragua, who they are going to face of their subsequent away fixture on October 10. Honduras, sitting on three factors, shall be again in motion after they journey to Kingston 4 days later. McClaren is aware of the job is much from accomplished, however he’s inspired by the momentum his crew is constructing.
“After the Cuba result, through which we performed so properly however couldn’t rating, there was strain coming right here,” McClaren acknowledged. “It was crucial that we bought the win. We’ve to take what we’ve accomplished during the last 10 days, and I’ve simply stated to the gamers that I can’t fault their angle, crew spirit, and togetherness. That was demonstrated on this sport.”
McClaren ended on a assured notice, whereas recognizing the challenges that lie forward. “We will play higher soccer, however I’ve bought to be happy with what we’ve accomplished thus far. In one other three or 4 weeks, it’s going to be one other powerful sport, however we’ll be prepared.”
Jamaica’s victory in opposition to Honduras marks an necessary step of their Nations League marketing campaign, as they now set their sights on consolidating their lead within the group.
Group B standings:
- Jamaica – 4 factors
- Nicaragua – 4 factors
- Honduras – 3 factors
- Cuba – 2 factors
- French Guiana – 1 level
- Trinidad and Tobago – 1 level
