Xavier Gilbert, the interim head coach of Jamaica’s Senior Reggae Girlz, expressed satisfaction together with his group’s conservative 1-1 draw towards Panama throughout their CONCACAF W Gold Cup qualifying match held on the Nationwide Stadium on Wednesday night.
The outcome has elevated Panama to the highest of Group B of the league, amassing seven factors from 4 accomplished video games, giving them a three-point lead over Guatemala, who has performed three video games. Jamaica presently sits on the backside of the three-team group with two factors, additionally from three video games.
Jamaica was set to depart for Panama on Thursday afternoon forward of their ultimate match-up on Sunday. The 2 groups beforehand performed to a 2-2 attract Jamaica through the October window.
Should win sport towards Guatemala
To safe a play-off spot for one more alternative on the W Gold Cup match, Gilbert’s Jamaican aspect should defeat Guatemala. Talking on the post-game press convention, Gilbert acknowledged, “That’s the best way it’s, and we simply needed to make sure that we didn’t lose tonight [Wednesday], that was our first goal. After all, we needed to win, however we’re nonetheless in with a shot going into the ultimate sport.”
He continued, “It was a aggressive sport. I believe issues didn’t go based on plan as greatest as attainable, however we created some alternatives, however sadly, we couldn’t get on the scoresheet [enough].”
Within the early levels, the house aspect confirmed extra exercise, with a number of crosses from the best flank, however attackers Davia Richards and Melissa Johnson have been unable to attach from shut vary. Panama practically took the lead when Natalia Mills nearly fooled Jamaican goalkeeper Serena Mensah, however Mensah made a vital save.
Controversial penalty
It was Mills who later ran onto an extended move within the penalty field, challenged by Lauren Reid, resulting in the referee pointing to the penalty spot. Captain Marta Cox, who had beforehand scored on the FIFA Ladies’s World Cup, calmly transformed the penalty within the thirtieth minute.
Jamaica managed to stage the rating simply earlier than halftime when Shaniel Buckley volleyed dwelling a pinpoint cross from Malikae Dayes. Within the second half, Jamaica maintained momentum however appeared conservative of their method, limiting the variety of attackers within the opponents’ penalty space.
Regardless of possibilities for each groups, the rating remained stage. Gilbert took a philosophical view of the sport’s end result, acknowledging the aggressive nature of their opponents. He emphasised the significance of scoring targets to safe a victory.
Understanding the dynamics
When requested concerning the conservative method at dwelling, Gilbert defined, “We additionally must keep in mind that we’re in a special dynamic than them, the opposite two groups [Panama and Guatemala]. Now we have two video games in 5 days, and every of them simply has a one-off sport. Now we have to be sensible by way of our method and what we do. We couldn’t be erratic and simply make substitutions, I do know what I’m working with. I perceive the dynamics, I perceive the state of affairs that we’re in now and we’re simply going to provide it our all on Sunday.
“Now we have to evaluate the groups and when you ask me and when you watch each video games [against Panama and Guatemala], who do you assume could be a greater opponent to beat? Actually, I fancy my likelihood towards Guatemala! We went out for the win however it didn’t occur and we didn’t need to be erratic and throw numbers in entrance and find yourself dropping the sport. It was a detailed sport, and good opposition.”
Captain Chinyelu Asher supported the teaching employees’s method and expressed confidence of their upcoming match towards Guatemala. She famous the rising chemistry throughout the group and the dedication to safe a win.
Gained’t take Guatemala straightforward
“We’re not going to take Guatemala straightforward, they’ll come out sturdy as nicely, however I believe we undoubtedly have what it takes to get some factors there.”
The groups
Jamaica: Serena Mensah, Theanna Burnett, Malikae Dayes, Lauren Reid, Shaniel Buckley (Mikayla Dayes 84th), Chinyelu Asher (Shanise Foster 77th), Marlo Sweatman, Melissa Johnson (Ricshya Walker ninetieth+1), Njeri Butts, Davia Richards, Israela Grooves
Panama: Yenith Bailey, Hilary Jaen, Wendy Natis (Rebeca Espinoza forty third), Yomira Pinzon, Marta Coz, Natalia Mills (Katherin Parris 82nd), Riley Tanner (Katherine Castillo 82nd), Carmen Montenegro (Schiandra Gonzalez 59th), Kenia Rangel (Ana Quintero 59th), Aldrith Quintero, Carina Baltrip
Booked: Pinzon (ninetieth+4)
The match officers
- Referee: Melissa Pastrana (Honduras)
- First Assistant Referee: Shirley Perello (Honduras)
- Second Assistant Referee: Lourdes Noriega (Honduras)
- Fourth Official: Merlin Soto (Honduras)
- Referee Assessor: Miguel Hernandez (Mexico)
- Match Commissioner: Patrick Massenat (Haiti)
