Jamaica clinched a spot within the third spherical of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying on Saturday with a slender 1-0 victory over the British Virgin Islands on the AO Shirley Recreation Floor in Highway City.
A Seventeenth-minute aim by Warner Brown proved simply sufficient to keep up the Reggae Boyz’s excellent document in Zone E.
It was a match that by no means absolutely ignited, extra of a grind than a showcase, however the consequence retains Jamaica degree with group leaders Guatemala at 9 factors apiece. Although each groups are actually assured to advance, the Central People sit atop the group by advantage of a superior aim distinction—plus 11 to Jamaica’s modest plus three.
Lackluster efficiency, however job performed
Regardless of boasting a squad way more skilled and higher ranked than their opponents—FIFA has Jamaica considerably increased than the 207th-ranked British Virgin Islands—the guests did not dominate proceedings. Their play was marred by errant passes, speculative lengthy balls, and a scarcity of attacking invention.
The BVI, already eradicated from qualification rivalry earlier than kickoff, had been decided to keep away from humiliation. Jamaica, then again, appeared hesitant and uninspired, usually struggling to hyperlink play by means of midfield or impose their will on the sport.
Second of high quality from Grey and Brown
The match’s decisive second got here halfway by means of the primary half. Demarai Grey, deployed in a midfield position, delivered a teasing free kick from simply outdoors the left fringe of the penalty space. Warner Brown met the ball with a deft glancing header, guiding it previous goalkeeper Frankie Beckles for what would stand as the sport’s solely aim.
Williams comes near doubling lead
Substitute Romario Williams, launched within the second half to inject urgency, got here near padding the scoreline. Within the seventieth minute, his strike rattled the woodwork, and minutes later he fired simply vast of the publish. These moments, nevertheless, had been fleeting in a match largely devoid of rhythm or aptitude.
With development now secured, Jamaica turns its consideration to a pivotal top-of-the-table conflict in opposition to Guatemala on Tuesday inside Kingston’s Nationwide Stadium. The winner will seemingly high Zone E, an final result that would form the highway forward within the quest for World Cup qualification.
