Jurideini, Stewart weigh in on Reggae Boyz chances

Two Local football experts shared mixed views on the Reggae Boyz's chances against Nicaragua in the second leg of their CONCACAF World Cup qualifier in Manugua, this evening at 8:30.pm.

Football analyst and administrator, Clyde Jureidini, believes the Boyz are that much better than their opponent and will get the required two or more goals to see themselves through to the next round.

However, former national assistant coach, Bradley Stewart, thought the Boyz got it so wrong first time around that he doubts if they can get it right this time, especially with so many first-choice players out.

"I expect they would correct the errors.. and that they come in a more serious frame of mind and start with a lot more urgency at the beginning of the game and put pressure on the opponent, even though they are at home and, hopefully, that pressure should count for the amount of goals we need," said Jureidini.

improvement mandatory

However, he warned that there cannot be a repeat of the indiscipline that cost the team in the first leg on Friday.

"The disparity (between the teams) was largely in the execution ... our discipline and application to the task we should correct. Having lost the first game, we should come out and play much better and with a lot more purpose to get the result," he added.

Stewart, on the other, has his doubts, based on the application in the first game and the fact that more first-choice players might miss this match.

"What you call this? Mission Impossible? the veteran coach mused. "For the first game, we weren't ready psychologically, and we underestimated this team. There were many things that were depressing ... and when you make those mistakes at this level, I don't think you are going to recover," he assessed more seriously.

"Given what has happened to Wes Morgan, (Jobi) McAnuff and (Gareth) McCleary (absent due to club commitments), Gil Barnes can't play on (astro) turf, and Austin might not play, and if Austin don't play, our defensive capabilities will be hampered," he continued.

However, he thinks Jamaica are much better and good enough to get the result and advance.

"It doesn't help them (Nicaragua) to play too defensive, as we will create chances, so they have to play cautious. This team is rated 139th, and we are rated 52, so there must be a difference.

"But if we get the approach so wrong in the first match, then I am wondering if we can get it right this time around," he questioned.