Hallgrimsson: We are thinking long term
Boyz head coach says Mexico were ‘fresher’ in Concacaf Gold Cup semi-final
Published:Friday | July 14, 2023 | 12:08 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
After seeing their hopes for a third Gold Cup final dashed, national senior men’s head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has taken a glass-half-full approach to his team’s performance in his first continental tournament for Jamaica, believing that it is the beginning of a bright journey for the Reggae Boyz, with the 2026 World Cup the ultimate goal.
Jamaica were beaten 3-0 by Mexico in their Gold Cup semi-final on Wednesday night thanks to goals from Henry Martin in the second minute, Luis Chavez in the 30th, and Roberto Alvarado in the 90+3 minute.
It was a game that went away from them after conceding early thanks to a defensive error, allowing Mexico to convert from their first counter-attacking play of the game. Jamaica’s run at the tournament ended in their fourth semi-final in five editions, and while disappointed that a final’s berth was not realised, Hallgrimsson was adamant about focusing for the long term.
“We are trying to focus on ourselves. It is the beginning of, hopefully, a successful journey for Jamaica for 2026. We wanted to win it. We wanted to win this competition, but we are thinking long term not short term,” Hallgrimsson said in Wednesday’s post-game press conference.
The Reggae Boyz had difficulties recovering after the bad start, and while there were improvements in the second half, Hallgrimsson said that conceding in the manner that they did took the wind out of their sails.
“I think they were much fresher than us. It was always together to concede a goal in the first minute. It was kind of a slap in the face, and it came after our set piece. They broke forward and scored. It took us some time to grow into the game,” Hallgrimsson said.
“They (Mexico) succeeded in the things we were trying to do. I think we were a little bit too individualistic when we were attacking. Why? That is a deep answer. We didn’t move the ball well in the first half. Collective defending was not as quick and aggressive as we have shown. But in the second half, we changed it so we were more aggressive and we matched them at least,” he added.
In getting to his long-term goal, Hallgrimsson’s immediate concern will be the start of the Nations League in September, which will determine qualification to next year’s Copa America tournament. He has emphasised previously that this will be an important tournament for Jamaica. But having had five full weeks with his group, the longest he has had so far in his tenure, he feels that even in defeat, there are positives to take out of their run.
“We know more about each other both on the pitch and off it. It was a good experience for us to have spent almost five weeks together, including 10 days in pre-camp. So they will know about my strengths and weaknesses, and we have learned about the players. And then partnerships within the team have grown,” Hallgrimsson said. “It is hard to say after a loss like this that we have improved as a team. But I am going to say it anyway. I think the future for Jamaica is bright if we continue to do it the correct way.”