‘We got away with three points’
Assistant coach says Reggae Boyz performance not as good as result
Published:Monday | June 10, 2024 | 12:09 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
REGGAE BOYZ assistant coach Jon Wall said the team’s 3-2 result over minnows Dominica in their second round Concacaf Group E World Cup qualifier in Dominica yesterday covered up a less-than-ideal performance.
The Jamaicans, with a brace from Shamar Nicholson, sandwiched by a Kaheim Dixon strike, went 3-0 up, and appeared to be in control with seven minutes remaining.
However, late goals from Javid George and Troy Jules ensured a grandstand finish with Jamaica holding out to collect all three points, which was most important said Wall.
“The result was better than the performance. We should have killed this game a lot earlier based on the chances that we had. The conversion rate was low. The best of it was the result. We got away with three points,” he said
It was a vibrant start by the home team, who provided the first real scare but the danger was averted by the Reggae Boyz defence.
The Jamaicans looked lethargic at the start and took a while to establish their dominance, while the hosts grew in confidence as the half wore on.
The Reggae Boyz created their best opening after 20 minutes when Kaheim Dixon crossed to Shamar Nicholson at the back post but his soft header was touched onto the post by goalkeeper Glenson Prince.
Three minutes later Dixon broke loose, with the best chance of the half, but he steered his effort just wide of the target.
Nicholson then put the Jamaicans ahead in the 30th minute, when he anticipated a poor header from a defender and toed the ball past Prince for his second goal in as many qualifying games.
Nicholson and Dixon continued to torment the Dominica defence and the former came close to adding to Jamaica’s lead in the 34th minute.
Dixon also had a goalbound shot from 12 yards deflected wide by a defender three minutes later, before forcing Prince into a diving save to deny a rasping shot inside the goalkeeper’s near post.
NOT DENIED
However, the Arnett Gardens forward was not to be denied, and in the 40th minute, he calmly fired home after dismissing his marker, to make it 2-0.
The Nicholson-Dixon combination continued to wreak havoc after the break and Dixon shot a certain goal off the post after Prince stopped Nicholson’s effort.
Nicholson then failed to convert in the 69th minute after making room for himself inside the area.
The lanky striker would get his second and Jamaica’s third when he slotted home from the penalty spot after a hand ball in the box.
The home team pulled a goal back seven minutes from time, after George rounded Jahmali Waite before firing home from an angle.
Then two minutes from time Jules reduced the deficit to one goal after an excellent free kick from the edge of the area.
Still, Nicholson should have put the game to bed when he collected a ball over the top but lobbed his effort over the bar.
Despite their numerous chances, the Reggae Boyz had to endure a spirited last 10 minutes as well as seven minutes added time to maintain their one-goal advantage at the end.
Although Wall thought they controlled the game for much of the match, he said external factors contributed to their sloppiness.
“The three points are excellent because you cannot win more than three points. But it (slow start) was more based on the pitch which left a lot to be asked for.
“It is 100 metres in depth (length) and 72 to 75 metres wide. That’s a cricket pitch and for me it is not up to standard.”
Nevertheless, he credited the home team for being able to dust themselves off after a 6-0 drubbing from Guatemala in their first game on Thursday, and put in such a creditable performance.
“Dominica played well within their means, and counterattacked with the two to three players they have up front. But we should have controlled the game much better and finished it off with the chances that we had.
“The quality in the end (was the difference). It was 80 minutes of controlled game, and 10 minutes of less so. But it is always hard to play away from home with external factors like the pitch and with players coming back after a restart, and there is a short time between game one and game two. But overall, three points, you cannot get more than that,” he said.
The Reggae Boyz trail Guatemala in the group on goal difference, after both teams won their first two matches to sit out front on six points apiece.