Antigua St John's - Following the Antigua & Barbuda Benna Boyz 3-1 defeat to the United States in the semis of the FIFA World Cup Qualifications in Tampa on Friday, the team is ready to battle Caribbean giants the Reggae Boyz of Jamaica.
The national team returned home on Saturday and wasted no time in tuning out Friday’s disappointment to focus on Tuesday’s ‘must win’ encounter.
At a press conference held at Rex Resort Hawksbill upon arrival, president of the Antigua & Barbuda Football Association Everton “Batow” Gonsalves expressed the urgency of the moment.
“This is a must-win game and we will be ready for Jamaica,” the president promised.
Jamaica comes to town with a win at home over Guatemala also on Friday and will be looking to add another victory on the road here at the Sir Vivian Richards stadium.
Of the four teams in group A the Benna Boyz are at the bottom of the rankings and with the USA and Jamaica winning at home, the Antiguans need to win if they are to get to RIO in 2014.
They will be up to the challenge against a tough opponent like Jamaica.
That sentiment was expressed by Coach Tom Curtis, who was impressed by his team’s performance in Tampa.
“We would have loved to win the game,” said Curtis “but I am encouraged by the maturity of the players, who all lifted their game on Friday.”
The Coach said that the performance is a clear demonstration that while they may be the ‘minnows’ of the group they have a chance to make it through to the finals in RIO.
“We have a chance,” said Curtis as he reflected on the US match where his team, after trailing by 2-0 at halftime pulled a goal back in the 65th minute on a Peter “Big Pete” Byers’ strike.
“They (USA) were clearly rattled,” said Curtis.
president of the Football Association Everton “Batow” Gonsalves expressed the urgency of the moment.
president of the Football Association Everton “Batow” Gonsalves expressed the urgency of the moment.
“You could see it in the players and the coaches after we scored.
“This was a game where they were expected to win big but we played well as everyone, even those who did not get into the game, pulled together.
The coach insisted that the real threat from the Benna Boyz will be the team’s maturity and the unity that was demonstrated on Friday.
Reflecting on the team’s performance against the USA, Curtis said that the players are ready to play when they are called upon to do so as did Byers who entered the game in the 62nd minute.
Byers, the team’s top scorer, did not start the game but was inserted with the team two goals down and in need of something positive.
Three minutes after entering the game Byers scored by splitting two defenders before hitting past Tim Howard in goal for the United States.
“After I picked up the ball, he (Howard) thought I was going right because I looked that way but instead I went left.
“It was pretty easy,” said Byers.
Curtis agreed. “That’s the maturity I am talking about. The same way Skepple did when he came into the game against Haiti, that’s what Peter did and that is the progress that is noticeable with this team,” the coach stressed.
The Coach added that Jamaica will be a different challenge but he is confident, like the President, that the team will be ready.
The game kicks off at 7 pm, three hours after gates open at the Sir Vivian Richards stadium which was inspected on Saturday by a FIFA inspector.
“When it comes to us (Antigua & Barbuda) FIFA it seems is overly meticulous but we will have the stadium ready for Tuesday,” said Gonsalves.
There are thousands of Jamaicans living in Antigua and it is expected that the visitors will be well represented in fan support.
To that Gonsalves is encouraging ‘all Antiguans & Barbudans to purchase tickets and come out and support team Antigua & Barbuda, the Benna Boyz.
4 zip mi seh...stamp our class and dominance as carribean king over a side come Tuesday.
This game should feature Fuller to take on defense and create set-pieces and should also suit Rudi very well with his long range shots, penalty kicks and free-kick around the box, but he should play composed too and never rush his game or shots to give up possession.
Our Boyz should also know that this is a game for us as a unit to be extremely patient, be more proactive and not reacting to plays, keeping possession of the ball and not giving it away easily will be critical in this game, let them fight hard to earn each touch everytime them get a chance fi touch the ledda. Knock it around patiently pon dem and draw them out up high and wide, then attack them with urgency, pace and capitalise on each and ever little opportunity we get...
Remember, they 'must' attack in this game, because they know they need to win at home to stand any chance at all, so the pressure is on them.
So, while they did play with 11 men behind the ball in their away game against the US, they played that game hoping for a draw or just to keep a close tab on keeping the score sheet low, but now they need to win at home so they can't stay in their half of the field, therefore that will be to our advantages, because they have to open up on attack. So, we can't be too patient enough, just let the game come to us and stay discipline to playing our style of game, but wth enough blend of intensity and a monsterous killer instinct of energy!!
This is a game where a draw is unacceptable and a loss is not in the books. But, first and foremost, we must be discipline follow our game plan, execute well and put away our chances early, the goals will come, just make use of them.
@ASnipe12 - According to physical trainer Andre Waugh...Ricketts will be fit for tuesday
I am happy to hear that Ricktets will be fit for this game. Don't want to take things for granted. We want to start with our best team on the field.
I must say this though. in the Panama game, Ricketts showed that he does not learn. He came off his line from a break away from Panama. The Panama player saw him and tried chipping the ball over his head but Ricketts was able to reach up and plucked it from the air as the chip was not high enough. A few inches higher and it would have scored. Another break and what did he do? the same thing! This time the lob from the Panama player was perfect and the ball bounced harmlessly into the goal.
These are things that I wish our players would learn from each match they play. Its called experience. We repeat errors too often sometimes.
Anyway, I think he being fit is a plus for the team.
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Ricketts out, Shelton doubtful for Antigua WC qualifying match-up
IAN BURNETT with the REGGAE BOYZ in Antigua WORLD CUP QUALIFIER
Monday, June 11, 2012
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ST JOHN'S, Antigua — Captain of Jamaica's National Senior football team Donovan Ricketts was omitted from the 23-man squad which is being prepared to face Antigua and Barbuda here at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in tomorrow's second round of Group A CONCACAF World Cup play-offs.
Ricketts, who suffered a "chondral bruise" of his right knee, was replaced in the 20th minute of last Friday's opening round game against Guatemala at the National Stadium. Team doctor Derrick McDowell told the Jamaica Observer that Ricketts, who got married in Montego Bay on Saturday, was likely to make a quick recovery, as the decision to omit him from the travelling party was precautionary and taken in the player's best interest.
[Hide Description] Jamaica’s Luton Shelton in action against Guatemala in their Group A CONCACAF World Cup qualifier at the National Stadium on Friday night. Jamaica won 2-1. (Photo: Garfield Robinson) [Restore Description] 1/1
There was another concern for the group as striker Luton Shelton sat out yesterday's training session at the famous cricket venue, the Antigua Recreation Ground, suffering from groin problem. He, too, was substituted in last Friday's game with the same complaint.
"I think he might be okay for the game, but I want a team that is fully fit for the game," head coach Theodore Whitmore said following yesterday's training session.
Also, up to press time, Ricardo Fuller, Rohan Reid and Joel Senior had yet to join up with the rest of the team, which departed the island on Saturday for Miami, where they had an overlay before arriving in Antigua just after 1:38 pm yesterday. The three players were expected in last night, having travelled direct from Jamaica to the eastern Caribbean island.
Whitmore and his technical staff, having scouted the Antiguans in their 1-3 loss to the USA in Tampa, Florida, last Friday, took their charges through a tactical session aimed at countering the home side. The coach was upbeat with the reaction of the players.
"I think it was a lot of energy, you could see the players were enjoying what they were doing as we worked on strategy going into the game against Antigua on Tuesday night."
He continued: "We are doing our homework and we are to meet with the team tonight to discuss the game because we had a scout at their game against the US."
And though there was very little time between the back-to-back fixtures, Whitmore was pleased with where the team is at ahead of the 7:00 pm (6:00 pm local time) kick off tomorrow.
"I am pretty much happy with where we are, we know it is going to be a tough game, as are Caribbean games, but we just have to come prepared," he concluded.
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That's why it's important to have depth at every position in the squad. Cummings would have been a good replacement for Shelton if he were healthy. Hope fuller steps up and get a few goals. He really needs to increase his tally or he might be the odd man out in a few months.
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Originally Posted By: AvidBoyzFan
That's why it's important to have depth at every position in the squad. Cummings would have been a good replacement for Shelton if he were healthy. Hope fuller steps up and get a few goals. He really needs to increase his tally or he might be the odd man out in a few months.
Squad depth pleases Lovel Palmer
Ryon Jones, Staff Reporter
Lovel Palmer in action again Guatemala. - Ricardo Makyn
Recent Reggae Boy recall Lovel Palmer is pleased with the depth in Jamaica's senior men's national football team after he was able to step in and replace the injured Xavian Virgo for last Friday's opening round semi-final CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying (WCQ) 2-1 win over Guatemala, at the National Stadium last Friday.
"Virgo is a really great player and after the game I was telling him thanks, because he has been playing well," Palmer said.
"I have watched the games that Jamaica has played and he scored against New Zealand and he stepped aside and allowed me to play tonight, because as coach said he was carrying a knock from the training camp in Braco."
He added: "So maybe coach was thinking he is not 100 per cent fit, but it just shows that we have people ready and raring to go, when Virgo is out, Lovel is ready to step in, and if Ricardo Fuller is out, Luton Shelton is ready to step in. It just shows whoever is placed on the pitch, the commitment that we have for our country and the will to win is the same."
The last time the 27-year-old Palmer played for Jamaica was September of last year, when the team went down 2-0 to Colombia in an international friendly. He was not disheartened by not being called up for recent friendlies, but instead used the time to improve his game.
"I have been doing my homework with Portland in the MLS, because there is no way I can play for my national team if I am not playing well and consistently for my club," Palmer said.
"If the coach doesn't call me, it is either because he is looking at someone else or I am not doing well enough to be a part of the programme, so I had to step up my practice, step up my work and my play in Portland," he added.
The former Harbour View player, who is also capable of playing anywhere along the defensive line, including defensive midfield, is willing to play wherever he is required.
"I am a professional player and whatever it takes for me to be in my national team I am willing to do it, and I have no problem playing right back," Palmer said.
"I am a professional player and you have to adjust and adopt as fast as possible," he added.
Jamaica will play their next qualifier away to Antigua and Barbuda tomorrow night.
"I am a professional player and whatever it takes for me to be in my national team I am willing to do it, and I have no problem playing right back," Palmer said.
"I am a professional player and you have to adjust and adopt as fast as possible."
we want see more real overseas professiionals more footballers from uk then the national stadium will be filled.....
Should be filled no matter what...its not a club team...its a national team doing well in qualifiers Jamaica rite now
YOU SAYING ANTIGUA DOING WELL RIGHT NOW IN THE QUALIFIER?? WOW!!
let me rephrase jamaica is doing well....and antigua is doing well for a tiny nation to the people there they are backing the team heavy no matter what..like jamaicans should do if they are so patriotic right?? Remember Antigua had a previous round where they won all the home games.
Also there will be a lot of jamaicans in attendance tomorrow so its not truely a home game for antigua.
That's why it's important to have depth at every position in the squad. Cummings would have been a good replacement for Shelton if he were healthy. Hope fuller steps up and get a few goals. He really needs to increase his tally or he might be the odd man out in a few months.
Squad depth pleases Lovel Palmer
Ryon Jones, Staff Reporter
Lovel Palmer in action again Guatemala. - Ricardo Makyn
Recent Reggae Boy recall Lovel Palmer is pleased with the depth in Jamaica's senior men's national football team after he was able to step in and replace the injured Xavian Virgo for last Friday's opening round semi-final CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying (WCQ) 2-1 win over Guatemala, at the National Stadium last Friday.
"Virgo is a really great player and after the game I was telling him thanks, because he has been playing well," Palmer said.
"I have watched the games that Jamaica has played and he scored against New Zealand and he stepped aside and allowed me to play tonight, because as coach said he was carrying a knock from the training camp in Braco."
He added: "So maybe coach was thinking he is not 100 per cent fit, but it just shows that we have people ready and raring to go, when Virgo is out, Lovel is ready to step in, and if Ricardo Fuller is out, Luton Shelton is ready to step in. It just shows whoever is placed on the pitch, the commitment that we have for our country and the will to win is the same."
The last time the 27-year-old Palmer played for Jamaica was September of last year, when the team went down 2-0 to Colombia in an international friendly. He was not disheartened by not being called up for recent friendlies, but instead used the time to improve his game.
"I have been doing my homework with Portland in the MLS, because there is no way I can play for my national team if I am not playing well and consistently for my club," Palmer said.
"If the coach doesn't call me, it is either because he is looking at someone else or I am not doing well enough to be a part of the programme, so I had to step up my practice, step up my work and my play in Portland," he added.
The former Harbour View player, who is also capable of playing anywhere along the defensive line, including defensive midfield, is willing to play wherever he is required.
"I am a professional player and whatever it takes for me to be in my national team I am willing to do it, and I have no problem playing right back," Palmer said.
"I am a professional player and you have to adjust and adopt as fast as possible," he added.
Jamaica will play their next qualifier away to Antigua and Barbuda tomorrow night.
Lovell is being kind to his teamate and coach here...and diplomatic.
Xavier Virgo fi si dung and watch big man professional balla play ball...good excuse Tappa, mek sure Virgo's 'knock' no heal till these damn qualifiers done.
As a right-back defender, there is no comparison between Virgo and Palmer...Tappa don know dat too...im just bias towards certain playas.
