Registered: 09/13/00
Posts: 199
Loc: Los Angeles, USA
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Today's game against Honduras exposed our defensive frailties and confirmed Olivera's complaint before the game of our forwards' inability to finish. Today's result was also a reality check. This realty will only be observed by rational, objective fanz and it is this: Jamaica cannot qualify for WC02 if they continue to play as they have been playing for the last three games. The football is immature, our defence against set plays is poor, and our forwards show a lack of composure to put ball in the back of the net.
The good news is the performance of our mid-field. We were able to see our forwards' inability to finish because the mid-field engine provided them with many opportunities to score. Tappa has finally woken up and delivered. He had an excellent game which was caused by (1) he started to initiate attacks and carry the ball forward as opposed to the rearward and lateral passes of yore, and (2) he saw the competition for his starting place in the mid-field by fine performances in training from new-Rboy Micah Hyde, the new Teacha. Amazing what a little competition can do. Welcome back Tappa!
The other good news was Donavon Ricketts performance. Apart from an letting the ball slip through his hands form a simple overhead catch early in the game, he was solid and produced some fine saves. The one that stood out was a free kick that was deflected to such an extent that Rickets was diving to his left to push the ball over the bar while he was moving to his right. Brilliant!
While the team has much work to do in defensive set plays, and finishing, Jamaica must fix another factor that work against us today, and that is the National Stadium playing surface. I am sorry, that playing surface does not give us any advantage, and forces the team to play route one air ball passes form defence to the forward line. I am sure it played a part in our poor finishing. The ball had an uneven bounce, which affects first touch, and close control. It also affected those tantalizing runs the Tappa made into space as many times the ball was just not in the right spot for the final pass or shot on goal.
Was that Fabian Davies or Marco McDonald at right back? Whoever it was, he also had a good game. At the start of the final round, I said that all six teams were of the same standard, and that any three can qualify. To a certain extent that is still true, although Honduras playing away is looking the weaker of the six, with Trinidad a close fifth. If that is true, our scoreline against Honduras and Trinidad playing in Kingston does not augur well for our ability at home. Things do not look good for us at home against the USA if we do not get and use a practice match to sort out some kinks, and try new players. Unless Lowe is playing first team football somewhere, give him a rest or play him from the bench. His lack of match sharpness was evident today. Burton will be out with suspension. While I am on him, has anyone noticed that whenever Burton misses easy opportunities as he did today, Jamaica does not get a positive result? Does anyone remember his miss against Croatia, in France, his miss against Mexico in the Azteca last month, and today's missed lob against Honduras? Anyway, it is time to try Hayles and Boyd or Hayles with Fuller. We cannot go on like this.
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Check out the real situation. Nation war against nation. When did it all begin? When will it end?
I agree. We now have a lot of good forwards. Why not bolster our defense by playing Lowe at sweeper. He is a good forward but we have more good forwards than good defenders. He can help defend against those set plays. Things are getting tighter and defending slim leads will become more important. peace
Registered: 05/03/00
Posts: 496
Loc: beltsville MD, Unites States
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I agree with all you have to saw Dweetsweet2 especially what you said about the stadium field. Why is it that our players can give good club performances but struggle some time in the national stadium(hint hint)? It doesn't take a genius to see that it's the pitch I have no idea what the $&*((#$# the JFF is thinking.
Burton with his high work rate should replace Simpson in the midfield. He is not a finisher, but he'll run all day. He is definitely playing out of position.
Simpson is not there but no one has replaced his work rate. Burton is up front because he works so much. It would be a lot better to have a better finisher up front but retain the work rate.
JAHBILLY the Midfield is OK after yesterday's performance. They played impressive. I don't know where you get putting Burton in the Midfield. His work rate is not high either.
Really. Do think Burton is playing for his scoring ability? He is there for his work rate, because the Boyz only use two forwards. His work rate would be better utilized in the middle and put a better finisher up front. No one on the team has replaced the work rate that Simpson produced. None.
If Burton was playing for his work rate not scoring ability, why would they start him over Barry Hayles if Hayles has a higher work rate and better scoring ability!
He just hasn't peen finding the net. Man I hate to my bwoy so because him was there leading up to 98 and has always been there since....but damn...Hayles look much better. Feel bad bout it still because there is something to be said for loyalty, and he HAS always been there.(Burton)
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Obama/Biden 2012 - We need people who actually think in charge, though they should learn to lead!
I said this long ago. SIT LOWE OR PUT HIM IN DEFENSE UNTIL HE LEARNS TO PASS THE BALL. I am tired of watching a selfish egoistic player playing his own game.
BURTON, HAYLES AND HYDE MUST START THE NEXT GAME!!! If Clovis stick with Lowe I won't attend a next game with him starting at forward. This is pathetic, and an insult to Jamaican supporters.
Clovis will go down with Lowe...mark my word.
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"Go tell it on the Mountain!"
