Coach wants patient Reggae Girlz in front of tough Paraguay
Published:Thursday | November 10, 2022 | 3:29 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
REGGAE GIRLZ coach Lorne Donaldson said his team must be prepared to take their chances against Paraguay as he anticipates that they will have their work cut out breaking down the Paraguay defence when the teams meet in their international friendly at the Catherine Hall Sports Complex at 8.00 p.m. this evening.
He said the South Americans are known for their defensive fortitude and that they must be patient in their execution.
He believes the game will also give them a good idea of where there are in comparison to Brazil, who they have been grouped with in the World Cup, and who knocked Paraguay out of qualification.
“Paraguay will be very difficult to break down, so we have to take our chances when we get them,” Donaldson commented.
“We will have to be patient at times when we go through that process of breaking them down, so ball possession in certain areas of the field will be important.
“The condition of the field will also determine how we play. So the surface will be a factor, but we have to be ready to take the chances because it is not going to be an easy game.”
Brazil defeated Paraguay 2-0 when the teams last met in the women’s Copa America in July.
Paraguay will also compete in the inter-confederation playoffs with nine other teams for three available World Cup spots in February, and that, Lorne thinks, will play a part in making the game more difficult.
“Paraguay is a good team. They qualified for the last phase of the World Cup, and out of the 10-team bracket, are one of the favoured three to come out.
“Paraguay will be very difficult to overcome, so we have to make sure we are ready for the challenge because we are playing a top South American team.
“Brazil knocked them out, so it is good to see where we stand early in comparison to teams like Brazil. So it is a measuring stick,” he said.
He also commended forward Jody Brown for making herself available for Sunday’s second game after she was forced to miss today’s match on account of school commitments.
“A few players are not here because of college commitments. The colleges are in playoffs and we want to give them (players) that opportunity.
“Jody Brown will miss the first game. She has a (college) game on the 11th. She comes in on the 12th and plays on the 13th, so we have to be aware of what is going on. But Jody Brown will come in for the last game, and we really respect that,” he added.