Haiti, Cuba face do or die

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

Group A contenders El Salvador and their Group B counterparts Panama could both qualify for the quarter-finals if they are able to come out victorious, when they bow into action in this afternoon's 2011 CONCACAF Under-17 Championship double-header at Jarrett Park in Montego Bay.

In the 12:30 p.m. opening encounter, El Salvador will battle Haiti, who lost 3-1 in their first match on Monday against Costa Rica, while in the feature game at 4:30 p.m, Panama will take on Cuba, who suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of the United States on the same day.

The top two teams in the three-team groups will advance to the quarters.

Based on their preparation coming into the tournament, El Savador could have a tough time against the Haitian team, who made an enterprising start against Costa Rica before stumbling to defeat. While they have been scoring goals, the Victor Pacheco-conditioned El Salvadoreans have also been conceding aplenty.

Following their loss to Costa Rica, Haiti's coach Wilmer Etienne blamed inadequate match practice for their less-than-flattering performance, and knowing that another defeat would mean an early exit, the Haitians plan to come out firing on all cylinders today.

"We will definitely be giving an improved performance against El Salvador because we want to extend our stay in this tournament with a view of getting a top-four finish," said Etienne.

Panama close to qualifying

With the knowledge that a win against Cuba will see them through to the quarter-finals, Panama might just throw everything into the kitchen sink to ensure qualification before their next game against favourites United States.

In the meantime, Cuba and their coach Israel Blake know that the equation is simple: either they extend their chances with a win, or lose and go home. While they lost to the United States, they played well enough to suggest that with better application, especially before the goal, they could work themselves back into contention.

"Our aim is look at the mistakes we made against the United States and make the corrections going into the Panama game," said Blake. "Our aim coming here is to secure a top-four place and we remain committed to doing that."