Reggae Boyz target CONCACAF crown

Canada vs Panama, Jamaica vs USA in today's semis

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

Having booked their respective places in this summer's FIFA Under-17 World Cup, host nation Jamaica, the United States, Canada and Panama will once again be taking aim at the CONCACAF Under-17 title when they square off in today's semi-final double-header at the Montego Bay Sports Complex in Catherine Hall, St James.

In the games down for contention, the tournament's surprise team, Panama, will oppose Canada in the 4 p.m. curtain-raiser, while in the feature game at 7 p.m., hosts Jamaica take on tournament favourites the United States.

After starting the tournament quite shakily with a 2-2 draw against Trinidad & Tobago (T&T), the Jamaican lads, who subsequently defeated Guatemala 1-0 before knocking off Honduras 2-1 in the quarter-finals, are now bubbling with confidence and high expectations.

Finish as champs

"We have been improving with each game and I am expecting that trend to continue," said Jamaica's coach Wendell Downswell, in looking ahead to today's semi-final. "Having qualified for the World Cup, we would now like to finish the tournament by winning the championship."

However, with their impressive 100 per cent win record after first-round 3-1 and 1-0 wins against Cuba and Panama, and then their 3-2 extra-time quarter-final win against El Salvador, the Wilmer Cabrera-coached United States seem to be a team now in fine nick to give a good account of themselves.

"This has been a very good tournament for us ... we have been improving with each game," said Cabrera. "I am really happy for these kids and I would love to see them finishing this tournament by winning the championship."

In their bid to get by the United States, Jamaica will be depending on prolific striker Jason Wright, who is currently the tournament's joint leading goalscorer, on four goals with Costa Rica's John Ruiz; dynamic skipper Omar Holness, the versatile Alvas Powell and the talented Jevani Brown.

For the Americans, the charge will be led by the skilful Esteban Rodriguiz Jr, the gutsy Alejandro Guido, Marc Pelosi and prolific goalgetter Andrew Oliver, who have all been standout players for Cabrera.

In the curtain-raiser, a keenly contested game is anticipated between Canada and Panama, who have basically surprised all and sundry by making the tournament's semi-finals.

The Canadians, who started the tournament by spanking Barbados 8-0 and then had a 0-0 draw with Honduras before returning to winning ways with their 2-0 quarter-final win against T&T, are bubbling with confidence.

"We have been playing quite well and getting good results and it is our aim to continue doing so," said Canada's coach Sean Fleming. "Qualifying for the World Cup is the best thing that could have happened for us, but it would be nice if we could go on to win this championship."

Fairy-tale run

For Panama the aim is to continue their fairy-tale run, which really bloomed with their 1-0 quarter-final win against Costa Rica.

"We really have nothing to lose so we will just play our normal game in the hope of getting a positive result," said Panama's coach Jorge Dely Valdez. "Our main goal was to qualify for the World Cup and that was achieved."

In their quest to make the final, Canada's bid will be led by midfield maestro Keven Aleman, Christopher Nanco and the versatile Luca Gasparotto, while Panama will be looking to the likes of Aldair Paredes, Alexander Gonzalez and Alfredo Stephens, who scored against Costa Rica in the quarter-finals.