Gallant Boyz go down 1-0

Gordon Williams, Sunday Gleaner Writer

MONTERREY, Mexico:Jamaica made a losing start to the FIFA Under-17 World Cup when the Young Reggae Boyz were beaten 1-0 by well-drilled Japan yesterday at the Estadio Universitario.

Substitute Masaya Matsumoto scored in the 61st minute after a breakdown on the left side of Jamaica's defence left him facing goalkeeper Nico Campbell. He made no mistake.

Matsumoto should have increased the lead a few minutes later when he took a pass inside the penalty box from fellow sub Musashi Suzuki, who was born in Montego Bay but left Jamaica as a six-year-old. But Matsumoto's shot hit the side netting.

excellent save

Late in the game Hideyuki Nozawa was denied by an excellent foot save from Campbell, who pulled off an equally impressive job to deny Suzuki in the 85th.

The game started in windy conditions, accompanied by blistering heat which soared above the 100 degree mark. Jamaica, dressed in full, bright yellow, took a while to warm to the occasion in front of a crowd of 8,000, which included a sprinkling of supporters who travelled from several countries to cheer them on.

While Jamaica chose caution early, Japan declared their intentions quickly. They attacked with fluent combinations in midfield via the industrious Reo Mochizuki, Hideki Ishige and Hideyuki Nozawa as the Young Reggae Boyz appeared content to keep their defensive shape throughout the half, patiently soaking up the pressure.

Yet, occasionally, Jamaica gained enough confidence to push forward, stitching together passes mainly through the steady midfield play of Romario Williams and captain Omar Holness, with glimpses of flair from the flank by André Lewis and Shaun-Claud Lawson. They almost went ahead in the 21st minute when Holness controlled neatly, turned and fired a sizzling right foot shot from some 30 yards out that crashed against Japan's upright with surprised 'keeper Nakamura looking on helplessly.

It was Jamaica's best chance of the scoreless first half.

The second stanza was dominated by Japan as Jamaica, despite admirable discipline in defence, were unable to offer much in attack and appeared to tire as the game wore on. The Boyz tried to shake things up by inserting Patrick Palmer for Jevani Brown at the half and 10 minutes later, Anthony Walker for the injured Holness. But that did not produce much, a powerful strike from Romario Williams, which went straight to Kosuke Nakamura in Japan's goal, the best effort.

France 3 Argentina 0

The loss will not make Group B easier for Jamaica. Impressive France, Jamaica's final opponents, easily brushed aside Argentina 3-0 in the opening game of yesterday's double-header. France got its goals from striker Yassine Benzia (35th and 45th minutes) and Sebastien Haller (38th).

Yesterday's results mean France and Japan lead the group on three points, followed by scoreless Jamaica and Argentina.

Jamaica will face Argentina on Tuesday and France on June 24. The top-two teams in each of the six groups, along with the best third-place countries will advance to the round of 16.

JAMAICA: 21 - Nico Campbell, 9 - Omar Holness (captain - 56th Anthony Walker), 5 - Alvas Powell, Romario Williams (vice-captain), 11 - André Lewis, 10 - Jason Wright, 3 - Kemo Wallace, 2 - Oshane Jenkins, 18 - Zhelano Barnes, 14 - Jevani Brown (46th - Patrick Palmer) and 20 - Shawn-Claud Lawson (63rd - Cardel Benbow).

Subs: 1 - Richard Trench, 4 - Jason Wint, 6 - Quante Smith, 8 - Romario Jones, 12 - Patrick Palmer, 13 - Jamauh Cunningham, 15 - Anthony Walker, 16 - Troy Moo Penn, 17 - Melvin Blair.

CONCACAF Gold Cup result: Costa Rica 1 Honduras 1. Honduras advanced 4-2 on penalties to semi-finals. READY TO BEAT US JINX ... B2

AP