Young Reggae Boyz look to rebound

Gordon Williams, Gleaner Writer

MONTERREY, Mexico:

Jamaica will try to bounce back from a disappointing opening game loss and revive hopes for a place in the next round of the 2011 FIFA Under-17 World Cup when they take on fellow Group B cellar dwellers Argentina today.

With kick off at the Estadio Universitario here set for 6 p.m. (local and Jamaica time), the same hour the Young Reggae Boyz tussled with Japan before going down 1-0 last Saturday, Jamaica will be hunting a win and the three accompanying points that would vault them closer to a coveted top-two spot in the group.

The Boyz put up a creditable effort against Japan, but eventually lost to a more accomplished team. Today they face desperate Argentina, victims of a humiliating 3-0 flogging by France in the curtain raiser on Saturday.

Both Argentina and Jamaica are without points entering today's clash, with the Boyz avoiding the bottom of the group after giving up two less goals. But Jamaica's coach Wendell Downswell is not about to overlook the South Americans.

"Our focus now is on the next game," said Downswell after the Japan defeat. "... It's possible we can be very competitive against Argentina. We have seen what they have to offer."

Jamaica, who like Argentina chose a 4-4-2 formation Saturday, will have to generate more themselves. Against Japan the Boyz, for the most part, looked organised on defence, but lacked inventiveness and quality in attack . They were badly outshot by Japan, who produced 15 attempts at goal - four on target - to Jamaica's five, two which bothered the goalkeeper.

However, several Jamaican players, including goalkeeper Nico Campbell, central defender Alvas Powell and midfielder Romario Williams, enhanced their reputation against Japan, handling the World Cup atmosphere and oppressive heat here with confidence. Others didn't. And only Captain Omar Holness came close to scoring with a long-range shot that hit the post.

Argentina outclassed

Meanwhile, Argentina never got the famous South American flair going against the French and were simply outclassed, fortunate not to concede more goals. Coach Oscar Garre blamed the atmosphere at football's biggest stage for Saturday's poor showing, but is confident they will rebound against Jamaica.

"We were a bit nervous (against France), and maybe my players had too much pressure on their shoulders," he said. " ... But Argentina isa great team, and I hope we'll be able to show it."

Despite the scoreline, the official statistics showed Argentina dominated ball possession against France 54 per cent to 46 per cent. Jamaica did not fare well against Japan - 38 per cent to 62 per cent - in that department.

However, the Boyz escaped serious injuries and should be at full strength today. Downswell said there should be "no problem" motivating his squad. The players have promised maximum effort throughout the tournament.

"From I touch the pitch I'll give my heart," said Powell.

Today's temperature is not expected to test his team's will as much as Saturday. Still, the pressure to make the next round is heating up. Jamaica are expected to make changes to the line-up which started against Japan. Anthony Walker added spark up front when he came on as a substitute Saturday and could play a bigger role. The coach may also look to get Holness and his powerful shot closer to the goal by switching him from midfield to forward, a move he tried briefly on Saturday.

Argentina looked shaky in defence and were especially vulnerable to attacks from France's speedy and skilful wingers. The South Americans' midfield appeared slow and unimaginative, while goalkeeper Nicolas Sequeira did not handle crosses confidently.

Powell, Jamaica's best defender, picked up an early caution against Japan and must be careful, especially against Lucas Ocampos, Argentina's most gifted player on show Saturday.

France will face Japan in the opening game of the double header, with the winners advancing to the tournament's Round of 16, the place Jamaica are aiming at as well.