'We have done ourselves proud'

... Downswell pleased despite early exit, after 1-1 draw with France

Gordon Williams, Gleaner Writer

MONTERREY, Mexico:

Jamaica turned in their best-ever performance at the global youth football level, but could not avoid elimination from the 2011 FIFA Under-17 World Cup, following a hard-fought 1-1 draw with France yesterday.

The young Reggae Boyz delivered on their promise to put an exciting cap on their final group game, by surprising the highly regarded European power and taking their first point of the tournament at the Estadio Universitario.

The valiant effort was also good enough to earn Jamaica's only point ever at the Under-17 World Cup, following a shutout in 1999.

The Boyz finished at the bottom of Group B behind Japan, seven points, France, five, and Argentina, three.

However, that could not dampen the joy in the Jamaica camp. Coach Wendell Downswell believes many positives were accomplished at the tournament.

"We have done ourselves proud," said broad-smiling Downswell after the game.

"Our intention was to play attractive, entertaining and enterprising football; to demonstrate to the world our football is alive and well."

Setbacks

Despite early setbacks in the World Cup, following narrow losses to Japan (1-0) and Argentina (2-1), Jamaica did just that. They came out on a bright, hot afternoon yesterday and took the lead in the ninth minute through a well-taken goal by Andre Lewis, that gifted Jamaica their first advantage at the tournament.

Captain Omar Holness' corner was flicked on straight to Lewis inside the penalty box. The man called 'L.A.' calmly controlled on his chest before slamming past France goalkeeper Quentin Beunardeau.

The goal ignited Jamaica.

"Words cannot express the happiness, having taken the lead against France," Downswell said.

France rallied to equalise in the 58th through Yassine Benzia. But in a performance that warmed the hearts of those who witnessed it, Jamaica revealed that they were not awed by the big stage or their opponent's reputation.

The Boyz started the game with a late switch to their starting line-up, replacing defender Patrick Palmer with Quante Smith from the 11 announced on Thursday.

France presented an almost new team - featuring nine changes from their last game against Japan.

Still, Jamaica moved confidently early, passing the ball around neatly, with the two Romarios - Jones and Williams - especially, dictating play.

The Boyz were tested repeatedly, especially from corners, with new starting goalkeeper Richard Trench doing well to punch away a hard cross early; and then leaving his line quickly to block a shot from Aymeric Laporte in the 18th minute.

Trench, brilliant all afternoon, was called on again in 36th minute, flying full stretch to his right to flick away a powerful shot from Benzia, after Jamaica failed to properly clear another corner.

France slowly took control, but were held at bay by stout defending by the quartet of Williams, Smith, Kemo Wallace and Oshane Jenkins, plus Trench in goal.

Still, Jamaica came close to extending their lead right before the half.

A long free kick from Williams was headed away, but straight to Jones lurking outside the box. His thunderous right foot shot was tipped around the upright by Beunardeau.

Jamaica went into the half leading on the score-sheet and in ball possession (52 per cent to 48 per cent), yet unaware that at least one result elsewhere was going in their favour: Japan were in front of Argentina 2-0 at the break in the other Group B game in Morelia.

That game would end 3-1, a result which would have kept alive Jamaica's dream for a best third-place spot in the Round of 16 had they held the lead yesterday.

But France came out determined in the second stanza, bombarding Jamaica's goal with shots.

Less than five minutes into the half, Trench was forced to make another excellent save, going low.

France finally capitalised on the building pressure. Jamaica lost the ball in midfield. Benzia collected at the top of the box, eased by a defender, before thumping a right-footer past Trench.

Two minutes later, the Jamaica keeper was forced into another fantastic save to deny Gaetan Laborde from near point-blank range and keep Jamaica in the game.

The Boyz responded positively and came close when Holness broke free on the right side, but his inventive chip missed the target.

France earned a penalty in the 70th when Williams brought down Benzia. But Jordan Ikoko's shot from the spot went wide of the upright.

The foul earned Williams a caution, Jamaica's second after Smith was booked in the 33rd minute. But the Boyz were later reduced to 10 men when substitute Jason Wint was sent off by referee Helder Martins in the 79th for a challenge on Jordan Vercleyen.

Still, Jamaica were gifted opportunities to snatch a historic win in time added. First Holness hit a free kick from just outside the box straight to Beunardeau.

Shortly after, substitute Troy Moo Penn found himself inside the box, but he hesitated and his shot was eventually blocked, extinguishing Jamaica's last hope.

TEAMS

JAMAICA: 1 - Richard Trench 7 - Romario Williams 3 - Kemo Wallace 2 - Oshane Jenkins (4 - Jason WInt - 55th) 6 - Quante Smith 8 - Romario Jones 11 - Andre Lewis 18 - Zhelano Barnes 15 - Anthony Walker (16 - Troy Moo Penn - 68th) 9 - Omar Holness (captain) 10 - Jason Wright (19 - Cardel Benbow - 59th).

SUBSTITUTES: 21 - Nico Campbell 20 - Shawn-Claud Lawson 14 - Jevani Brown 12 - Patrick Palmer 13 - Jamauh Cunningham 17 - Melvin Blair.

FRANCE: 1 - Quentin Beunardeau 2 - Jordan Ikoko 3 - Benjamin Mendy 4 - Raphael Calvet (captain) 8 - Soualiho Meite (6 - Adrien Tameze - 48th) 13 - Aymeric Laporte 14 - Khari Madianga 15 - Pierre Bourdin (10 - Abdallah Yaisien - 56th) 17 - Jordan Vercleyen 18 - Gaetan Laborde (9 - Lenny Nangis - 73rd) 20 - Yassine Benzia.

SUBSTITUTES: 5 - Kurt Zouma 7 - Adam Nkusu 11 - Sebastien Haller 12 - Antoine Conte 16 - Lionnel Mpasi Nzau 19 - Paul Nardi 21 - Tiemoue Bakayoko.