Reggae Boyz Coach McClaren Optimistic Despite Stalemate Against Cuba
Steve McClaren
New Reggae Boyz Head Coach Steve McClaren
KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC-New Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren says his first outing with Jamaica’s senior men’s national football team was a pleasing one despite playing to a 0-0 stalemate with Cuba in their Group A Nations League match at the National Stadium in Kingston on Friday.
The Host Missed Vital Opportunities
The host missed vital opportunities to break the deadlock, with several chances going begging. Despite Cuba being reduced to 10 men late in the first half, Jamaica couldn’t capitalize, but head coach Steve McClaren was pleased with the team’s overall performance.
Coach McClaren’s Assessment
“We showed good composure and created some good chances,” said McClaren. “It’s disappointing not to get the goal, but the performance gives me confidence going into the next game. We have Honduras on Tuesday, and I’m looking forward to a positive result there.”
Jamaica Started Brightly
Jamaica started brightly, with Kasey Palmer coming close in the 7th minute. After some slick interplay, Palmer unleashed a left-footed volley from the right side of the box, but the ball narrowly missed the top left corner.
Two Minutes Later, Michail Antonio Had an Even Closer Chance
Two minutes later, Michail Antonio had an even closer chance to give the Reggae Boyz the lead. His powerful header from close range struck the right post and rebounded back into play, leaving the Cuban defense scrambling.
The Game Tilted Further in Jamaica’s Favor
The game tilted further in Jamaica’s favor in the 44th minute when Cuba’s Yunior Pérez was sent off for a dangerous challenge, leaving the visitors to play with ten men for the remainder of the match.
However, Despite Their Numerical Advantage
However, despite their numerical advantage, Jamaica couldn’t find the breakthrough. Cuba’s Karel Espino nearly punished them in the 60th minute with a well-taken free kick that sailed just wide of the left post.
Jamaica Continued to Press Forward
Jamaica continued to press forward and had a golden opportunity in the 77th minute when Shamar Nicholson found space in the center of the box. But his effort sailed over the crossbar.
The Final Statistics
The final statistics show Jamaica having 21 shots, seven on target, and 73 percent ball possession. With those statistics in mind, McClaren says he has seen enough to know that the team can get it right.
Conclusion
McClaren admitted, “We created enough chances to win the game. It’s just that final touch that eluded us tonight. But overall, I’m happy with how we played. The team is gelling well, and we’ll take that confidence into Honduras.”
FAQs
Q: What was the score in the match between Jamaica and Cuba?
A: The match ended in a 0-0 stalemate.
Q: Who was sent off in the match?
A: Cuba’s Yunior Pérez was sent off in the 44th minute for a dangerous challenge.
Q: What was the final statistics of the match?
A: Jamaica had 21 shots, seven on target, and 73 percent ball possession.