Jamaica vs Mexico - From a historical perspective

LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter

FROM A historical perspective, the result of today's World Cup qualifying match at the National Stadium between Mexico and Jamaica could be determined by no more than a single goal.

In previous qualifiers, when the Reggae Boyz have been battered in Mexico City in the first leg, they have always returned home and put up a steely display against the CONCACAF kingpins.

Jamaica and Mexico have played nine World Cup qualifying games. Mexico have won on all but two occasions. Jamaica won once and the other was a 0-0 draw.

While Jamaica have struggled to breathe, much less score, at Mexico's Azteca Stadium, all four games that have been played in Kingston have been close and keenly contested battles. The players exerted more confidence at home and played with a sense of equality rather than one of 'little Jamaica taking on big Mexico'.

Based on Jamaica's current circumstances, those are good odds for a team that should have been in a better position in this second round of qualifiers had it not been for some inexplicable team selection by former technical director Ren? Simoes.

Now, interim coach, Theodore Whitmore, has gathered Simoes' rejects and, along with the core of the team that played in the first round hopes history will work in their favour at 'The Office' tonight.

Jamaica first hosted Mexico on May 3, 1965 during the 1966 England World Cup qualifiers. The Mexicans overcame a 2-1 deficit at half-time to win 3-2.

Unfortunately, Jamaica were unable to keep the Mexicans in check when they travelled away as the Central Americans went on an 8-0 goal spree, Mexico's biggest win over Jamaica.

The second time both countries met at The Office (November 17, 1996), that game went into the annals of Jamaica's football history as one of the national team's greatest achievements. Jamaica was the final game of the semi-final round and Jamaica needed at least a draw to advance to the final round for the first time in their history. The Stadium was packed to capacity and the fans were wired.

With nine minutes remaining in the game and Jamaica on course to advance with the game locked at 0-0, Ian Goodison sweetened the pot with an 81st-minute header from a corner. Pandemonium followed as Jamaica registered their first win over Mexico. More important, the 'Road to France' dream remained alive.

Jamaica Football Federation president Captain Horace Burrell said after the match: "Everything positive that could have happened, did. Little Jamaica beat mighty Mexico. It is a performance I'll never forget all of my life."

Significant match

November 16, 1997, marked the most significant match between Jamaica and Mexico at the National Stadium. Exhibiting patience and discipline in following Simoes' instructions, the Reggae Boyz held Mexico to a 0-0 draw, ensuring they got the point which secured their spot at the 1998 France World Cup.

The packed stadium was as interested in the United States, El Salvador match as the one in front of them. Jamaica's qualification depended on El Salvador losing. With news coming through that the US were leading 2-0, and later, 4-2, chants of "USA! USA!" rang through the stadium.

The sound of the final whistle triggered islandwide celebrations and prompted Prime Minister P.J. Patterson to declare the following day a public holiday. Jamaica's accomplishment made it the first English-speaking Caribbean island to qualify for the World Cup. Trinidad and Tobago became the second nation when they reached Germany in 2006.

Jamaica's 2-1 loss to Mexico on September 2, 2001, was a major setback in their bid to feature in their second straight World Cup - Japan/South Korea 2002. With Jamaica entering the second half with a 1-0 lead, midfielder Cuauhtemoc Blanco silenced the home fans with a double in the 62nd and 75th minutes. Jamaica's seven-year, 48-game unbeaten streak at the National Stadium came to an end.

Tonight's encounter will mark the fifth home game for Jamaica and 10th World Cup qualifier overall. At stake for Mexico is an early qualification to the final round, while Jamaica's 2010 World Cup campaign could depend on every minute of the game.

Will Jamaica stick to the script and handle business at The Office, or will the Mexicans flip the script?

VOX POP - Do you think Jamaica can beat Mexico tonight and keep their slim chance of qualifying for the World Cup alive?

- Steve Robinson - I think anything is possible because I heard that Mexico won't be carrying two of their top players. I think we now have a better team than the one which played against them in Mexico the last time.

- Paul Griffiths - Anything is possible, but I don't think Jamaica is capable of beating Mexico right now. The Mexicans are better all round and much more organised than Jamaica.

- Derval Salmon - Yes, I definitely think that we can beat them. I believe now is the right time for us to play against them with our best team.

- Aston Gentles - Yes, because I think that this team that has been selected is the right side to beat the Mexicans and I am confident that they are going to do it.

- Mickey Mullings - I think we can do it and we will do it. These players are professional and they are in top shape and I am confident they will do it for us.

- Andre Minott - I am absolutely sure we can beat them because we have gone back for our best players and they are now ready to beat the Mexicans.