Jamaica is confronted with a challenging task as they seek to reverse a 1-2 deficit against Canada in their second-leg encounter of the CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final, set to take place at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada, today at 7:30 pm.
Unlike the scorching heat experienced during the first leg last Saturday morning, Tuesday’s return-leg is anticipated to be played under frigid conditions, reminiscent of their last meeting at this venue in a World Cup qualifier back in March of the previous year, which saw the hosts securing a commanding 4-0 victory which sealed qualification to the 2022 FIFA World Cup Finals.
For Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz to progress past Canada, they must score at least two goals in today’s match. The team with the superior aggregate score will move on to the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals scheduled for next March. Additionally, the victor will earn a spot as one of the six guest teams from the region in the 16-team Copa America tournament slated for next summer.
In this two-legged affair, the number of goals scored over both games will determine the winner, with away goals counting double in case of an aggregate tie. For instance, a 1-0 win for Jamaica would see Canada advancing by virtue of scoring two away goals to Jamaica’s one. If Jamaica secures a 2-1 victory, it would necessitate extra time, comprising two 15-minute halves, where away goals do not count as double. Should the deadlock persist, a penalty shootout will serve as the ultimate tie-breaker.
Jamaica need victory margin greater than 2-1
However, a victory margin greater than 2-1 for Jamaica would secure their advancement.
The losing teams in each quarter-final will have a chance at redemption in a one-legged knockout play-in match next March, where they will compete for the remaining two CONCACAF slots in the Copa America hosted by the United States.
Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson and his players understand the task at hand, with the coach emphasizing the need for two goals, calling for bravery and strategic attacking play. Despite the previous game being postponed for 15 and a half hours due to inclement weather, Hallgrimsson expressed confidence in his players, describing them as “looking sharp” and expecting an improved performance compared to the last encounter.
He acknowledged the setback of losing star striker Michail Antonio to an early injury in the previous match, forcing the team to adapt and improvise.
In a good moment
Both teams conducted training sessions at the match venue on Monday, with the visiting team practicing in the morning and the hosts in the afternoon. Hallgrimsson acknowledged the cold weather conditions in Canada but expressed satisfaction with his players’ freshness.
He stated, “It’s about zero degrees in Canada, and we know this game will be high-tempo, and we are prepared for that. We were quite surprised and happy with how fresh the players were this morning [Monday], so we are in a good moment.”
Hallgrimsson added, “It’s the quality and character of the player; if you have a good character, you can play in any weather. But of course, we plan for this. If you saw our game in Kingston, it was a very slow tempo because of the heat…”
While Antonio has returned to England for injury treatment, Demarai Gray, with five goals in nine games for Jamaica, returned to training and is a potential contender for the starting line-up. Attacker Deshane Beckford has been included in the squad as a replacement for Antonio.
Assistant coach Merron Gordon highlighted Beckford’s potential as an impact player, adding a different dynamic to the team with his speed and agility.
The return of vice-captain Damion Lowe
The Reggae Boyz could also see the return of vice-captain Damion Lowe in the center-back position, partnering with Ethan Pinnock, as Lowe had been under the weather on the previous Saturday.
Canada, currently ranked 45th by FIFA, boasts an impressive undefeated streak of 17 matches at home since their last home loss, a 0-3 defeat to Mexico in early 2016 during a World Cup qualifier in Vancouver. The streak includes 15 victories.
When Canada edged Jamaica on last, it signalled their first win on Jamaican soil in 35 years.
The Canadian team should come from: Milan Borjan, Richie Laryea, Steven Vitoria, Kamal Miller, Sam Adekugbe, Cyle Larin, Junior Hoilett, Tajon Buchanan, Jonathan Osorio, Ismael Kone, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Stephen Eustaquio, Jonathan David, Liam Millar, Alphanso Davies, Alistair Johnston, Dayne St. Clair, Maxime Crepeau, Luc De Fougerolles, Derek Cornelius, Samuel Piettte, Ali Ahmed, Jacen Russell-Rowe.
The Jamaican squad is comprised of: Andre Blake, Ethan Pinnock, Di’shon Bernard, Gregory Leigh, Dexter Lembikisa, Javain Brown, Joel Latibeaudiere, Daniel Johnson, Leon Bailey, Bobby Reid, Shamar Nicholson, Trivante Stewart, Demario Phillips, Amal Knight, Jahmali Waite, Michael Hector, Tayvon Gray, Damion Lowe, Tyreek Magee, Karoy Anderson, Jonathan Russell, Romario Williams.
