Whitmore hails defensive effort in 0-0 draw with Canada
Despite another World Cup home qualifying game without a win, national senior head coach Theodore Whitmore praised the defensive effort of his team as they battled to a 0-0 draw with Canada yesterday at the National Stadium.
While clear goal- scoring opportunities were at a premium, the Reggae Boyz held firm compared to their 3-0 defeat to Panama in September and with their defensive options limited. Centre back Damion Lowe was suspended because of yellow card accumulation and Jamaica were dealt another blow in the game as Alvas Powell who was playing as a makeshift centre back was forced to leave the field because of an injury in the 37th minute. The move resulted in JeVaughn Watson who retained his place from the United States game being moved from midfield to the heart of the defence.
Whitmore said that given the adjustments made to the backline before and during the game, he was pleased that they were able to get Jamaica’s first clean sheet since the qualifying campaign began.
“Very pleased not only with the defensive unit but with the entire unit. We worked as a team, we battled together and hence the softer result. I would have been pleased with three points but it’s a start in the right direction,” Whitmore said.
It was a defensive effort the Canadian head coach John Herdman also praised as he admitted that the Boyz limited their opportunities, compared to their 1- 1 draw against Mexico in the Azteca last Thursday where they were taking the game to the hosts.
“The Jamaican team were solid today. That is a pretty formidable group when they commit their minds to defending and playing in transition. That’s a tough team to play against. They stifled us to one point but they have dropped two points and you have got to win your home games,” Herdman said. “So I think we will come away happier. I think we have to because we are going into a stretch of three home matches.”
But there were opportunities for Jamaica to force the issue throughout the 90 minutes. Kemar Roofe had an opportunity to break the deadlock in the 22nd minute from a free-kick but his header from the resulting delivery went wide. Canada were fortunate not to concede with minutes to go before the break as from a Bobby Reid cross a Junior Flemmings’ header was blocked by a Canadian defender, denying the Boyz their first goal at home.
However, after the break, Canada took the initiative and forced a freekick which Alphonso Davies could not put on target. Andre Blake had to be called make a brilliant save from Liam Miller when a low cross found him in the box.
Jamaica would have the last opportunity to win the game as Kemar Lawrence had a shot from outside the penalty area saved by Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau. The Reggae Boyz will face Honduras on Wednesday.