File Photo: Reggae Boyz
A sensational strike by second half substitute Simon Dawkins, in the 89th minute of play, gave Jamaica the vital second goal they needed to beat Nicaragua 2-0. This on the night which secured a 4-3 aggregate for them to advance to the fourth round of qualifications in the FIFA World Cup on Tuesday night in Managua.
The Jamaicans went into the game knowing that they had to win by two clear goals in a low scoring game or 4-3 or better in a high scoring game to pull back the tie. Having gone down to a shock 3-2 defeat in Kingston on Friday night, the Reggae Boyz got off to the perfect start in Managua when Darren Mattocks put them ahead in the 13th minute to level the aggregate score at 3-3.
But after getting the vital lead the Jamaicans were unable to press home the advantage as they constantly played the long ball into the centre forwards Mattocks and Deshorn Brown bypassing the midfield in a disjointed first half performance.
Having worked out their opponent’s game plan, Nicaragua went on the offensive, taking control of the midfield and almost drew level midway the half only to see a shot cannon off the crossbar and back into play.
The home team continued to dominate the game, creating more chances than their more fancied opponents and always seemed like the team more likely to score. Five minutes before the interval the home team missed another easy chance to score and bring the game level.
To their credit, Winfired Schafer’s men were able to go into the break a goal ahead as the aggregate score continued to read 3-3.
Jamaica continued with their ‘route one’ game plan after the restart to no avail as the Nicaraguans continued to boss the game and create the better chances.
Stand-in Reggae Boyz skipper Adrian Mariappa had a glorious chance to make it 2-0 in the 72nd minute, but his tame effort from inside the box rolled harmlessly into the arms of a grateful Lorente in goal.
Desperate in a bid to get that elusive second goal, coach Schafer rang the changes in hopes of getting a dramatic late goal and just like the best Hollywood scripts, Dawkins popped up at the right spot at the right time to fire home a beautiful volley from just inside the box and send the Jamaican’s into a state of delirium.
The final whistle brought the brave Nicaraguans to their knees in tears while the lucky Jamaicans celebrated their chance to ‘Die Another Day’. Jamaica will now advance to round four of qualification where they will meet, Haiti, Panama and Costa Rica.
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