Jamaica full of confidence
Bermuda tomorrow in their first away match in the CONCACAF qualifying zone.
Coach Carl Brown, who was here in Bermuda last year when the Jamaicans drew 1-1 with Bermuda and saw the two teams draw 0-0 earlier this year in Jamaica, has a lot of respect for the local side; even more so after their shocking 1-0 win over favourites El Salvador last Sunday.
"I was surprised at the result when it came across but we're happy with the result,'' said Brown at the airport. "It sheds a different light on the game and now we have to think and rethink our approach to the Bermudians. "We expect the Bermudians to be tough. They should be tougher in this one than ones in the past. Now, probably, the Bermuda team are the favourites in this group and it's very, very important that we pick up at least one point.'' Brown said his original plan was to win all the home matches and pick up about four points on the road. But the dropped point in Kingston to Canada shows that this group is going to be very competitive.
"It's tough to rate them after last Sunday's performance,'' Brown said of the Canadians who are in El Salvador preparing for their match with the Salvadoreans tomorrow. "I saw them (Canada) against the Americans in Carolina they looked then to be much tougher.'' One of Jamaica's professionals, Peter Isaacs who plays professionally in the United States for the San Francisco Bay Blackhawks, predicted his team will win by at least two goals tomorrow.
Coach Brown said a win would be a good result to take to Canada next weekend.
"We're looking to try to pick up at least four points when we travel and look to win the other two at home,'' said Brown.
Jamaica's defence will be anchored by sweeper and captain Anthony Corbett while the visitors will look to the likes of midfielder Hector Wright and forwards Paul Davis, Peter Cargill and Isaacs.
Davis, who has played professionally in Israel, scored the goal that enabled Jamaica to beat Trinidad and Tobago in the last round while Cargill, presently based in Israel, and Isaacs will be anxious to test the Bermuda defence. Issac will play on the left wing.
"Paul has really been carrying the burden of our attack up front over the years and has been getting vital goals for us,'' Brown said. "We'll be looking for him to get those important goals for us.'' About nine of the Jamaican squad who arrived yesterday were in Bermuda a year ago so they will be somewhat familiar with the conditions. Three of the players are presently attending school.
PETER ISAACS -- The Jamaican forward predicts his side will win by at least two goals tomorrow while his coach Carl Broan, below, is more guarded.
