|
Reggae Boyz
Message to Soca Warriors from England |
Reggae Boyz Message to Soca Warriors from England
In a party like
atmosphere at Manchester United Old Trafford stadium, a
crowd of over 70,000 watched as England decimated the
Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz defense for six goals. It was an
historic moment and the final warm-up game for England
before their World Cup opener June 10, against Paraguay.
Jamaica was coming off a 4-1 loss to Ghana in their last
game and although the team was outclassed, the Reggae
Boyz was motivated and deserves credit for putting on a
good show before the large crowd.
The Reggae Boyz was on the attack as the game started
and for a moment had England on the defensive. England
responded and at the 11 minute mark Frank Lampard scored
from a Michael Owen pass that was set up when Crouch
headed down to Owen who steers the ball on for Lampard.
The Reggae Boyz defense at that point seemed rattled and
in disarray due to over anxiety and bad defensive
coverage that resulted in the team conceding two own
goals. One goal from a David Beckham's free-kick in the
17th minute and the second was credited to Crouch in the
29th minute, from another defensive deflection.
Jamaica's offense had some bright moments with their
best scoring chance a powerful shot from Jason Euell
that forced England goalkeeper Paul Robinson to push
wide. However it was their defense that was caught
napping to allowed “nippy” Michael Owen to break free
and run around goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts to score into
an empty net to close the half 4-0 in favor of England.
In the second half Jamaica created a few chances of
their own but this half belonged to England lanky
striker Peter Crouch who scored his hat trick with his
second goal in the 67th and 89th minute to give England
a 6-0 win. For Jamaica this game should help Jamaica
football to prepare for the future and should be taken
as a good learning experience for building their team
for 2010. However the result of the game sends a clear
message to the Group B opponents in the World Cup that
England is for real and the warriors better be ready to
“Rock and Roll” because they have had a taste of the
spicy Caribbean Football style of play
England: Paul Robinson (David James, 46), Jamie
Carragher, Ashley Cole (Wayne Bridge, 36), Steven
Gerrard (Stewart Downing, 77), Rio Ferdinand, John Terry
(Sol Campbell, 33), David Beckham (Aaron Lennon, 67),
Frank Lampard (Michael Carrick, 67), Peter Crouch,
Michael Owen, Joe Cole. Red Shirts, White Shorts, Red
Socks, (GK: Blue, Blue, Blue)
Jamaica: Donovan Ricketts, Omar Daley, Damion Stewart,
Claude Davis, Garfield Reid, Jason Euell (Khari
Stephenson, 79), Jermaine Taylor (Shane Crawford, 46),
Jamal Campbell-Ryce, Jermaine Hue (Jermaine Johnson,
85), Ricardo Fuller (Teofore Bennett, 76), Luton Shelton
(Deon Burton, 48). Yellow Shirts, Black Shorts, Yellow
Socks, (GK Black and Grey/ Gold and Black)
|