Hex World Cup Qualifying Recap: Jamaica Triumphant Draw, Costa Rica Earns Draw
By Doug Smith
After Honduras secured three points against the United States, the other four teams in the hex were trying to follow suit. Mexico was a huge favorite over Jamaica. Costa Rica and Panama was a bit of a wild card match, but Panama has developed into a media darling of sorts. These teams could join Honduras at the top of the standings after game one of 10.
The match in Panama City kicked off first last night and got off to a fast start. The hosts found themselves up 2 early in the match as defender Luis Henríquez opened the scoring in the 15th minute mark. His fellow back liner Román Torres would find the back of the net just 11 minutes later. Costa Rica would draw to within one as Real Salt Lake’s Álvaro Saborío would score in the 39th minute.
The second half at Estadio Rommel Fernandez was more defensive as Costa Rica pressed. Panama had one good chance to push its lead back to two goals when Ronaldo Blackburn aimed for the far corner but was saved by Patrick Pemberton. The pressure on Panama really came in the last ten minutes. Costa Rica would win a corner but Giancarlo Gonzalez pushed it high. After an easy save on Blas Pérez of Panama, the counter attack led to the equalizer goal by Bryan Ruiz. Saborio found Ruiz with his back to the goal before he converted. The Ticos secured an impressive point ahead of their match against the United States.
Jan. 30, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Mexico forward Angel Reyna (8) reacts on the field during the international friendly match against Denmark in the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
In Mexico El Tricolor were heavily favored over the Reggae Boyz. The match would go to halftime without a goal. Mexico held possession, but Jamaica had the better chances. Jobi McAnuff found the ball at his feet after it rammed off the post and his delicate touch to the center of the net was not enough to beat a sprawling José Corona. It should have been struck with force to give Jamaica an early lead. They would have another great chance in the first half as a turnover gave Rodolph Austin a great look only to have Corona get his fingertips on the shot. Javier Hernández was held without a shot in the first half.
Mexico was not sharp and sent crosses to no one. It was not crisp despite 71% of possession for Mexico. The Jamaican goalie Donovan Ricketts made two great saves in the second half, including one from four yards on Hernandez. The best chance for Jamaica came off another Mexico turnover as Ryan Johnson found himself all alone with Corona. Johnson just tapped it right to the keeper. The less than impressive crowd at Azteca began to turn on its team and the Reggae Boyz fans were escorted out with 10 minutes left in regulation. There would be six minutes of stoppage time and Ricketts would stone “Chicarito” Hernandez once more in fergie time. Jamaica was disciplined and Ricketts made the saves when called upon last night. The draw was a great result for the Reggae Boyz.