- Dicember, 14 2008 -
|
||||
Sunday, December 14; National Stadium, Kingston, Jamaica: The Reggae Boyz Reign over Regional football opens a new chapter as the newly crowned Digicel Caribbean Champions penalize a gallant Grenada who gave it their all.
Jamaica were landslide favourites ahead of this final clash but against giant killers Grenada, who boast three of the top ten goal scorers in this year’s competition, the outcome of this fixture was far from black and white. However, if recent past history is to be believed, perhaps black and blue is more appropriate, as a rampant Jamaica pummeled the spice islanders 4-0 in their earlier Group A encounter.
Grenada sounded an early warning in minute seven when Kithson Bain buzzed his way past Tyrone Marshall, only to aim his stinger wide of the mark. Jamaica eased into control of possession with Grenada content to play on the counter. But prolonged spells of possession allowed Jamaica to probe the Grenadians defense for any weakness, and soon they discovered that they had an edge in pace especially along the right flank. Armed with that knowledge Jamaica continued to press the issue from the right, with their secret weapon, the in-form Eric Vernan who continues to show his value to the national setup; this time winning a penalty after a lightning quick burst into the box tempting a usually coolheaded Anthony Modeste into a most immodest challenge in minute 15.
Luton Shelton would dispatch from the distance and draw adoration from the fans. The Boyz were beginning to underline their dominance and Andy Williams should have done better with a deadly Demar Phillips cross in minute 26. Dane Richards was at his unorthodox best when his back heel almost released Luton Shelton shortly after.
Grenada were being hemmed in, with Jamaica’s dominance of possession overwhelming them from all angles, but Kwan Baptiste almost found some relief and stitching of his own, when he produced Grenada’s first shot on target, albeit just before the close of the half.
The second half was almost an exact replica of the first, in that it mimicked Jamaica’s continued dominance over possession, and also that Grenada were able to create just one opportunity to get close to hitting the net, and it was Kithson Bain again, this time jetting past Tyrone Marshall and Oneil Thompson before having his shot smothered by Ricketts in goal.
The real déjà vu moment came in minute 73 when the referee was again forced to point to the penalty spot after another full tilt sprint into the box by Eric Vernan, this time the dynamo was felled by Dwayne Leo, but the result remained the same as Luton Shelton shelved the Spice Boys hopes of making a comeback with another precise finish from his preferred distance taking his tally and Jamaica’s lead to two.
There would be no last minute heroics from Grenada, no tales of woe from overseas to say that Jamaica could not qualify because of Mexico’s capitulation, this time the Reggae Boyz can relish the fact that they are now confirmed as the region’s best, and with bright young stars like Vernan, Thompson, Shelton, Phillips and Austin the future of football in the land of wood and water is one in which we should expect more, and get more - courtesy of the Digicel Caribbean Championships.
Jamaica (Team List): 1. Donovan Ricketts, 5. Shavar Thomas, 7. Dane Richards (2. Omar Cummings min-75), 8. Eric Vernan, 9. Andrew Williams (16. Roland Dean min 65), 11. Luton Shelton (6. Keneil Moodie min 87), 12. Demar Phillips, 14. Tyrone Marshall, 17. Rudolph Austin, 18.Jason Morrison, 20.Oneil Thompson
Subs: 3. Demar Stewart, 13. Dwayne Miller, 15. Obrien Woodbine, 19. Rafe Wolfe
Grenada (Team list): 3. Shannon Phillip, 4. Cassim Langaigne, 6. Marc Marshall, 9. Ricky Charles, 10. Kithson Bain, 11. Anthony Modeste, 13. Dwayne Leo, 14. Marcus Julien (19. Fimbar Williams min-77), 17. Kwan Baptiste, (23. Junior Williams min-83), 25. Shane Rennie, 30. Desmond Noel (GK)
Subs: 1. James Raeburn, 5. Michael Mark, 22. Marcus Douglas, 27. Marvin Fredericks,
Referee: Neal Brizan (TRI)
For match pictures and further information visit www.digicelfootball.com
ENDS
ABOUT DIGICEL GROUP
Since its launch in 2001, Digicel has become the largest wireless telecommunications operator in the Caribbean with more than six million customers. After seven years, Digicel is renowned for competitive rates, unbeatable coverage, superior customer care, a wide variety of products and services, and state-of-the-art handsets. By offering innovative wireless services and community support, Digicel has become a leading brand in the Caribbean and has placed the region at the cutting-edge of wireless communications.
Digicel is incorporated in Bermuda and has operations in 23 markets, including Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, Curacao, The Cayman Islands, Dominica, El Salvador, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, St Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago and Turks & Caicos. With new launches planned for the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Honduras and Panama, Digicel expects to be in 26 markets in the next 12 months. The Caribbean company also has coverage in St. Martin and St. Barths.
Digicel is the lead sponsor of Caribbean sports teams including the West Indies Cricket Team, Special Olympics teams and is title sponsor of the Digicel Caribbean Football Union Cup and the Copa De Naciones, the Caribbean and Central American qualifiers to the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Visit www.digicelgroup.com for more information on Digicel
