Goals May Be Moved For Jamaica’s Shot At World Cup Glory
Jamaica’s ambition to reach only their second FIFA World Cup finals could be dealt a blow after the CONCACAF region announced that it is set to revise the 2022 Qatar qualifiers.
FIFA have made a decision to remove games originally scheduled for September from the international match calendar due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Reggae Boyz provisionally reached CONCACAF’s six-nation Hexagonal Qualifying for the World Cup finals in the Middle East, with the final berths determined by FIFA rankings this month. However, the regional matches scheduled for March and June were scrapped because of the coronavirus pandemic so it is unclear about the six places and indeed the format to played.
As it stands the CONCACAF’s top 10 ranked sides are Mexico (FIFA no.11), USA (no.22), Costa Rica (no.46), Jamaica (no.48), Honduras (no.62), El Salvador (no.69), Canada (no.73), Curaçao (no.80), Panama (no.81) and Haiti (no.86).
Mexico tend to overcome Jamaica in competitive games, the United States have a slight edge over Jamaica but are no longer the force they were. Costa Rica are a side on the rise, having been in the doldrums for a number of years, and are seen as the biggest rivals to snatching the third automatic place to reach Qatar 2022. Honduras have caused Jamaica headaches over the years so should not be underestimated. Leaving either Canada or El Salvador, both realistically beatable by the Boyz, joining the Qualifiers.
But with CONCACAF yet to determine their 2022 Qatar qualifying format there is concern that there could be three groups of four, much like the former semi-final round. That would result in only the group winners qualifying for the tournament. As Jamaica are ranked fourth in the region they would have to overcome either Costa Rica, Mexico or the United States should this format be utilised.
The original Hexagonal Qualifiers, with three CONCACAF sides directly qualifying for Qatar 2022, were lined up with all teams to kick-off the campaign by playing two games each between September and November.
FIFA, acknowledging fixture congestion caused by the coronavirus pandemic, have also pushed back their 32-nation 2022 World Cup draw by two months to June 2022.
CONCACAF issued a statement about FIFA’s revised schedule: “The challenges presented by postponements to the football calendar, and the incomplete FIFA rankings cycle in our confederation, means our current World Cup Qualifying process has been compromised and will be changed.
“We will now work with the new framework provided and liaise with FIFA to finalise a new World Cup Qualification format for the Concacaf region.”
Jamaica’s head coach Theodore Whitmore, who has suffered financial restraints since he returned to the role in September 2016, has an impressive record at the helm with just three defeats in 13 games. However, the former Caribbean Player of the Year has been heavily criticised for his side’s uninspiring displays that has left fans failing to get enthusiastic. Whitmore has been blooding players from across the island rather than relying on those plying their trade overseas, which has seen current and former players constantly on his back through cutting comments across various media channels.
Yet Whitmore’s four-year contract with the Jamaica Football Federation, which expires in May 2022, could leave the former midfielder missing out on being in charge of the Boyz at football’s largest tournament because the next World Cup finals takes place in November and December 2022.
It is not uncommon for teams to alter coaches just before the FIFA World Cup finals, bringing in high-profile and experienced figures on a short-term basis because of the lucrative financial rewards.
Whitmore experienced Jamaica’s only involvement at the FIFA World Cup finals, as a key figure during the France 1998 competition. He made history by scoring a brace to help guide the Boyz to their one and only victory in the competition during their a 2-1 shock success over Japan.
Now he has midfield maestro Leon Bailey, seen by many as Jamaica’s saviour despite indifferent form over the past 18 months, involved as part of a talented squad and the Boyz are bouyant about reaching Qatar 2022. Yet Whitmore has not been particularly tested as a coach since his return, and these FIFA World Cup qualifiers seem set to make or break his coaching career with the Boyz.
Download The Jamaican Blogs™ App for your Android device: HERE
Remember to share this article on Facebook and other Social Media Platforms. To submit your own articles or to advertise with us please send us an EMAIL at: [email protected]