GOLNOIR



	JAMAICA music: Bob Marley-Jammin' Another former British colony where cricket and track and field were the top sports, it was the improbable qualification of the National Soccer Team for the 1998 World Cup in France that sparked a National Holiday and shouts of "Reggae Boyz, Reggae Boyz" from Miami to New York to Kingston. I dare say that if soccer was not the #1 sport before 1998, it certainly is now. Football has been played in Jamaica since the late 19th century, further gaining popularity due the amount of British soldiers stationed on the island. Club teams appeared around Kingston mainly and as Jamaica entered international competition with some of its Caribbean neighbors most of the team was comprised of players from the capital area, with an occasional player from the Montego Bay Area. The first international games were against Haiti in 1925 but due to the popularity of cricket, future international matches were few and far between. It was not until the formation of the JFF, that the many club organizations around the island were brought together under one body and an attempt was made to qualify for the 1966 World Cup. Players like Art Welch, Syd Bartlett, and Frank Brown were the leaders of this unsuccessful charge that planted the seeds for future generations. The 70s and 80 saw the emergence of the club teams that dominate the National scene today, among them Harbor View, Timoli Gardens, Santos, and Nascimento (the latter two no doubt in honor of Pele) began to develop players for the National Side. International success began in 1991 when the Jamaicans captured their first Shell Caribbean Cup. But it was, without a doubt, the 1998 World Cup qualification that captured the hearts of the nation. Self-dubbed "The Reggae Boyz", they served notice that they were contenders by beating Mexico in Kingston in late 1996 to win their semifinal group. After stagnating during the first half of the final round of qualification, Brazillian coach, Rene Simoes brought in England based Jamaicans, most notably Deon Burton and the Boyz passed El Salvador and Costa Rica to grab the third CONCACAF spot behind the US and Mexico. The Boyz had an up and down World Cup, losing the opener to Croatia due to some suspect defending and getting blown out by Argentina before finishing with a solid win against Japan. PLAYERS TO WATCH Deon Burton is still in the mix for Jamaica. Marlon King and Damani Ralph will look to earn the starting job up top. Andrew Williams can play both midfield and forward. Theodore Whitmore works hard in the midfield and Ricardo Gardner is becoming a top notch international player for the Boyz. Andy Williams on the move for the Reggae Boys (All Sport) Theodore Whitmore was key to Jamaica's run to the 1998 World Cup, then scored two goals in their win over Japan (Allsport) No doubt in a rebuilding phase, Jamaica will look towards qualification for the 2010 JAMAICA FACTS: Association: Jamaica Football Federation Founded: 1962 Soccer Confederation: CONCACAF Colors: Black, Green & Gold National Stadium: National Stadium Location: Kingston Coach: Bora Milutinovic World Cup appearances: 1998 HONORS: 2005 Digicel Caribbean Cup 1998 Shell Caribbean Cup 1991 Shell Caribbean Cup Jamaica National Team News and Scores Wray and Newphew Premiere League Back to Preceeding Page










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