Job (half) done
Canada wins in Jamaica for first time since 1988
When it comes to the CanMNT, we are running out of time to make 1980s call-backs. So, let’s make the most of it.
The last time Canada beat Jamaica in Jamaica the No 1 song was Billy Ocean’s Get Outta my Dreams, Get into my Car (I don’t recommend subjecting yourself to that horrible noise. There was much, much better music released that year). The No. 1 movie was Beetlejuice. That, I do recommend revising, largely because teenage Duane had a massive (and, TMI, imprinting) crush on Winona Ryder.
Yes, a lot has changed in the 13,010 days that have passed since Canada defeated the (yet-to-be-named) Reggae Boyz 4-0, on April 5, 1988. The hattrick hero that day, John Catliff, played for the Vancouver 86ers in the Canadian Soccer League. I don’t need to remind you of all that has happened on the domestic league front since that day.
Ultimately, it’s all trivia now. In fact, the only Caribbean country on note that Canada still has a Mulroney-era road losing streak against now is T&T. Schedule that friendly, CSA…
Then there’s the matter of beating the USA and Mexico at home. Winning Tuesday will give them a better chance of making that happen sooner rather than later - I’m sure Canada would like another shot at the USA in the National League Finals (lest we forget this is also that competition’s quarterfinals)
More important than any of that, including the previously mentioned Nations League quarterfinals, today’s result gives Canada a decisive advantage heading into the second leg of the Copa America qualifying tie, which takes place Tuesday in Toronto.
Today, there really only looked to be one winner after Antonio went off injured in the first half. Jamaica looked pretty impotent on attack without him. So, it’s a big ask for Jamaica to overcome a goal deficit, especially with Canada having two away goals in its pocket.
Not impossible, of course. If there is something to quibble about today it was that Canada once again was getting caught flatfooted on defence. The goal Canada allowed came on a set piece, with Kamal Miller playing Jamaica onside and the rest of his team not really covering themselves in glory trying to defend after he did. In fact, they shut off and were looking at the referee to save them.
The Concacaf referee. Are they new?
Some breakdowns in the first half will also need to be tightened up, but overall you have to feel confident heading into the second leg. Jamaica didn’t create much on their own. Rather Canada gifted them their chances. And that was in Jamaica, in high humidity, on a poor pitch.
Tuesday’s weather forecast is currently calling for a -7 windchill and 32km/h wind gusts. Not really Jamaican weather, right?
So, nothing can go wrong, right?