Duckie

Head coach of the junior Reggae Boyz, Donovan Duckie, said despite going down 1-0 in the second game of their two-match friendly series against Costa Rica at Brancourt on Saturday, he was pleased with what he saw as the series allowed him to take a look at a number of players who are vying for a place in the final squad.

According to Duckie, who last month guided the young Boyz to the CONCACAF final round play-offs which will be held in Trinidad and Tobago early next month, he is now closer to selecting the final 20 which will depart for the United States and Canada shortly for their final set of warm-up matches.

"We got the chance to see all 26 players in the two games and as such we are now in a position to make an assessment. We are looking for 14 or 15 players to complete the squad," added Duckie, a former soldier.

In Saturday's match, Jamaica made five changes to its starting 11 that drew 0-0 with the Central Americans in the first game at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex last Thursday.

However, a less-than-ideal warm-up session, which lasted less than 10 minutes and apparent nerves on the part of some of the new players, resulted in a poor start for the Jamaicans, which led to the Costa Ricans scoring in the 10th minute via the boot of Diego Estrada.

Close misses

Jamaica, especially in the second half and with the introduction of St George's College schoolboys Shemar Shelton and Kemal Malcolm, tried to pull a goal back.

However, close misses by forwards Dever Orgill, Shavon Brown and substitute Andre Steele meant defeat which Duckie said, was not entirely disappointing.

"Winning is important, but it was not the only objective," he said. "I saw a number of positives, including transitional plays. The hope is that now we know where we are fully as team and we can get things right."

Head coach of Costa Rica, Ronald Gonzalez, said the series was good and that with his team down to play Trinidad and Tobago in the final, it was ideal preparation.

"It was a good game compared to Thursday," said Gonzalez. "The surface was better and helped in our game as we were able to move the ball better and quicker. They (Jamaica) were quick and strong and with Trinidad in our group, it provided us perfect preparation," he added.

Jamaica will next play Mexico's Under-20s in a warm-up game at Ferdie Neita Park tomorrow night starting at 7 p.m.

Jamaica, who are expected to play at least another three warm-up matches, have been drawn in Group A of the CONCACAF final round play-offs alongside the United States, El Salvador and the winner of the Honduras-St Vincent qualifier.

Costa Rica, in the meantime, will play in Group B along with the hosts, Mexico and Canada.

The top two teams in each group will advance to the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, which will be held in Egypt in September.