By Andrew Clunis,
Freelance Writer
WITH ALL tickets sold, an electrifying atmosphere is expected for the World Cup clash between Jamaica and arch-rivals Trinidad and Tobago at the National Stadium today.
It will be reggae versus soca and with Trinidad expected to have a huge presence through charter flights coming in and the large number of Trinis living here, the competition is expected to be as fierce off the field as on it.
A repeat of the 1997 campaign is expected when music was used as a motivating force to take the Reggae Boyz through the World Cup qualifying stages.
A host of artistes is expected inside the National Stadium today to enhance the festive atmosphere. Heading the charge will be recent Grammy winner Beenie Man, who never misses a national football game while he is in Jamaica.
In fact, Beenie Man was expected to have been at the team's home base last night to perform for the players as a morale booster.
The Jamaican team will be playing its first international game since team-mate Stephen "Shorty" Malcolm died in a car crash, while returning to Montego Bay after taking the field for his country against Bulgaria exactly one month ago.
Special advisor and member of the JFF's finance committee Howard "Big Mac" McIntosh told The Gleaner that there will be lots of suprises in store.
Fever-pitched
"This will be a lot like the last campaign, only a bit more intense. Today people can expect some gospel, some roots reggae and, of course, dancehall. The entertainment will be fever-pitched and we expect that the full-house will enjoy it immensely," he said.
It will be Freddie McGregor's first performance inside the National Stadium at a football match. There will be gospel DJ, Minister Papa San, as well as comedian Oliver Samuels and others.
As customary, vibe master Jerry D will be in charge of proceedings.
"It will be the usual madness, surprises and although I have a definite plan, I am not prepared to disclose it at this time," Jerry D told The Gleaner yesterday.
Football fans from both Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica will be anxiously looking forward to the clash of team mascots. Jamaica's Reggae Tiger, which was a central figure during the last World Cup campaign, will be going up against the newly created Soca Lion, Trinidad's team mascot.
Skyy Disco will provide music and match time is set for 1:00 p.m.
