By LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter
The newest Reggae Boy, Marlon King (left) and teammate Garfield Reid celebrate after King scored Jamaica's opening goal in their friendly international match against Venezuela at the National Stadium last night. Jamaica won 2-1. - Ricardo Makyn / Staff Photographer
JAMAICA ROSE to the occasion and staved off an urgent second-half attack from Venezuela to hold on to their first-half lead and win their friendly international game at the National Stadium last night 2-1.
In the midst of heated preparations for the World Cup qualifiers against Haiti on June 12 and 20, Jamaica won their second of three friendlies against South American teams.
SENDING MESSAGES
"All the three games we've played we have been sending messages to them (Haiti)," said Jamaica's technical director, Carl Brown, after the match.
Debutante Marlon King silenced his critics and stuck to his word when he gave Jamaica their first goal in the eighth minute.
Ricardo Fuller, who assisted on both goals, squared the ball from the right side of the field for King who was looming in the Venezuelan area. King snuck between two defenders to boot home the ball while slipping.
EXCELLENT ONE-TWO TOUCHES
Venezuela's method of execution was notably different from the Jamaicans. The visitors were excellent with their one-two touches and movement off the ball compared to Jamaica who opted for the long passes and dribbling all the way.
Juan Arango drew his team even in the 26th minute with a jaw-dropping shot from 35 yards out from the right side. Arango caught everyone, including goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts, off guard with the surprise strike. Arango wasted no time on the throw in, swiftly turning and slotting home the ball over the outstretched arms of Ricketts.
Venezuela continued their defence-splitting passes and seemed most likely to enter the half-time break with the lead. Arango and Massimo Margiotta were relentless in attacking Jamaica's defence and created some handsome opportunities for themselves.
Andy Williams, however, scorched the visitors with a bomber on the stroke of half-time that rivalled the brilliance of Arango's equalising goal.
Fuller, who displayed great patience in finding Williams at the mouth of the 18-yard box, spoon-fed the 'Bomber' for an unstoppable shot that ripped the Venezuelan net for the decisive goal and a morale-boosting victory.
