THE EDITOR, Sir:ALAS! I recently wrote about Jamaica's problem in international football - the lack of consistent clinical finishing. It has shown itself again critically in the 'must-win' situation of the home match with El Salvador.
We used three strikers, including the 'prolific' King, yet could not score. Now, good strikers don't always score; but when it is such clear-cut chances like the ones King and Ralph especially got in do-or-die situations, the best strikers in history are usually reliable.
Fuller is no better. Even though he didn't 'miss' any chances, he consistently doesn't score for us. Hence, he is not reliable in this department.
Now, despite the twisting and turning and dribbling etc., the general consensus I believe is that a good striker should score at least every three to four games.
Good strikers are usually reliable when it is needed the most. Even if they are going through a 'drought' they seem to know how to 'lift their game' in a competition.
I am reminded here of the 'divine ponytail', Roberto Baggio who, in 1994, coming into the World Cup tournament as the World Player of the Year and being substituted by Arrigo Sacchi in an opening round game, stepped up when Italy and he needed it most. He was taken off when the Italian goalkeeper was red-carded and an outfield player was required to leave to make way for the next custodian.
JUST MADE IT
Italy 'scraped' through the first round without him only to be 1-0 down to Nigeria in the second round in injury time.
Then along came 'el feco le principi' (the little prince) to equalise and then snatch the winner in extra time. He then hit a quarter-final winner against Spain and a brace in a 2-1 semi-final victory over Bulgaria before being injured for the final against Brazil.
Sadly, he is remembered mainly for his missed penalty in that final and not the five goals in three knockout stage games; a penalty and game he took on with a niggling hamstring injury.
Furthermore, he, after being ignored following that World Cup came up with his best Serie A scoring performance in the season just before the 1998 World Cup to merit a recall. At that tournament he scored two goals to tie Rossi with nine goals as Italy's all time top scorer (Vieri now has nine too).
In one instance, he was considered the only genuinely attack-minded Italian player in the competition. It is this sort of will to power that makes him the most loved footballer in his nation though many outside can only remember the missed injured penalty.
Anyhow, Shakespeare did say, "The evil that men do lives after them, the good is oft interred with their bones."
Ralph, Fuller and King, how will you be remembered? There is still time to write the history books.
I am, etc.,
NICHOLAS ALEXANDER
nic7lex@hotmail.com
Records made to be brokenTHE EDITOR, Sir:
THE RECENT hype about Jamaica not being able to beat the US in football, reportedly, after 14 games, eight losses, six draws, seven goals, 24 against, is just that, hype. Come Wednesday, November 17 we will exorcise this ghost.
And these pundits, wagonists, if you will, they are not really informed. They left out the most significant loss to the US which was concluded in the old Robert Nesta Marley tradition, "One Love". The stats would now read 15 games, nine loses, six draws, seven goals and 25 against.
That one all-important encounter that the professed Jamaican football aficionados choose to forget, or just plain did not remember is the game that would have erased the two 'nevers' of Jamaican football:
Never won against the U.S.
Never qualify for the Olympics.
The event forgotten? 1976 Olympic qualifier; final game; US vs Jamaica; St. Louis, Missouri; George Thompson, coach; George 'Pressie' Prescott, manager; Jamaica needed a draw to qualify for the first Olympic football final in the nation's history.
Jamaica had a superbly talented bunch of Under-23 players assembled for the task. Players like Peter 'Dove' Marston (Vere Technical/Santos), perhaps the finest midfielder Jamaica has ever produced. 'Dove' was immensely talented, had impeccable first touch, and gifted with astute vision.
He was the perfect player. Herbert 'Dago' Gordon (Trench Town High/Boys' Town), pound-for-pound the most exciting schoolboy footballer, ever. Howard 'Juicy' Bell (KC/Santos/Tivoli Gardens), perhaps the best schoolboy footballer, ever. Leonard 'Chicken' Mason (XLCR/Lucas/Santos/Real Mona), Derrick 'Sashtry' Denniser (KC/Boys' Town), among others.
Unfortunately every tragic story has a villain, and 'Patho' Thwaites (Cavaliers) wore the mantle oh, so well. In the 93rd minute of play, with the US leading 1-0 against the run of play, 'Patho' received a gift four yards from the goal line that even my granny would have scored.
A sitter. Regrettably, 'Patho' went for power when simple finesse would have sufficed, and the ball went screaming over the bar. Coach Thompson was so aghast with disappointment that he literally fell off his chair almost injuring himself. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Jamaica will prevail. All that has to be done is for Jamaica to reproduce the first half of the last game against the US which was the best Jamaica has ever played. Ever. Only this time, play that competently for 90 minutes instead of 45.
With the inclusion of Jason Euell, a certain walk-on to Jamaica's team, the balance of power shifts to the Reggae Boyz, and the classic Marley greetings of 'one love' will be the order of the day.
I am, etc.,
BERTRAM A. SCOTT
Director Jamaican Ambassadors Chess & Football Academy
P.O. Box 115
Kingston 2
Reggae Boyz need nutritionistTHE EDITOR, Sir:
I WATCHED the Reggae Boyz versus the Panamanians on Sunday, September 5. I was observing the players on both sides and comparing their movement.
I admired the Panamanian players how swiftly they moved. The goalkeeper was so acrobatic in manoeuvring the ball and was so assertive. In observation their team got injured ever so often, in order for replacement, some times for short periods.
However, my observation led me to the stiff movement of the Reggae Boyz. They played as if they had just eaten. They need to be more flexible and this can be achieved if their diet is closely monitored.
A moderate and balanced meal with more raw vegetables and plenty of fresh fruits along with their regular exercises would be ideal.
I am suggesting that they have housemother or nutritionist to prepare their meals in proportion to their weight and height.
I am, etc.,
IRIS BROWN
Palmyra, St. James
Rethink 'return' match decision, CFUTHE EDITOR, Sir:
I READ with interest your story in The Gleaner (October 20) titled: "Haiti forfeit 'return' game."
I noted that the Haitians refused to play the second leg of their Youth World Cup qualifying game here in Jamaica after, for security reasons, the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) requested the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) to change the venue from Haiti to Jamaica. I have also noted that the first leg was played in Jamaica. As a Jamaican, I must say that I totally agree with the Haitian delegation for forfeiting.
You see, even if one does not understand the game of football, one knows that there is just something about playing at home. There is also an advantage even if you win, lose or draw. You just didn't capitalise on the advantage of being before your home crowd.
If, for security reasons the second leg could not be played in Haiti, then why didn't the CFU select a neutral ground? That is, any other Caribbean country but Jamaica? After all, isn't it the Caribbean Football Union, meaning that the body comprises members from other Caribbean countries too? It seems unfair for the Haitians to play here twice. Why should Jamaica play at home twice, why? Whether one wins or loses there is great pride and joy in playing before a home crowd.
And since Haiti will not get that opportunity to play at home (even though they could play the second leg here and win), let them be a part of the decision in terms of where the second leg is played.
I support the fact that security must and should come first. I just cannot support the decision to play here twice. To me, there appears to be flagrant disregard for the Haitians.
To the CFU rethink the decision to sanction Haiti and select another Caribbean country to play the second leg.
Since they are unable to play at home, please allow them to feel that some thought process was put into this and, importantly, the matter of fairness was at hand.
I am, etc.,
ANDREA LAWRENCE
St. Catherine
Many thanks, 'Mr Mac'THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WOULD personally like to say THANKS to Herb McKenley for all that he has done for Jamaica and the athletes fortunate enough to have been inspired by his devotion and commitment to the sport.
There is no doubt that track and field in Jamaica would not be where it is today without the altruistic contributions of 'Mr. Mac'.
Congratulations, 'Mr. Mac', you deserve this honour and much more. I thank you for your many unselfish gifts to the sport of track and field and to the hundreds of athletes in whom you have invested your time and imparted your knowledge. Take care.
I am, etc.,
KARL SMITH
laddy@afba.com
Silver Spring, Md, U.S.
