Gordon Williams, Contributor
LEICESTER, England:
JAMAICA STEP into the arena today for the first of two 'sparring partner' roles with World Cup contenders when the Reggae Boyz tackle Ghana in a friendly football international at 4:00 p.m. (10 a.m. local time) at the Walker Stadium here.
"We'll be a worthy opponent for a team going into the World Cup," said technical director Wendell Downswell, as the Reggae Boyz worked out for close to an hour yesterday on cool, overcast evening at the stadium. "For Ghana, it will be important for them."
While the Boyz use this match, and the June 3 clash against England - to continue their run of internationals against quality teams, Ghana, an African nation making its World Cup finals debut in 2006, will approach today's encounter as prep for the expected tough competition in Group E of next month's World Cup.
TOUGH GROUP
The group, cheekily referred to by some as the 'Near-Group of Death', includes multiple champions Italy, the Czech Republic and the improving United States.
"(Jamaica) is a very important match," said Fred Pappoe, vice-president of the Ghana Football Association. "It constitutes a very integral part of the last set of matches we are playing before starting our World Cup campaign, and we will be able to offer the opportunity to make a very strong assessment of the team, look at their strong points and their weak points and then sharpen them as we plunge into the last phase of our preparation."
Pappoe said Ghana did not know much about Jamaica's team, but were aware of the capabilities of the Reggae Boyz who play in England, including Ricardo Fuller, Jason Euell, Marlon King, Damion Stewart, Claude Davis, Donovan Ricketts and Jamal Campbell-Ryce.
However, Jamaica should have a better picture of today's opponents, according to Downswell, and plan to attack from the outset.
"We will be more offensive, especially the first 15 minutes," he said.
Yesterday the Boyz appeared in high spirits, despite receiving news earlier that national youth player Omroy Wilson had been killed in an automobile accident on the weekend.
The team ran at least one tactical drill which featured quickly switching the point of the attack and finishing with shots on goal, an area which did not appear sharp against the Boyz' last opponents the U.S. in early April.
"We are looking for an improved performance (from the U.S. game) against a better opponent or at least an equal,"Downswell said. "The quality of our squad is better now even with (experienced defender Tyrone) Marshall (club commitments) and (captain Ricardo) Gardner (injury) out."
Good news for Jamaica is that playmaking midfielder Jermaine Hue was expected to join up with the team this morning from his club in the U.S. However, Downswell said it is unlikely that Hue will be available against Ghana. He is earmarked for the England match at Old Trafford, Manchester.
Other favourable news is that Jamaica are coming off a stout defensive stand in the 1-1 draw against the U.S., with Damion Stewart having possibly his best game for Jamaica in a while. He will be joined by Davis in central defence. Davis left the U.S. game early with a head injury, but returned to finish strong for Preston in the English Champion-ship competition.
SHELTON UP FRONT
However, Jamaica's most noticeable improvement should come in attack, where, although the Boyz will be without the influential Hue, they will have inform striker Marlon King, who led Watford's successful drive to promotion to the English Premier League (EPL), and was the club's leading scorer, plus speedy Luton Shelton up front. Capable Ricardo Fuller, who also finished his season in England in form, plus Jermaine Johnson and Teafore Bennett, who scored against the U.S., provide goalscoring options off the bench.
However, the key battle could be in midfield. Shane Crawford replaces Gardner on the left side after a long absence from the national team and his toughness will be tested. Jason Euell, after an up and down season at Charlton Athletic, also returns, while holding midfielder Khari Stephenson should look to step up his efforts after a lukewarm show against the U.S. Jamal Campbell-Ryce, with his exceptional pace, could pose some problems for Ghana on the right side.
ALL-ROUND QUALITY
Ghana has all-round quality as well. Traditionally, African teams are hard running with good individual skills, Downs-well said. Yet although Ghana have won at the world youth level, the senior team has often flattered only to fall. Still many of their players are with top European clubs, including Michael Essien, a key member of runaway EPL champions Chelsea, and Sulley Muntari of Udinese in Italy.
However, the Boyz are fit and injury free and there is little doubt that they will want to impress. Many will be viewing both games as possible showcases for their skills, as scouts from professional clubs are sure to be present, especially for the match against England.
"Once I go out there I have to do it for my country as well as myself and my family," said Johnson yesterday.
The rest of the Boyz will have to take the same approach. Jamaica's last match in England was a disappointing 5-0 thrashing from Australia last year.
Ghana, anxious to peak for the World Cup and with players still fighting for available starting places, will not be caught low on intensity.
"It is going to be a tough game," said Downswell.
Gordon Williams is a Jamaican journalist based in the United States.
