The headline from the leading sports news daily Al Dia managed to encapsulate the sentiment of Tico football fans last night: “It’s a good thing it was just a friendly match.”

The showdown between the national teams of Costa Rica and Jamaica, respectively known to their fans as La Sele and the Reggae Boyz, was noticeably difficult for both teams. Jamaica concentrated very effectively on defense and occasionally deployed Je-Vaughn Watson on the left wing. On sheer speed alone, Watson got by Bismarck Acosta and Porfirio Lopez numerous times. Watson is a player to watch on future encounters against the Reggae Boyz; as he is able to advance the ball down the pitch at a speed that could match Nery Brenes.

The first half was characterized by Tico players attempting to come up with pass combinations that went nowhere. The second half looked better for the Costa Rica national team in terms of offensive plays and possession of the ball, but lacked the ability to close the deal past Jacomeno Barrett’s goal. Barrett did not have to worry too much about shots on goal, whereas his counterpart Pemberton had to earn his keep last night on a couple of scary occasions.

A Ho-Hum Game

If anything, the Ticos got quite the workout last night. The Jamaican team was very physical on the defense, and on the few offensive plays they were able to coordinate they exhibited very quick reactions. The physical conditioning of Tico players has been improving lately, and last night La Sele got a chance to put their legs and lungs to the test.

It seemed as if both teams played to earn their eighth historical draw and to show off their stamina. The natural grass pitch at the National Stadium in Kingston was not in its best condition, something that affected both Ticos and Jamaicans. Not many fans showed up for the game, but those in attendance took the time to relax and drink beer.

Captain Jermaine Taylor received two yellow cards in quick succession with ten minutes left on the first half. His team quickly adjusted to playing with less men, something that the Ticos found frustrating. Costa Rica’s coach Jorge Luis Pinto admitted that the expulsion of Taylor made the Jamaicans even more defensive and tougher to get by. Pinto also explained to Al Dia that he thinks the Ticos need to attack more.

Looking forward to the third round of the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers, Costa Rica will be watching the Reggae Boyz play against Guatemala on June 8, while La Sele plays against El Salvador in a different group. The current lineup of our national team is very young, and Tico fans expect that this youthful team has the spirit and drive to represent their country at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Sources: Al Dia and the Jamaica Gleaner