
Tags: Steve Mcclaren, Reggae Boyz, Football/Guatemala
After their lethargic performance against the British Virgin Islands, Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren called for a response, not in words, but in quality, organization, and intensity, and his players answered with a performance that was as commanding as it was convincing.
The Reggae Boyz delivered a clinical 3-0 victory over Guatemala, thanks to a double from Warner Brown (37th, 73rd) and a powerful header from Jonathan Russell (26th), to close out their Concacaf World Cup qualifying Group E campaign, much to the delight of the decent crowd at the National Stadium on Tuesday.
It was a result that secured Jamaica’s place atop the group and a coveted spot in Pot 1 for the final round draw, but for McClaren, the win was only part of the bigger picture. With the Gold Cup looming and a rematch against Guatemala just days away, the Englishman is keeping expectations in check.
"Yeah, it was a complete performance. We were very disciplined, we were very organized, and we were very aggressive. That's our strength; the speed we have on transition is different. We were so patient; we knew what to do on both flanks, and our buildups were good. So I think it's progress and a perfect result for us...three goals, a clean sheet, 60% possession, 18 shots, and nine on target," McClaren said in a post-game press conference.
Warner Brown celebrates one of his two goals on Tuesday.
"A question that we will ask the team is, can we keep up consistent performances like this because Monday we know they (Guatemala) will be different, so consistency is key. Consistent performance individually and collectively—that's the standard that we need. Again, we're going to have tougher games than we did tonight (Tuesday), and certainly Monday will be that," he added.
The win marked McClaren’s first competitive home victory at the National Stadium since taking the reins in July last year, and it is a milestone he acknowledged with quiet satisfaction.
"We had to show the Jamaican crowd that we could win here. We want to make this a fortress, so we wanted to win the game because we wanted to stay in pot one for the draw, which was important. And I've got to say I was very impressed with the surface of the pitch. We played football, and the buildup, technique, and tactics were there for everybody to see. So we're delighted. We finished top, certain individuals came to the fore, and I said to the players, 'That's the standard that we want every game.' Once we get that, we've got a chance to win football matches. So yeah, highly satisfactory," McClaren noted.
While the performance was hailed as a turning point, McClaren is by no means getting ahead of himself, as he noted there are still areas for improvement—particularly in front of goal.
Leon Bailey challenges for possession.
"I talked about it a lot with 18 shots. Okay, nine on target, but we can be more clinical. I think that was something that we missed against the BVI when we had the opportunity. So to score three goals was excellent, and a couple of times Guatemala caught us on transition; they were quick and exposed us. Fortunately, [Andre] Blake made a couple of saves. So there’s always something to refine," McClaren shared.
McClaren pointed out that much of the Reggae Boyz’s newfound identity has come from tactical adjustments and a commitment to structure. In fact, he placed emphasis on shape, defence, and intelligent buildup play, which was clear to see, particularly with the team’s use of inverted fullbacks and a double pivot that controlled central areas.
“We’ve been working quite a bit on the buildup; we want to get that better, but also in terms of defence making sure that if we lose the ball, we’re compact in the middle. We build with three at the back and two in front, which allows us to attack with five while staying secure. So it's difficult for opponents to choose which one. It's something we introduced in the Unity Cup, but for me the key is the people who do it and how they did it," the former England boss explained.
Renaldo Cephas gets by a defender.
As the team shifts its focus to the Gold Cup and another meeting with Guatemala, McClaren remains grounded as he is aware that their opponent will be looking for revenge and is warning his players not to get comfortable.
"I watched their game against the Dominican Republic; it was a huge, huge win for them that cemented qualification. So we knew that coming from an emotional high of that win would be a dip in this game. But I don't expect Guatemala to play like that again next Monday. It will be a completely different Guatemala, probably with more intensity. We got the job done here, but we know next week on Monday it's going to be tough," McClaren acknowledged.
Pressed on how far along the team is in its development, McClaren gave a measured answer.
“Six or seven out of 10, purely because of consistency. We haven't seen that yet. So the next game is the key in football, which is always consistency. So it's just the standard that the players have set. That's what I said; you've set that, which is good, and the key is now the continued work rate, discipline, and organization. That's a simple recipe for being able to win games," the tactician ended.
LATEST STORIES
Busby targets defensive work as Girlz build towards World Cup Qualifiers
- 2025-07-01 07:57:05
- Hits 519
Reggae Boyz attacker Demarai Gray set for return to English football with Birmingham City FC
- 2025-07-01 15:52:41
- Hits 515
Arnett Gardens and Cavalier FC Run Riot in JWPL as Goals Flow on Super Saturday
- 2025-06-29 09:27:44
- Hits 337
JFF Relaunches Coaching Education Programme as Jamaica Earns C-Level Concacaf Convention Membership
- 2025-06-27 12:06:22
- Hits 231
Reggae Boy Amari’i Bell welcomes fresh start with Charlton Athletic after Luton exit
- 2025-07-04 14:28:11
- Hits 185