First-time finalists Jamaica in mood to party

Jamaica, in spite of their improbable presence among the worlds footballing elite, are adamant they are not in France merely to make up the numbers. The architect of their survival through the World Cup qualifying stages was Rene Simoes, the Brazilian mastermind behind Jamaicas new-found prowess on the pitch. He has warned his sides first-round rivals, Croatia, Argentina and Japan to take the Reggae Boyz seriously, saying in a recent interview: "If others want to underestimate our talent, that is up to them."  But whatever Jamaicas fate this summer, they have already surpassed themselves in making it to the party in the first place. Simoes, in a bid to strengthen his squad, has pulled in British-based players like Robbie Earle of Wimbledon and Fitzroy Simpson of Portsmouth. Derby Countys Deon Burton and Wimbledons Marcus Gayle have also been enticed to the Carribbean, but not without some criticism being levelled at Simoes. Burton made a direct impact, the 21-year-old scoring in each of his first four World Cup games, a feat that propelled him to instant fame and the title of Jamaican Sports Personality of the Year. Theodore Whitmores ball control skills dazzle in midfield alongside the classy Earle and veteran Peter Cargill, with the experienced Durrant Brown and Ian Goodison providing support in defence. Simoes, a committed Christian, has organised an intensive preparatory course for the Jamaicans as he tries to cram in as much match-practice as is humanly possible into his World Cup rookies. With a 1-0 win over Mexico in 1996 and that eye catching goalless draw against the Brazilians, Jamaica will turn up with all guns blazing, their every move cheered on by ecstatic fans back home in the carribbean sun.

© - AFP - 1998