Latest update April 23rd, 2024 12:59 AM
Sep 09, 2012 Sports
San Salvador, El Salvador – Guyana’s Golden Jaguars, clinched their first points in Group B, with a commendable 2-2 draw versus El Salvador, when action in the North, Central American and Caribbean Zone, third round 2014 World Cup qualifiers, continued Friday evening on at the Estadio Cuscatlan.
The star of the night for the Jaguars was 19-year old, Caledonia AIA, left-winger Trayon Bobb who in his first start of these qualifiers scored a clinical double in the 20th and 54th minutes. While Isidro Gutierrez and Osael Romero scored for the home side in the 4th and 21st minutes respectively.
With Mexico defeating Costa Rica 2-0 in Friday night’s simultaneous Group B encounter, Tuesday’s home game is now a must win game for the Jaguars. According to FIFA, Mexico will already qualify for the next round if they defeat Costa Rica at the Estadio Azteca on Tuesday, while Guyana will be eliminated if they lose at home to El Salvador and Costa Rica topples Mexico.
Thus home support once more at Providence on September 11th, will be a key factor in aiding the Jaguars getting a victory in that encounter.
In front of a typical hostile Central American crowd, the locals were decked out in a sea of blue to show support for La Selecta, while inversely intimidating the visiting Golden Jaguars. On what was a fairly damp outfield which made passing tricky and control of the ball difficult for both sides, the 90 minutes of play descended into a lively counter-attacking affair with both defences looking appreciably vulnerable.
Guyana’s defence was the first to be exposed as La Selecta opened the scoring inside five minutes. A long cross from midfield, was misjudged by Walter Moore at left back. EL Salvador’s number 23 Isidro Gutierrez then proceeded to ghost into box and fire his shot straight through to the legs of goal-keeper Richard Reynolds.
The opening 20 minute Salvo from that first goal, saw the home side in relative control as the Jaguars struggled to grab a foot hold in proceedings.
However totally against the run of play, Guyana struck back thanks solely to the Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson/Trayon Bobb partnership, which would go on to torment the hosts for the remainder of the game.
Firstly Richardson took advantage of fumble in Salvadoran midfield. He broke away on the counter-attack, slid a pass to Bobb who slammed home a superb long range left foot strike from just outside the 18-yard box, into the top off the net, past the outstretched glove of El Salvador keeper Dagaberto Portillo. This sent his team mates and support staff into pandemonium as the Jaguars scored their first official player goal of the qualifiers.
That feeling of ecstasy was immediately short lived however, as La Selecta made it 2-1 right after kick-off. Gutierrez was again into the action, as he crossed down the right flank into the path of number eight (8) Osmael Romero, who charged forward from mid-field and slotted home in the 21st minute. The Jaguars central defence became lethargic and were punished for seemingly switching off at a crucial transition phase of the game.
The remainder of the first half closed out in frenetic Gung-ho fashion for both teams, with El Salvador slightly more composed in mid-field possession while Guyana continued to aim to catch the hosts on the counter attack.
As the second half resumed the telepathic Richardson/Bobb combination would once again link to devastating effect. Richardson who had one of his best games for the national team, playing in the trequartista/playmaker position, sent a delightful through ball into Bobb’s path. With the defenders flat footed, Bobb only had the keeper to negotiate and he obliged once more, to bring the Golden Jaguars back level on the night.
The final 30 minutes saw both teams create further opportunities to win the game, but each side failed to secure a winner as the game petered out to a draw.
Two of the more notable chances occurred firstly in the 71st minute; when Salvadoran number 16 Jamie Alas, hit a long range shot that hit the top of the cross bar. While for the Jaguars in the 73rd minute on the counter attack, Chris Nurse made a long pass from mid-field into the path of substitute Dwain Jacobs, whose cross across the face of goal was barely smothered away by the keeper, before arriving right-winger – Ricky Shakes came in to make his shot.
Speaking after the game a clearly proud national coach Jamaal Shabazz stated his clear pleasure with the result.
“I am very proud of the team coming out with a point in what were difficult conditions. We played as a strong united force and got some great individual performances from some guys. Richardson and teenager Bobb stood out as a picture of selfless work and a team comes first approach”, praised Shabazz
He continued: “I was overwhelmed when at the end of the game the entire El Salvador stadium who were hostile to us during the game gave us a standing ovation after the game. That touched me deeply and it’s a moment I will cherish in my football life. Our boys bought into the tactics and we got a good result, tomorrow is another day”.
On the next match day; (September 11); Mexico will advance to the next round and clinch first place if they defeat Costa Rica. Guyana will be eliminated if they lose to El Salvador and Costa Rica defeat Mexico.
Current Group B Standings:
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September11th, Group B fixtures:
Guyana v El Salvador
Providence Stadium, ProvidenceMexico v Costa Rica
Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
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