Melting pot Jamaica at a crossroads

9 July 2004
by FIFAworldcup.com

Since reaching the rarefied air of the 1998 FIFA World Cup France(tm), much has come to be expected of the national side back home at the 'Office' in Kingston. Long considered the kings of Caribbean football, Jamaica are currently in the midst of a difficult adjustment period.

With a squad comprised increasingly of foreign-based and foreign-born players, proud Jamaican supporters have started to wonder if the Reggae Boyz are in danger of losing some of their native rhythm.

With colonial interference dating back to the time of Columbus, Jamaica took quickly to football after the English settled into the area. Though the game proved mostly an upper-crust activity in the early days of the 20th century - it was confined to private schools and then clubs, the first one of which was established in 1883 - the nation went on to create an admirable Caribbean version of the beautiful game that was the envy of the region.

After achieving independence in 1962 the islanders immediately set about trying to reach the 1966 FIFA World Cup, but plagued by disorganisation, lack of preparation and emigration from the island, it was not until France 98 that Jamaica's lively fans had something to shout about on the world stage.

The typical Jamaican style of football could fairly be considered a dangerous if inconsistent hybrid of sheer physicality and imaginative bursts of skill. It's a potent mixture, and the Reggae Boyz's Damani Ralph

Big differences and 'foreign' influences
Ralph is one of coach Carl Brown's emerging stars, and he brings a set of values learned in the United States for the last seven years. Though he learned the game on the streets of Kingston, the powerful striker's professional refinement took place Stateside, first at university and later in Major League Soccer.

"There is a big difference between the way the game is played in the USA and back in Jamaica. In the States it is very tactical," said 2003 MLS "rookie of the year" who leads the lines for the Chicago Fire.

"In Jamaica the game is more free-flowing, more improvisational. But things are changing a little now as more players from abroad are getting called up."

Of the 37 players currently be considered by one-time Jamaica captain Brown, only eight play their club football at home. And among those playing abroad, many were born outside of the Caribbean.

When the Jamaicans qualified for France 98, 15 of the available 22 players were playing on the island. But, the game is rapidly becoming a more globalised affair with players hungry to try their luck on the international stage.

King for a day
Though they got past Haiti to reach the CONCACAF semi-final group stage for Germany 2006, the result was not exactly a confidence booster.

They were lucky to escape Miami with a 1-1 draw in the first leg. And the second required a stunning three-goal display from Nottingham Forrest's Marlon King to end the Haitians' fight (3-0).

The hat-trick saw King - one of Jamaica's British-born foreign brigade, who could have played for England or the Republic of Ireland - grab his fifth in as many matches.

"It made more sense playing for Jamaica as more of my family members come from the island," he explained in an interview with the Jamaica Observer . "On my father's side, everyone is Jamaican and on my mother's side we got a few Jamaicans as well, so I guess I'm more Jamaican than Irish."

With the U.S., El Salvador and Panama waiting in the next round, the Jamaicans will need to find a consistent rhythm if they want to reach the final group phase of qualifying. Only the top two finishers from the semi-final groups will move on.

Depending on the kindness of clubs
Brown knows that with his heavy 'foreign' influence, club v. country rows are bound to creep up.

"This is a touchy area, but we believe that we have developed good relationships with the (club) coaches. Once we get things finalised, we will write to them about the possibility of having these players for as long as possible," he said.

And with the recent commitment of Charlton Athletic striker Jason Euell, Brown has gained one more undoubtedly deadly option up front

Euell, who once played for England's under-21 side, was in attendance when the Reggae Boyz beat Haiti in Kingston.

"The last few weeks have really made me want to play for Jamaica," added the Londoner born of a Jamaican father. "There is a World Cup to play for and it would just be amazing to be part of a tournament like that."

Only the results will tell if he will get that chance, and first up for the new-look Reggae Boyz are the always organised USA on 18 August.