Reggae Boyz eye US giant-killing
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Jamaica have managed only one victory in 22 matches against USA, but the 'Reggae Boyz' are confident as they play CONCACAF Gold Cup football semi-finals underdog against the Americans.
The US, who have a 13-1 win-loss ratio with eight drawn in the all-time rivalry with Jamaica, are heavy favourites in Wednesday's Georgia Dome matchup in the biennial regional championship. "It feels like David against Goliath," Jamaica coach Winfried Schaefer said Tuesday. "That's fine with us. We will try to hit the giant where it hurts the most."
A shock upset would do just that. US coach Jurgen Klinsmann has stressed repeating its trophy run to clinch a berth in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup as a key step on the path to the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ in Russia.
"I think that the fact that a spot in the Confederations Cup is on the line speaks for itself. It's all down to business tomorrow night," Klinsmann said. "Every game in this tournament is a battle and we definitely expect a battle against Jamaica."
"It feels like David against Goliath. That's fine with us. We will try to hit the giant where it hurts the most."
Jamaica coach Winfried Schaefer
The US-Jamaica winner will face either Mexico or Panama in Sunday's final at Philadelphia. The Mexicans are 7-2 with four drawn all-time against Panama but one of the losses was a 2-1 defeat in the 2013 Gold Cup semi-finals.
The Reggae Boyz have already matched their best Gold Cup run and hope to become the first Caribbean team in the final. "We're feeling good on and off the pitch and that brings a confidence to our team," said Jamaican forward Michael Seaton.
The Americans have reached the final in nine of 12 prior Gold Cups, missing out only in years when guest teams from South America lost the championship match. But they are not taking Jamaica lightly. "We know Jamaica well," US captain Michael Bradley said. "They have a unique blend of organisation and discipline and also athleticism."
The Mexicans, record six-time Gold Cup winners, have been hit by injuries but could see attacker Giovani dos Santos return against Panama. "Giovani is doing fine," Herrera said. "We'll consider him unless he tells me he isn't 100 per cent."