'Just like 98' - Barrett nostalgic after Reggae Girlz World Cup qualification

Former Reggae Boyz captain and goalkeeper Warren 'Boopie' Barrett says Jamaica's 4-2 penalty shoot-out victory over Panama at the Concacaf Women's Championships third-place playoff in Frisco,Texas reminds him of qualification for France 98.

"I'm very elated, it's another historical day in our football history...," said Barrett, who is also the goalkeeper coach of the national senior male team.

The win evoked a sense of nostalgia for Barrett and said it brought him back to Jamaica's final game against Mexico at the National Stadium in 1997, which booked the Reggae Boyz's spot at the 1998 World Cup in France.

"From the last ten, fifteen minutes of the game - I think the spectators were following the other games and I remember USA were hosting El Salvador and we heard the celebration in the stands, so we knew basically that we were waiting for the final whistle and to enjoy ourselves," he said.

"I thanked God and then I embraced a photographer and then just cried my eyes out - tears of joy of course."

COMPETITIVE GAME

Jamaica's Reggae Girlz played a physical and competitive game against the Panamanians but extra-time was needed after Natalia Mills drew Panama level in the 74th minute, responding to a Khadija Shaw opener in the 14th minute, ending the game 1-1 at regulation time.

Jody Brown gave Jamaica the lead in the 95th but Lineth Cedeno rallied and equalised in the 115th minute. The teams were at a deadlock once again but before the end of extra-time, Jamaica made a tactical move that proved successful. Goalkeeper Sydney Schneider was replaced by Nicole McClure, who made two crucial saves during the penalty shootout.

"I realised that they took off Miss Schneider and put Miss McClure in, so I was saying to one of my coaches here at Cornwall (College) that McClure looks like a better shot stopper than Miss Schneider - so they switched... We've seen a number of teams do that in the past..." Barrett said.

"The coaches know their players, even if it didn't work out you couldn't bash them because they know Nicole is better at penalties, we just thank God that everything worked out."

Barrett, now the coach of Cornwall College was at a daCosta Cup match but was following the game on his phone tuning in for results. He said he can't be prouder of the team and all who were involved in the build up to the success should be praised.

"I must say a big hand for the coaching staff and the ladies, sponsors as well who believed in their dream and hopped on board," he said.