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Hallgrimsson pleased with Boyz victory
June 07, 2024
A 16th-minute strike from forward Shamar Nicholson separated the Reggae Boyz from the Dominican Republic at the National Stadium yesterday.
The Boyz were the overwhelming favourites to walk away with a comfortable win but they found goals hard to get against a hard-working Dominican Republic team and had to settle for a 1-0 win.
Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson was happy with the victory in his team's opening assignment in the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup Qualifier but added that they will improve in upcoming matches.
"We can improve from this performance, but the most important thing is that we got the win and kept a clean sheet so what was needed to be done, was done," he said after the game.
The Reggae Boyz started off the brighter of the two as the pace of winger Renaldo Cephas proved to be a crucial weapon in the Reggae Boyz's arsenal. Cephas came close in the 10th minute but a tame effort was easily handled by goalkeeper Miguel Lloyd.
However, six minutes later the Boyz took the lead. In a swift counter-attack, Cephas managed to outpace his markers and went clear down the left. He then picked out Nicholson on the edge of the six-yard box and the former Boys' Town player, now based in Europe, made no mistake. The Reggae Boyz kept their feet on the gas and came close in the 33rd minute through a Bobby Decordova-Reid free kick which went just wide of the intended target.
In the second half, Jamaica continued to nullify their opponents as they went in search of another goal. They got a glorious chance when Cephas managed to win his team a penalty in the 72nd minute but Decordova-Reid failed to convert as goalkeeper Lloyd's outstretched arms denied the England-based midfielder. In the 79th minute, Lloyd was again called into action as he denied Cephas from point blank range.
Coach Hallgrimsson stated that he expected the tough fight from his opponents as they're a team that has being improving by leaps and bounds in recent times.
"They didn't surprise me because we spent a lot of time analysing the Dominican Republic team. From the first day their current coach came you can see their progress and you can see the job that he's doing. The team is getting more compact, and they have clever players on the ball. The only thing that is missing is scoring goals but on the ball they're always improving," he stated.
Hallgrimsson also heaped praise on striker Nicholson who, he said, is always ready to put in a strong performance when wearing the national colours.
"I said it already and I'll say it again he will always deliver for Jamaica and will always be the guy that pushes this team forward. He fought well and he's a good leader who is growing," coach Hallgrimsson added.
