Sport
Jamaica beats New Zealand 3-2
Jamaica’s Jermaine Taylor (2nd L) competes with (L to R) New Zealand’s Chris Wood, Kosta Barbarouses and Michael McGlinchey during their friendly match on February 29, 2012. PHOTO/Michael Bradley/AFP/Getty Images
Jamaica’s soccer team held on to defeat New Zealand 3-2 in a friendly international at Mount Smart stadium in Auckland on Wednesday after taking a healthy lead shortly into the second half.
Jamaica, ranked 70 places above New Zealand at 50th in the world, threatened to outclass their opponents but the All Whites managed to keep the game alive with a late goal before a lively home crowd.
In the end, one first half goal from Xavian Virgo and two in the second from Damian Stewart and Navion Boyd were enough to see Jamaica home against a side that were solid defensively but failed to convert attacking chances.
Jamaica, fresh from two victories over Cuba, squandered an early opportunity when Troy Smith sent a corner looping behind the line.
The All Whites then had a penalty appeal turned down after goalkeeper Dwayne Miller brought down midfielder Jeremy Brockie with a sliding tackle in the box.
With New Zealand, who proved their defensive qualities when they finished as the only unbeaten team at the 2010 World Cup, stifling Jamaica’s attackers, captain Jermaine Taylor was reduced to long-range efforts on goal.
Jamaica goalkeeper Miller showed his commitment, taking an accidental boot to the face from New Zealand skipper Ryan Nelsen defending a free kick, but the teams remained evenly matched half an hour in.
