Jamaica barely loses to Brazil

Brazil's Ronaldo goes past Jamaica's Shane Crawford, right, 
during a friendly international soccer match at Walkers Stadium, 
Leicester, England, yesterday. (AP Photo/PA, Nick Potts)

Monday, October 13, 2003

LEICESTER, England: Brazil's World Cup winners had to rely on an early thunderbolt from Roberto Carlos to gain a narrow 1-0 win over a spirited Jamaica at Leicester City's stadium yesterday. 

Jamaica's Ricardo Gardner, who plays for Bolton Wanderers in the English Premiership, almost snatched a late equaliser but his fierce shot was held by Brazil goalkeeper Dida in the 86th minute. 

This much-anticipated friendly, played in Europe where the bulk of the players are based, began amid a carnival atmosphere as Jamaica's famously colourful fans attempted to drown out Brazilian cheers in the capacity 32,000 crowd, AFP reports indicate.

But it was the world champions who gave their supporters the most to shout about as they dominated the opening exchanges. Bayern Munich's Ze Roberto shot wide after four minutes and his effort was followed by a stinging drive from AC Milan's Kaka which Jamaica goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts did well to keep out. 

Ronaldo missed a good chance soon afterwards from 10 yards out before Brazil took a deserved lead after 15 minutes. 
Jamaica almost equalised two minutes later when Cardiff City's Richard Langley swung a free-kick from the left just over the Brazilian bar. 

Ronaldo spurned two more presentable opportunities after 28 and 38 minutes as Brazil dominated the possession and Ricketts was kept busy in Jamaica's goal. 

Brazil's relentless waves of attacking football continued after the break as Kaka and Ze Roberto bossed the midfield. But they failed to add to Carlos's early strike and a battling Jamaica side were unfortunate to lose this encounter.

  Back...

  Most popular articles: viewed, printed and e-mailed

  Printable version