By Samindra Kunti in Chicago
June 25 – Jamaica coach Heimir Hallgrimsson had combined emotions over “two misplaced factors” after the Reggae Boyz conceded late to attract 1-1 with hosts america within the Gold Cup curtain raiser, however stated his workforce will develop with the arrival of the influential Demarai Grey.
A victory would have been most welcome for the Jamaicans who’ve did not win a single of their matches in 2023, and so they have been properly on track at Soldier Area to open their marketing campaign with three factors earlier than substitute Brandon Vazquez cancelled out Damion Lowe’s first-half header (from a Grey free kick) with an 88th-minute strike from shut vary. Finally, they have been left to lament what might have been.
“It’s sort of two misplaced factors,” stated Hallgrimsson. “A draw was truthful, so we can’t complain. We stated earlier than the match {that a} level can be consequence for us. Within the first recreation in a contest like this, it will be important you don’t lose as a result of then the second match goes to be a do-or-die match. I’ve to present, and I need to give the US credit score. There was loads of power within the workforce – that was the place they’d the higher hand.”
Hallgrimsson had reward for debutant Demarai Grey, the Everton participant who switched his worldwide allegiance from England to symbolize his grandparents’ dwelling nation. The 26-year-old featured 26 occasions for England on the U-21 underneath then-youth supervisor Gareth Southgate. He follows within the footsteps of West Ham United’s Michail Antonio who selected for Jamaica in 2021.
Grey had an influential presence on the wing for his new workforce earlier than he was substituted late within the recreation.
The supervisor from Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland, stated: “Now we have watched him a very long time, talked to him, so he knew what we needed and we knew what sort of a participant he’s. All people can see as properly that he would give us so much. He offers us an additional dimension. He’s sort of an analogous participant to Leon Bailey. So, it simply provides to our high quality and our choices.”
On Wednesday, Grey and the Reggae Boyz can write one other chapter of their new relationship towards Trinidad and Tobago in St Louis.
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