Tuesday 25 March 2014

Jamaica - Questions & Answers

Name: Garrett Peters

Team: Jamaica

How would you rate last years performance? After a few years of Jamaica "underachieving" last year we finally had what I would consider a successful tournament. We were in an extremely tough pool and managed to make it out in second place. In the Quarter finals we beat a pretty good ROI and we lost in the semis, in a shootout, to an extremely tough team Poland.

Are there any new signings or departures? We made some great signings this year with Rolfe and Cesar joining but our key signing would be Mitch Bauche. Mitch who is arguably one of the best midfielders in the tournament is a player with an insane work rate, offensively and defensively. And his composure and control of the ball is second to no one in the tournament. A key departure will be Carson Macdonald. He didn't make it to all the games last year, but with him at the back with Troy, we were a tough team to score against. I hear Carson is looking for a championship ring and has moved to a newly stacked ROI. We will have to see if the move pays off. Hopefully we can get a Jamaica vs. ROI Quarterfinal!

Who is your most important player? Why? Our most important player in the tournament is Kevin Holness. Kevin understands how to play the game, and his knowledge and experience are a huge asset. As a player and coach we all look to him to lead us to the promise land. I've even heard rumors that Kevin might actually take a few shots this tournament.

Where do you think you will finish this year? The plan is to make it out of the group stage, because in a one game quarterfinal anything can happen.  Jamaica has a history of doing well against the tough teams and dropping points to teams we are supposed to beat. Watch for a tight game against Norway, that game will decide our tournament.

If you could sign any player in the tournament who would it be and why? Do the Patterson twins count as a package deal? On the ball they are skilled, off the ball they are tenacious. They are good in the air, and can play quickly on the ground with other players. Add a striker with those two and you already have a team that can contend to win the tournament.  

Who do you think will win this year? ROI are the favorites by far. Brown has revamped Ireland and is downplaying how good they are. They have snatched up a bunch of huskie players and upgraded at goal. Look for them to walk through their pool putting up tons of goals. France game will be a good one but not as important as people think. I expect their first challenge will be in the Semis.


 If you could change one thing in the tournament what would it be? I would change the number of players on the field, as well as the kick in rule. In Sasaktoon we play 6 vs 6 (plus a goalie) and scores are still relatively high. We don't need to have a goal scoring opportunity on every kick in to make worldcup exciting. I think it takes away from the quality of the game.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Pfft Brown has revamped Ireland, the guys a dud on and off the pitch

Unknown said...

Great point about the kick-ins. I think it allows mediocre teams with one or two players who are great a placing the ball a contender. There is plenty opportunity to score without that rule!

Anonymous said...

IF the quality of the game was improved then you'd have 3, maybe 4 good teams at best. The rules are in place to give the lesser teams a better chance of competing. The majority of the players in this tournament struggle to control the ball, imagine how a team would fair with throw-ins that travel 10 yards compared to a kick in that travels 30-40 yards. This tournament will never be about quality and quality is the least of my expectations when I go to games. I go to games for the atmosphere and to catch that glorious moment when Mitch Collins will get his due.

Anonymous said...

Love it anon 17:35!! Don't forget:
Polish players are starved before game days so they play hungry! and that the Patterson sisters are seriously overrated try hards. I'd almost be willing to say that Kirk Evans could be as good as the Pattersons if he tried that hard!! It's recreational soccer Pattersons…. try to remember that.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad someone finally said it. Steven Patterson is starting to play more like a goon each tournament and David just always underachieves.

Anonymous said...

I heard Kevin was getting more serious about players needing to be heritage, and being more strict about players not leaving teams they are on.

So are cesar, adam and mitch all jamaican? Did mitches former team want/sign off on him leaving?

What gives?

Anonymous said...

pls try to get greece and scotland interviews w their cockiest player Mike. that would be a treat. also get Eritrea.

Anonymous said...

Ha ha nice post anon: 17:35. So much truth to your post. I definitely agree that Bandula is a huge cry baby. When Poland get worked again, he'll no doubt cry like a little school girl.

Garrett also makes a good point about kick-ins. There is no need to make absolutely everything a direct / goal scoring chance. Like come on. Enough goals will be scored. Make the games a bit more realistic and fun to watch, especially for paying customers. No one likes to see 10-0 etc. score lines.

Anonymous said...

I would like to hear about players on other team except for the top teams. It would be nice to see what type of players they have. Same old stuff on here.

Anonymous said...

Fastest guy in the tournament Garrett Peters. Hands down. No one comes close.

Anonymous said...

speed doesnt matter in this tournament u fool, the field is so crowded you cant dribble more than 5 yards.

Anonymous said...

Team Canada is going to win the wcp cup this year. They have Tavis. Enough said.

Anonymous said...

I witnessed Devin Sembaluk beat Garrett in a 100m race. He is one of the fastest guys in the tournament. All 3 Sembaluk brothers are faster than Garrett, and that is a major reason as to why the Polish defense is the best in the tournament.

Anonymous said...

Devin Sembaluk, fast. Dude, what type of cheap crap are you smoking? Give your head a shake.

Anonymous said...

Jamaican me crazzzyyyy mon. Lets go mon zill de mon guys. I need my mons to tak nit easy.