The Golden Jaguars’ Gold Cup debut against the defending champions USA was a tough challenge to get their campaign underway.
The goalkeeping department engages in some drills
That match immediately placed pressure on the Jaguars when they lost 4 – nil; and now they are pitted to battle Panama, a team which currently ranks 75th on the FIFA list, compared to Guyana’s position at 177.
Billed to kick off at 17:30 hrs today (Saturday), this clash precedes the other Group D showdown between USA and Trinidad & Tobago, which commences at 20:30 hrs.
USA and Panama, the team nicknamed ‘The Canal Men’, lead the Group with three points each, but the latter has a weaker goal difference after securing a 2 – nil win against Trinidad and Tobago. Meanwhile, the two Caribbean teams are yet to secure a point.
On Thursday, during Guyana’s rain-hit Ohio training session, Head Coach Michael Johnson said the session went well and the team spirit is still very high.
Commenting again on the USA clash, Johnson noted that, on a global level, the team has been getting many plaudits for the manner in which they played.
He said international managers and managers operating in the top leagues in Europe have commented on how well the boys played, particularly for that first hour.
Johnson takes great comfort in knowing that they have made great strides, have looked very organised and out-passed a very good USA team. The coach believes if his side can get to those levels in the next two games, they should be in a better position.
Tonight is Guyana’s final training session before Saturday’s clash at the FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland.
