Keisha Hill, Staff Reporter

A group clad in Jamaica's colours performs during the half-time interval during the Reggae Boyz versus Bahamas first-leg World Cup football qualifier at the National Stadium on Sunday. The Reggae Boyz won 7-0. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

A sea of bright yellow, green and a myriad of colours created the perfect backdrop for the Reggae Boyz as they opened their World Cup qualifying campaign against the Bahamas in fine style at the National Stadium on Sunday.

Over 20,000 fans from across the island made the journey to witness the start of another journey, this time to South Africa. With whistles and horns blowing, the cheers echoed from the jubilant crowd and the Reggae Boyz could do no wrong.

With every passing of the ball, the stadium erupted into thunderous applause. And the rain fell, blessings perhaps, but that did not dampen the spirit of the spectators who continued to rally behind their star-studded team.

Such a performance it was that many fans were very relieved after the match, happy that the Boyz had returned to winning ways following their shocking 1-2 loss to Grenada earlier last week.

Mellissa Hibbert, who made the journey from Spanish Town, stated she was still unsure if the Reggae Boyz were World Cup material.

"The coach has not put together a final team so they have not had the chance to work together properly. There is a chance that they may qualify, but they need to play some of the more experienced teams to ascertain there full strength," she assessed.

Hugh Bailey from Portmore said the Reggae Boyz were playing well and were improving in every aspect of the game.

"They are playing more disciplined and with a good management team behind them they have the ability to make it to the World Cup," he said.

Potential

Meanwhile, Dean Smith stated that the Boyz have the potential to go to the World Cup but they will have to face tougher opponents and then a better analysis of the team would be more accurate.

"Everything takes time. The team has been playing together for a few months but they have already begun to bear fruits. With more improvements they have a chance to make it to South Africa," Smith said.

The Reggae Boyz, with a double from Luton Shelton and other goals from Demar Phillips, Marlon King, captain Ricardo Gardner, Andy Williams and Omar Daley, defeated The Bahamas 7-0.

The return leg of the qualifier will be played at the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium on Wednesday at 4 p.m.