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Rudolph Austin

Audley Boyd, Assistant Sport Editor

TORONTO:

THE LOCAL-based cast of Jamaica's Reggae Boyz, as well as the coaching and management staff, touched down here in cool 57 degrees Fahrenheit conditions yesterday, several days ahead of their semi-final round World Cup qualifier against hosts Canada.

Ten players, half of whom haven't had much international experience, made the near four-hour trip in a 22-man Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) contingent that included its president, Captain Horace Burrell, and technical director, René Simoes.

The new members are Davion Thorpe, Evan Taylor, Obrian Woodbine, Keneil Moodie and Jevaughn Watson, who are complemented by more experienced teammates Donovan Ricketts, the long-time goalkeeper, fellow custodian Shawn Sawyers, Jermaine Taylor, Rudolph Austin and recalled creative midfielder, Jermaine Hue.

In the evening, they got down to business with a practice session at 7:30, looking to make the most of the fine-tuning period leading into Wednesday's start of this crucial qualifying phase that is expected to be very competitive.

It has generated a label 'Group of Death' for this four-nation elimination series -- much owing to the strength of a group which qualifies two of four to the finals of the Confederation of North, Central America and the Caribbean Associations of Football (CONCACAF).

Besides Jamaica and Canada, the other members of the group are Mexico, the number one ranked CONCACAF team, and Honduras. They will play a round-robin home-and-away series of six matches each.

Even as their primary task is football, much of the interest ahead of yesterday's departure and their arrival in Canada focused on another competition involving their compatriots on the other side of the world in Beijing - the Olympic men's 100 metres final.

Applause in mid-air

The timing of the flight meant the players were unable to see the race, but the Air Jamaica pilot kept the passengers updated on the happenings - evoking mixed reactions in mid-air as the aircraft made its passage up the US coastline.

There was much applause when it was announced Usain Bolt had won in a world record 9.69.

Yet, there was much disbelief when the pilot announced that a Trinidadian won silver and an American bronze. No Asafa Powell.

There was downright disappointment.