Belize's dreams of reaching Russia for the 2018 world cup have been dashed. But, the Jaguars went out with style and spirit – playing to a one -one
draw with Canada on their home turf at the FFB field last night.
Belize mounted numerous attacks on Canada's goal leading to a Deon McCualey goal in the 26th minute – much to the elation of fans at a very
full FFB Stadium. But Canada equalized in the 45th minute, and despite many valiant attempts Belize could not score again. So the game ended
in a 1 – 1 draw, leaving the series at a 4 to 1 aggregate score in Canada's favour. Canada now moves unto
the semifinal round of World Cup qualifying. But their Coach said Belize was a worthy and dangerous opponent:..
Benito Floro - Head Coach, Canada
"Belize is a good team, a really good team. We need to say thanks to the coach because the proposal of Belize is very nice and very good. The first
game was in favour of us; it's true that Belize don't have any chance of goal but we know that in meeting they are going to play very well as they have
demonstrated. I think my players were concentrate as good professionals because we all realize that this game was very difficult for us, they
delivering a goal."
"There are players in Belize that with good skill, fast; a good team, the forward and the wing as very good, so it's dangerous. If you don't make a
strong pressing on joining together for the other players to develop a good defence; Belize is a very good team."
"The most dangerous for us is the counter attack from Belize because they have very good wings and forwards. So we need to control the position of the
ball looking to create 3, 4, 5 chance of goals. But Belize defends very well in the second half and trying to make a counter attack."
Jorge Nunez – Head Coach, Belize Jaguars
"My team no play defence you know, my team we play attack; my team play attack. The first game we look for defence because of the players; this second
game, perfect."
"The first game in Canada I think we stood, this second we were very good; very good movement, very good control of the ball. We miss a lot of goals.
I'm satisfied with the players, satisfied with the fans. We didn't qualify, that's very hard but we work hard."
The goal for Deon McCauley was his fourth of this qualifying campaign and 21st overall for the Belize National Team. In 2011, he led all CONCACAF
scorers in World Cup qualifying with 11 goals.
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