KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Jamaica’s head coach Theodore Whitmore said he was always confident his players would advance to the final round of the CONCACAF 2014 World Cup qualifiers despite facing elimination.

A relieved Whitmore was speaking after the Reggae Boyz’ 4-1 win over Antigua and Barbuda at the national stadium Tuesday night.
Jamaica finished second in Group A semi-final competition with 10 points but were only able to advance on a superior goal difference to Guatemala who were hammered by United States 3-1 on Tuesday.
“Despite the situation which faced us I always had the confidence and the belief in my group of players and the coaching staff that we could pull it off,” Whitmore told reporters after the match.
“We knew it would be difficult and credit to Antigua and Barbuda they gave us a fight. But I knew that playing at home, and given the quality players we have, that getting the required result was possible.”
Dane Richards scored twice within ten minutes of the latter stages of the game to rekindle Jamaica’s hopes of advancing after a lone goal from the visitors reduced the deficit and threatened the Reggae Boyz’ chances.
Jamaica, the only English-speaking Caribbean nation to advance, will compete in a CONCACAF finals involving the five other qualifiers – United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras and Panama next year.
“The plan is to have a review of the first round of the qualification and plan how we can be successful in the second stage,” said Whitmore.
“This includes looking at the performance of players, and looking at players who can make this team better. But I am happy where we are and confident that we will get it right and qualify for Brazil.”