It started out on a cool calm Sunday afternoon in the capital city Georgetown. The place to be was
Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground, Bourda for the opportunity to see Guyana’s Golden Jaguars as they continued their bid for World Cup 2010. The game was against Grenada’s best footballers. There was an air of excitement in the stands as the fans braced themselves to see their team compete, for many this was their first opportunity to see the team in action.
The game saw Guyanese of all races, ages, and class coming together to root for their team of choice. I am almost positive the Grenadian team had supporters in attendance. The stands were filled with persons prepared to watch an eventful and entertaining contest between the two teams. The level of support that the players received was encouraging showing that the fans are behind the team and are willing to show their support by coming out and watching them perform.
The game was spirited and exciting. There were times that I couldn’t see the action in my half since the
spectators would all stand up in expectation of a goal. The Grenadians were the first to strike when they penetrated the Jaguars’ defense and were able to convert that opportunity to put them up 1-0 after about 20 minutes of play. The Guyanese were however not to be outdone. Their opportunity came by way of a cross from a right striker into the box of the opposition splitting the defense and causing the center striker to attempt a shot. The shot was initially blocked by the keeper and was deflected to the left striker who was on target for the equalizer. This goal had an electrifying effect of the crowd and lifted spirits all around the ground. It was also an incentive for fans to stay and was a hot topic as the goal came two minutes before the end of the first half.
The second half was not short on excitement because each team sought the opportunity to take the lead and secure the win. In an effort to achieve this goal the game took a more physically aggressive tone. As a result of this the referee was forced to produce a few yellow cards to players from both teams in an effort to calm the tensions on the field of play. This did little to ease the nervous atmosphere that was in the stands. This tension came to an end when a striker from the Grenadian side took advantage of an error on the part of the defense on the Guyana half of the field and was able to penetrate unchallenged into the penalty box. The striker made no mistake in putting his team on top by beating the unassisted goalie. This was much to the dismay to the players but more so the fans who debated how the striker could have made it that far into the penalty area unchallenged. The goal undoubtedly motivated the Guyanese players to seek an equalizer. Several attempts were made on the Grenadian goal but to no avail. As tension built up on and off the field it was seen clearly when a Grenadian player was given a second yellow card and was sent off. Many thought the Guyanese would have sought the opportunity to use their numbers against the Grenadian side who were now one player down to equalize and possibly win, but this was not accomplished.
The game was nevertheless an exciting contest showcasing the best of Guyanese football talent taking on
the best of Grenada. The game was physically charged which saw the whistle being blown seven times for injuries and saw players from both teams being taken off the field on stretchers for medical attention. Regardless of the injuries, the game was entertaining and exciting. There were a few areas of concern in terms of the performance and strategy of the national team but I am sure those matters will be addressed by team management. Disregarding that the teams performance was to be commended and I am sure as they travel throughout the Caribbean in the coming weeks their performance will only get better and they will make us as Guyanese proud.
By Andrew Ross