Jamaica inch closer to quarterfinals with late winner over Canada
Jamaica got a vital stoppage time goal from Rodolph Austin, who powered home a header to a cross from the right, to defeat Canada 1-0 in a CONCACAF Gold Cup Group B on Saturday night match in Houston, a result that opened the door for the Jamaicans to advance to the final eight.
With four points from from two matches, Jamaica heads into a Tuesday night match against El Salvador (live, FOX Sports 1, FOX Sports Go, 6 p.m. ET) well-placed to advance before Canada (one point) plays Costa Rica in the second match of a Toronto doubleheader (live, FOX Sports 1 FOX Sports, 8:30 p.m ET), Canada will need to win to have any realistic hopes of advancing.
Austin's goal came after a long, turgid slog that saw Jamaica dominate territorially for long stretches against a Canadian side that seemed completelty devoid of attacking ideas. It was a powerful, precise finish that gave the Jamaicans a deserved three points against an opponent who offered little over the 90 minutes.
El Salvador played Costa Rica in the second match of the Texas twin bill Saturday night after the opener produced very little in the way of dangerous chances or excitement until Austin struck. Canada seemed content to absorb and Jamaica lacked the cutting edge up front to take advantage of their territorial advantage until the late goal changed everything.
Jamaica had slightly the better of a tepid first half in the Texas heat but neither team came close to opening their account. Simon Dawkins and Giles Barnes had chances that did not really trouble Kiriakos Stamatopoulos in the Canadian goal.
Canada's best look came in the 12th minute when Dwayne Miller had to be alert off his line to deny Tosaint Ricketts from a right side attack. It was a chance that probably should have been taken, but Miller came out aggressively and Ricketts waited too long to get off his shot. That turned out to be Canada's lone opportunity.
Dawkins nearly put Jamaica on top two minutes into the second half but his cross-body drive from a quick ball forward flashed past the far post after beating Stamatopolous. Barnes then almost beat the keeper on the hour mark when his free kick was over the bar. Garath McCleary had a half-look in the 68th minute but was tackled by Dejan Jakovic before he could shoot as Jamaica continued to make all of the running.
Canada, showing no attack whatsoever, continued to be pinned in, unable to bother the Jamaican defense. Later on, Stamatopolous did have to be alert and quick to come off his line in the 81st minute to prevent Darren Mattocks from having an opportunity on a Jamaican counter that develop