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The Journey to Germany 2006

THE JAMAICA NATIONAL Football team swamped Haiti 3-0 at the National Stadium on Sunday to book their place in the semifinal round of 2006 World Cup qualifiers. The Reggae Boyz took the home and away encounter 4-1 on aggregate after the first match was drawn in Miami. This performance has again pushed the team into the spotlight and Jamaica's Technical Director Carl Brown is this week's 'Newsmaker of the Week'.

Do you feel the team was under pressure going into the match because of how they performed in Miami?

"No. It's not about the performance, it was the responsibility and expectations the nation had and we did enough to come away with the results we wanted."

Many are saying that what Jamaica needs is a foreign coach. What is your response to that?

"I don't believe. And I don't believe those saying saying so will stop until thy kingdom come. But, myself, the players and the Jamaica Football Federation are doing everything we possibly can to go through."

What do you think Jamaica's chances of qualifying for the next World Cup are especially when it can be considered that Mexico and the United States are most likely to take two of the three available places?

"We have a very good chance of making it to the World Cup. Yes, Mexico and the U.S. have always been the two top teams but if you can remember the qualifying matches for the last World Cup, Mexico literally made it through in the very last round and it shows that the other teams are catching up and the gap is closing so we have a good chance of qualifying for 2006."

Compare this present team to the one which qualified for the 1998 World Cup. What are the similarities and what are the differences?

"One distinct difference is the time the team spent together and that is always going to be a big issue. This team is also more talented than the team which made it to the 1998 World Cup."

Do you think the team is getting enough support from Corporate Jamaica?

"I think we are getting the support. If you look at the qualifying rounds for the '98 World Cup and look at the ones now we are probably getting more support now at this stage than we got then and there (are) a lot more (corporate entities) who are going to come onboard to ensure that the team gets the best opportunity to prepare for qualification."

Is there a possibility that Onandi Lowe might be considered for selection?

"I am certain that Onandi will be considered but we owe it to him to give him the time he needs to clear up his thing and we are hoping and praying for the best. Once he gets his thing cleared up we will have a place for him but in all fairness we should allow him that period."

Do you have a philosophy that you use to motivate the team?

"I don't think its a philosophy but the one thing I stress is for the team to recognise the role they play in nation building and the responsibility they have to unify the nation. It's a big responsibility and it's something we practice, preach and uphold and we want to do for Jamaica what they expect from this team."

Does intense public scrutiny bother you?

"Yes, it does, but I don't believe it is something I should spend time on and lose sleep over. I am part of the public and I have responsibility for a team they feel very much a part of. I don't believe that I am an exception."