Western Bureau:

I had promised myself that I would not be criticising Jamaica's Reggae Boyz once the 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign started properly. However, after watching Tuesday's match-up against the United States (US), in Columbus, Ohio, I feel compelled to break that promise.

After the team's historic 1-0 win against the same US team four days earlier, I was basically on top of the world. Not only because of the win but on account of the grit, determination and commitment I saw from a team, which was given very little chance by its critics.

In fact, I rather suspect that had coach Theodore 'Tappa' Whitmore not come away with a win in that game, Jamaica Football Federation boss, Captain Horace Burrell, would be under serious pressure to either read him the proverbial 'Riot Act' or simply fire him.

I was therefore quite flabbergasted that after taking the nation to such an emotional high with that courageous performance at the National Stadium, the team went to US and surrendered like a lamb to the slaughter. Prior to the lone goal scored by the Americans, I saw nothing to suggest that we wanted another win.

Let us down

While I was not privy to the tactics that was decided on by the coaching staff, based on what I saw, I believe we took the coward approach, which was to try for a draw instead of going after another victory. If my assumption is right, I believe the coaching staff let us down badly.

This is the second time in recent years that I have seen us taking the meek approach against the Americans to our own detriment. In the last Gold Cup tournament we were going great guns and looking rather ominous until we ran into the Americans and all but surrendered with a tame display.

Personally, I think the cagey approach we used against the Americans was due to a general lack of mental toughness and self-belief on the part of the coaching staff. What I saw reminded me of the Marcus Garvey quote, "If you haven't confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life."

Mental toughness

As one who wants to see the team rebound and do well, I would like to recommend that fame track coach Glen Mills be invited to work with the Reggae Boyz, to include players, coaches and technical staff, with a view of instilling the kind of mental toughness that is seen in track stars Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake.

Surely, if Mills could wield the type of magic he uses to inspire his athletes in terms of inspirational pep talks, I am sure he could make a big difference in building confidence and self-belief among the Reggae Boyz and the coaching staff. I feel our greatest weakness is the general lack of mental toughness.

Although I have broken my promise not to publicly criticise the Reggae Boyz, my support for the team, nonetheless, remains intact. In fact, I believe if the required tweaking is done to ensure that the team give full value in every performance; I see no reason why we should not be in Brazil come 2014.

Ps. Today I had intended to write about the scandalous mismanagement of the new Montego Bay Sports Complex in Catherine Hall, St James, which was given to the residents of St James by the government of Venezuela. I see a major scandal looming on the horizon and I would suggest that Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, in her capacity as sports minister, move quickly to head it off.

NB. Feel free to send your feedbacks to adrianfrater@hotmail.com.