Despite the odds stacked against small developing countries such as Jamaica qualifying for the FIFA World Cup finals, national head coach Theodore Whitmore is confident the Reggae Boyz can return to the “big dance” and progress to Rio 2014.

With the lack of a football culture, compared to some of the other teams that have qualified for the CONCACAF World Cup final round set to start next month, and lack of funding mitigating against Jamaica shocking the world again, Whitmore said these hurdles have only served to strengthen his resolve.

At yesterday’s press launch of the St James Football Association’s Sandals/ATL Senior League at Sandals Royal Caribbean, Whitmore — who was the keynote speaker — said: “Have these challenges dimmed my expectation and anticipation? Absolutely not. They have only served to strengthen my resolve and so it should all of us.”

Whitmore, who scored both goals in Jamaica’s historic 2-1 win over Japan in France 1998, said Jamaicans are a resilient people.

“We have created history in all parts of the world. We have done so not only in sports, but also in academia, commerce, science and technology, music and culture.

“We can qualify for Brazil 2014; it is within us to do so,” he said. “We are 10 official games and nine months away. History beckons, let us all embrace this opportunity by joining hands and rallying around a common cause.”

The former midfielder, who many thought escaped sacking after Jamaica failed to get past the first round of the Caribbean Football Union’s (CFU) Championships last year, said Jamaica must take the opportunity to create its own history by coming together.

“In life we oftentimes have small windows to create history. Let’s not lose this time. Let’s not miss this opportunity by focusing on our differences; the time to embrace a common goal is now.”

He said the upcoming final phase of the Word Cup qualification would be an important year for the Reggae Boyz and could be “the turning point towards a more sustainable growth of our football programme”.

Whitmore argued that much will be at stake for all six countries that will play in the Hexagonal series, but said it is especially challenging for small nations. He said “it is extremely difficult for small and developing countries” to qualify for the World Cup.

Whitmore said the attitudes of the other countries towards Jamaica had changed since 1998 when Jamaica was seen as a country without much football substance.

“When we qualified in 1998 all these countries did not take us seriously; they all let their guards down… All that has changed, however,” he said; adding that “we are no longer seen as a country without football substance. In fact, countries are no longer leaving anything to chance where Jamaica is concerned.”

The Reggae Boyz coach pointed out the steps taken by the USA in their last two meetings with Jamaica — chartering a flight to carry players, staff and fans to Jamaica and flying them back directly to Ohio for a return game a few days later.

He said while this move afforded the American players significant rest, it took Jamaica almost 20 hours to travel from home to Ohio for the game and that had a negative effective on the players.

“All this proved very detrimental to our pre-game preparation, physically, tactically and psychologically,” he reiterated.

Funding, he said, was one of the major differences between the competing countries. “It will continue to be so until greater support is secured for our campaign,” Whitmore declared.

In concluding, he said he was not naïve to believe Jamaica will ever be able to compete on level footing with the likes of the USA and Mexico.

“However, at a minimum, we need to ensure all the basics covered for our preparation and participation,” he said.