WHILE Head Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson is pleased that Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz have secured a spot in the Concacaf Gold Cup semi-final, he says that they will have to play more collectively than individually in the next round.

The Jamaicans defeated Guatemala 1-0 in the quarter-final in Cincinnati on Sunday, through a 51st-minute goal from left back Amari’i Bell, to set up a match against Mexico in Paradise, Nevada, on Wednesday.

The Jamaicans were cautious about Guatemala ahead of this game, with Hallgrímsson preparing for quick transitioning play from defence to attack. But the match presented more challenges, with Guatemala bringing a physical approach to the game which was also played in what he describes as intense heat. It may have contributed to a number of unforced errors, which Hallgrímsson says were because of individualistic play.

But he describes the win as a good team performance and says there is much work to be done to be ready for Mexico on Wednesday.

“In the first half I would say, tactically, we were a little open in regards to our defending,” Hallgrímsson said in the post-match press conference. “We were overambitious, meaning we were rushing things. When we were defending, we were trying to win the ball individually instead of collectively. Then, you lose a lot of energy in a game like this — an intense game, it was really hot, and we were trying to win the ball individually. It was the same when we had possession — it was too much individual instead of collective.

“We should’ve passed the ball quicker to make them run, instead of dribbling it too much.

“We learnt a lot from this match. We did enough to win but I would say this performance would probably not be enough to win against Mexico in three days, so we need to learn from this game and we need to be more like a team even though we are happy with what is happening.”

One of those individual errors occurred in minute seven with centre back Damion Lowe losing the ball, which Guatemala forward Rubio Rubin collected before charging into the box. But when he found himself in a one-on-one with Jamaica goalkeeper Andre Blake, he fired his shot straight at him.

But Jamaica took charge of the game thereafter and in the 13th minute, forward Leon Bailey received an excellent long pass down the right side, and he turned in the box and cut back to winger Demarai Gray. But after beating his man, Gray pulled his shot so wide it went out for a throw-in.

But Gray made up for that miss in minute 51. He was involved in a give-and-go with substitute Daniel Johnson and, upon receiving the return ball, lined up a shot but instead, tucked a pass through to Bell who was unmarked and advancing. Bell took two steps before shooting at the near post to beat Guatemala goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen for his first international goal.

“For me, Amari’i is a very constant player,” Hallgrímsson said. “He doesn’t have a super match but he is always like an eight [out of 10]. He always delivers when performing. If you look at him playing next [season] in the English Premier League [with Luton Town] you will see the same. He’s a really consistent player. [He] doesn’t make mistakes but to have a goal in such an important match is fantastic for us and fantastic for him.

“He’s a true professional. There are never any problems with Amari’i; he will always play. He will always play all the minutes you ask of him and he’s a warrior, and we are all pleased for him to get this goal.

“…he should not have been there though,” Hallgrímsson said with a smirk.

More of Jamaica’s individualistic play occurred in minute 57. Rubin collected the ball after miscommunication between Lowe and defensive partner Di’Shon Bernard meant the collection was fumbled. After taking some time to find his feet, Rubin played the ball across the box to Mejía but his shot was straight at Blake.

Jamaica could have increased the lead in the 65th minute when Bobby Decordova-Reid played in Bailey, whose shot from an acute angle was blocked by Oscar Castellanos.

Guatemala had another close chance to equalise in minute 79. Mejía burst down their left and whipped in a cross which was found by substitute Alejandro Galindo, who was placed only six yards out from goal. His header was, however, denied by a reflex save by Blake.

They had another chance in minute 84 as a free kick into the Jamaican area came up off Bell’s head after poor communication between himself and teammates, but Blake was there to prevent the own goal.

Hallgrímsson was complimentary in his description of how Guatemala and their Head Coach Luis Tena approached the game. While he says they have impressed him and surprised many throughout the tournament, he is glad they did not also pull off a surprise against Jamaica.

“I can see a good structure in them,” he said. “They have confidence on the ball, speed and skilful players, and with continuous work I think this is a force to be reckoned with in the future.”

Jamaica has now won all five Gold Cup matches against Guatemala.