MIAMI, United States, CMC – Reggae Boyz head coach Winfried Schafer believes his charges have nothing to be ashamed of despite their defeat in the final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup last Sunday.
“For me, this is not silver, this is gold,” the German said following Jamaica’s 3-1 loss to Mexico at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
“Nobody gave us a chance, this team … coming to the final. It was very, very hard work. Congratulations. I am very proud to be the coach of this team.”
The Jamaicans proved to be the surprise package of the July 6-26 tournament. With the likes of Mexico, Costa Rica and United States entering as the heavy favourites, Jamaica produced a series of performances to reach all the way to the final.
They drew 2-2 with the Costa Ricans before edging Canada and El Salvador by 1-0 margins, to top Group B and qualify for the quarter-finals.
The Reggae Boyz then got past Haiti 1-0 and stunned defending champions, USA, in the semis to book their spot in the championship game.
Schafer, who has presided over the Jamaica set-up for the last two years, said not many believed his side could have reached as far as they did and said team spirit had been the driving force.
“It was a small group that believed we could come in the final. I was very, very happy about these players from one to 22. The team had motivation. I am a long time coach. I have never seen this spirit in a team,” he noted.
“These players gave heart for this country, for this island. Nobody understands what the players are doing for this country.”
Jamaica became the first-ever Caribbean side to reach the final of a Gold Cup.
