Cuba, Panama in goalless tie
- Submitted by: manso
- Sports
- 02 / 17 / 2011
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Thursday, February 17, 2011. MONTEGO BAY, St James – Cuba and Panama will have to play 'wait and see' as to who will accompany the United States into the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF U-17 tourney after playing out a 0-0 draw in their Group B game at Jarrett Park.
Panama squandered a great chance early in the game when captain Roberto Chen missed a penalty kick as they dominated the first half.
Both teams are on one point, but Cuba have played both first-round games. They lost 3-1 against the US on Monday at Catherine Hall.
Panama and USA, who are assured of a place in the next round, will meet tomorrow at Jarrett Park.
Despite their lowly position, the Cubans are not giving up and coach Israel Blake told a post-game press conference, "We are in a tough position, but we have to wait for the next game as Panama still has to play the US."
While he was careful not to "disrespect" Panama, Blake said he thought the US was the stronger team and should win that game, leaving the door open for them to take second.
Jorge Dely-Vales, the former Panamanian international who now coaches the Under-17 team, was disappointed his team did not take advantage in the first half and the missed penalty, saying Chen's approach was too casual.
He said he had seen the US and knew how good they were, but was willing to take his chances.
Panama were earlier to settle in a game that started under overcast conditions on a lush-looking Jarrett Park against Cuba who made four changes from Monday.
They were rewarded with a penalty in the 15th minute after a Cuban defender handled the ball, but Chen's spot kick was saved when goalkeeper Sandy Sanchez stuck his leg out to block the shot.
Attacking almost exclusively down the left wing through Jormar Aguilar and Alfredo Stephens, Panama kept up the pressure but were denied by faulty finishing and outstanding goalkeeping from Sanchez.
Cuba responded in the second half by dominating the game and three offensive changes pushed the Panama team back in their own half, but despite creating a number of chances late in the game, the Cuban team failed to break down the Panama team.
Source. //www.jamaicaobserver.com/sports/
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