Reggaeboyz Web

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida

In Thursday's 2-0 loss to Switzerland in a friendly international at
Lockhart Stadium, the Reggae Boyz were outclassed.

The score could have easily been more, but the Swiss, ranked 17 by
FIFA, toyed with the Jamaicans throughout, spurning chance after chance.
But despite the domination, especially in the first half, technical director
Bora Milutinovic said the match-up for his home-based side was valuable
experience.

"If we can play everyday against teams like Switzerland it will be perfect
preparation for us. normally I'm not happy when I lose a game, but
playing and learning from these games is important for the future of
Jamaica's football," said the Serb-born Mexican in a post-match interview
with journalists.

"The game was an excellent test for us to learn and this for me is
important," he added.

He said the differences in the quality between the two teams were
obvious from the first whistle. "The difference really between the players
is experience, because you have players in our team who have not
played a long time ago, while there are some who are just playing at this
level," Milutinovic said.

He also cited the physical ability of the Europeans as being a crucial factor.
"They are physically better than us, but in Europe where they (Swiss players)
play, they have to be big," he argued.

Milutinovic, who holds the distinction of leading five separate nations to
the World Cup Finals, said he was most impressed with his players'
attitude in the game and noted that this is something to build on.

" I am happy with the attitude of these players and that is what is more
important. They tried but that's how it is, sometimes you do well and
sometimes you don't," he said.

The Swiss, who scored through two of their top players Marco Streller
(seventh minute) and Gokhan Inler (12th), dominated the entire game,
but the Boyz gave a spirited fightback to restrict the marauding
Europeans.

"I am never disappointed with the way my team plays, after 45 minutes
you see the play changed," said Milutinovic.

On Monday, the Boyz play another friendly game against fellow
CONCACAF team, Panama, at the National Stadium, the charismatic
Milutinovic is calling for patience from the Jamaica people.

"When we play Panama the people of Jamaica need to understand that
the result is not all, they have to be patient and support the team,
because the goal is to reach the World Cup," he noted.