Downswell - file

MONTERREY, Mexico:

Coach Wendell Downswell was full of praise for Jamaica's effort despite the Young Reggae Boyz' opening game 1-0 loss to Japan at the 2011 Under-17 World Cup in Mexico on Saturday.

"It was a tremendous experience for them," said Downswell of his team. "I think the youngsters have equipped themselves well."

It was tough going. Jamaica battled unsettling heat, blustery winds and a highly efficient Japan to slump to a tie at the bottom of Group B alongside Argentina, who were outclassed by France 3-0 in the curtain-raiser at the Estadio Universitario.

According to Downswell, Japan, who showcased impressive Jamaica-born forward Musashi Suzuki as a second-half substitute, displayed more experience, poise and fitness throughout. Masaya Matsumoto's 61st minute strike capped a deserved victory for the Asians.

"It is obvious the Japan team is far more seasoned than us," Downswell conceded.

He admitted that the temperature, which raged well above the 100-degree mark, troubled the Jamaicans early, making the job even harder.

"Especially in the first 45 minutes," Downswell said. "It wasn't an easy task for us."

Although Jamaica conceded one goal, the final margin could have been worse. Solid goalkeeping by Nico Campbell denied the Japanese several opportunities, especially late when the Boyz tired under relentless pressure.

Jamaica will also be disappointed about the absence of consistent attack, limiting the team to half chances, and rarely threatening Japan's goal.

The Boyz' best effort came in the 21st minute when captain Omar Hol-ness sent a rocket shot from 30 yards which banged against the post. Another long-range effort by Romario Williams went straight to goalkeeper Kosuke Nakamura in the second half.

Gracious Japan coach Hirofumi Yoshitake said "most of all (my) team was lucky" to beat Jamaica. He admitted that Holness' effort could have changed the outcome of the game if it had found the net.

"In the first half Jamaica hit the post and if they had scored it could have been different," said Yoshitake, who also credited his team for defending well against Jamaica.

Following the loss, the Boyz appeared disappointed. The usual upbeat vibes were subdued on the ride back to the team hotel. The job now is for the coaching staff to convince them they had not performed poorly ahead of tomorrow's second group match against Argentina.

Physically, the effects of Saturday's demanding game lingered as well. Yesterday Downswell called off a regularly scheduled training session for the entire squad, granting rest and a pool session to those who played against Japan, while arranging a separate session for the remainder of the squad with the trainer. The coach believes the team will not have a problem rebounding on Tuesday.

"Our focus now is on the next game," said Downswell. "It's possible we can be very competitive against Argentina "No, I don't think (getting Jamaica motivated) will be a difficult task."