Holness

MONTERREY, Mexico:

Jamaica face a must-win situation in their second match of the 2011 FIFA Under-17 World Cup today against Argentina, with the South Americans in almost an identically desperate situation as the Young Reggae Boyz.

At stake when the teams kick off at 6 p.m. (local and Jamaica time) at the Estadio Universitario, will be three valuable points that would push either team into serious contention for one of the two spots in Group B and a good chance to qualify for the Round of 16 in the 24-team tournament.

Jamaica and Argentina are in their current dilemma following opening game losses on Saturday. The Boyz went down 1-0 to Japan, placing them ahead of Argentina on goal difference only after the South Americans were walloped 3-0 by France. Both teams are hoping to rebound at the expense of the other.

"Right now it's a do-or-die situation for both teams," Jamaica's coach Wendell Downswell explained ahead of yesterday's training session. "This is a final for both of us to get back in the running.

"We had the luxury of losing the first game," he added. "We don't have that luxury anymore."

Jamaica are expected to make "two to three" changes to the team which started against Japan. That's necessary, Downswell said, because while the Boyz appeared organised on defence, the team offered little threat in attack. The coach is looking for "quality decision making" by his players and improved ball possession.

"It's a major, major concern," Downswell said after Japan retained the ball 68 per cent of the time to Jamaica's 32 per cent.

Downswell declined to disclose what today's line-up would be, but indications are that Anthony Walker, who came on as a second-half substitute against Japan, could get a starting nod following his lively shift on Saturday. Another switch could push captain Omar Holness from his customary midfield position to a more advanced role. He came closest to scoring against Japan with a thunderous shot that hit the upright.