Zhelano Barnes netted a consolation goal for Jamaica's Young Boyz. - File

MONTERREY, Mexico:

Jamaica were left to rue what might have been had they converted numerous scoring chances against Argentina in yesterday's second group match of the 2011 FIFA World Cup at Estadio Universitario.

In the end, the Young Reggae Boyz went down 2-1 to the South Americans, planting them firmly in the cellar of Group B, without a point in the tournament, and with only a slim opportunity to qualify for the Round of 16.

favourable results

Jamaica will now have to beat France, who lead the group on goal difference over Japan, with both teams tied on four points, in their final match here on Friday and hope for favourable results from the other five groups.

Argentina, on three points by virtue of yesterday's win, are in a far better place to advance with a game to play against Japan on Friday.

Coach Wendell Downswell could have picked any of several missed clear cut goal scoring opportunities, but he possibly was most annoyed by the first one squandered, which could have forged a different outcome in the competitive game, matching two teams who had lost their opening encounters on Saturday.

"If we had converted one (scoring chance) in particular in the first half that would have put us in good stead," Downswell lamented after the game.

lone goal

The parade of misses started in the second minute. Impressive Zhelano Barnes, who scored Jamaica's lone goal in the 89th minute in reply to strikes by Argentina's Jonathan Silva (23rd) and Lucas Pugh (63rd), collected a great ball from Alvas Powell on the left flank. His pinpoint cross was met near the far post by a feeble side-foot volley from striker Jason Wright, which bounced past the upright.

Wright was guilty of several other misses, including a muffed shot from a rebound after Argentina's goalkeeper Nicolas Sequeira failed to hold a stinging long range shot from captain Omar Holness in the 20th minute, but he was not alone. Oshane Jenkins's foray into the penalty box left him alone with Sequeira in the 63rd minute, but his shot hit the 'keeper's legs and substitute Anthony Walker watched his screaming grounder tipped around the post by Sequeira in the 74th.

Argentina also missed chances to widen their victory margin, but scored when it mattered most and now are a step in front of struggling Jamaica. Downswell is now hoping for a major miracle, but has not ruled his team out of the tournament just yet.

"Mathematically we still have a chance," he said. "Our intention is to give it our best shot (on Friday against France).

However, the coach, despite regretting the missed scoring opportunities, still had some praise for his team's effort.

"I wouldn't say I was satisfied by our performance," Downswell said. "The performance was somewhat competitive throughout the game."

It will have to be much better against highly talented France, who drew 1-1 with group surprise team Japan yesterday, but remain firm favourites to top Group B.