Jason Wright will have to be sharper in front of goal.

MONTERREY, Mexico:

Jamaica may be on the brink of elimination from the 2011 FIFA Under-17 World Cup, but the Young Reggae Boyz believe if they are going to exit the global stage, after today's final group match against France, it will be in style and with a loud bang.

The Boyz are in a must-win situation, without a point from two games so far in Group B following losses to Japan and Argentina. However, coach Wendell Downswell says Jamaica will not retreat against the traditional European power and plan to treat their loyal fans here - including those from Jamaica, Mexico and elsewhere - to "entertaining and enterprising football," starting from the 3 p.m. kick-off (local and Jamaica time).

"We will be extremely positive in terms of our approach," Downswell promised yesterday.

The top-two countries from each of the six groups, plus the four best third-place teams, will advance. Jamaica hope to topple France in such convincing fashion that the Boyz will stay in contention for a Round of 16 place once the tournament's group games are completed this weekend. It would be a huge scalp.

"For us, a victory against a country like France would be a significant achievement," said Downswell.

"Psychologically, we're ready. We're really looking forward to the assignment."

influential utility player

Jamaica's upbeat mood was evident at yesterday morning's training session, where the Boyz worked out for roughly an hour and a half. They appeared to have shaken off the disappointing news that influential utility player Alvas Powell is out of the France game, after accumulating two cautions. Captain Omar Holness, who sat out the session, is nursing a leg injury, but has been named to start.

It will be a big task for Jamaica. France are tied with Japan in Group B on four points. Argentina, who are third on three points, will play Japan at the same time Jamaica face France. For Jamaica to secure third place in the group, Argentina must lose and the Boyz win, scoring enough to get in front of the South Americans on goal difference.

That job will have to be done with another revamped line-up. Jamaica juggled their team following the 1-0 loss to Japan in the first game to generate more offence against Argentina. They lost that game 2-1, but created several clear-cut chances.

Today, Powell will be replaced by Romario Jones. Nico Campbell will make way for Richard Trench in goal. Forward Anthony Walker and midfielder Cardel Benbow are also in line for more playing time, following their lively performances as substitutes in the earlier games. Downswell is confident the new players can do the job.

"We have quality replacements," he said.

They will confront a talented team. While Japan dominated ball possession against Jamaica, France will provide Jamaica's toughest defensive assignment of the tournament, with players such as Abdallah Yaisien, Sebastien Haller, Lenny Nangis and Yassine Benzia all having exceptional skill and a keen eye for goal. Downswell is impressed with today's opponent, especially after they clobbered Argentina 3-0, but believes Japan showed the blueprint for conquering France when both teams drew 1-1.

"We looked at them and the first game they looked awesome," Downswell said. "The other game they looked a little bit jaded. We've identified in the second game some weaknesses and we will try as much as possible to exploit that and, hopefully, we can get the goalscoring machinery in place."

Leading the charge will be Zhelano Barnes, the impressive left-sided midfielder who scored against Argentina. But striker Jason Wright cannot afford to squander chances like he did against the South Americans.

Meanwhile, Downswell is banking on all the backing he can get, including from fans here who have taken a liking to the Reggae Boyz. Yesterday, the coach showed his appreciation.

"Thanks to the Mexicans, especially in Monterrey, for the wonderful support," Downswell said.

Today, will be a good time to reward them.