Ryan Johnson - File

Reggae Boy Ryan Johnson remains confident that Jamaica's Reggae Boyz can secure a place at the 2014 World Cup, despite what many consider to be a lukewarm start to the campaign.

The National team looked impressive in their opening match of the campaign against Guatemala, who they defeated 2-1 at the the National Stadium, but were less impressive away against the less-fancied Antigua and Barbuda two weeks ago, where they picked up a point. The result left Jamaica second in group A behind the USA by virtue of an inferior goal difference, as both teams have amassed four points from two games. The other teams that are vying for one of two spots from the group in the final stage of qualifying, are Antigua and Barbuda and Guatemala, who have a point each.

That aside, however, Johnson says the team's chances remain good, not only for the next round but also for a spot in Brazil. "Our chances are very good. I believe 100 per cent that we will qualify for Brazil," Johnson said.

good group

"Not just get to the next round, because we have a good group, we are young, strong and we all play for each other, with the country behind us nothing is stopping us," he added.

Jamaica will next face group favourites USA on September 7 at the National Stadium, before journeying to the US to re-engage them four days later. The Boyz will play Guatemala on October 12, before closing out this stage of qualifiers against Antigua and Barbuda on October 16. Although the match is some way away, Johnson is already looking forward to a rematch against his Caribbean competitors.

"Antigua gave us a tough match, which we knew we were going to get, they played us hard," Johnson said. "It is going to be nice to get them in Jamaica, because I definitely think we can beat them in Jamaica, so I am just looking forward to the rematch.

The 27-year-old striker said he was also pleased with the team's chemistry, which he attributes to the presence of the core of the players that guided the country to the quarter-finals of the 2011Gold Cup.

"We just have to make sure that we are prepared, and make sure that we do the job for the upcoming games," Johnson said.