... Frater says team will be more focused on winning than world record

All eyes will be on the clock as Jamaica and the United States go head to head in today's mouth-watering men's 4x100m relay final.

The American, without 100m finalists Tyson Gay and Ryan Bailey, were the fastest in qualifying; but barely, posting 37.38 in their win in the heats while the Jamaicans, who rested repeat sprint double champion Usain Bolt, won their heat one- hundredth of a second slower, in 37.39.

"I was just very excited to get out there and get my feet wet, so to speak; I think we executed well. This is the most we have practised over the years that I've been competing and coming to championships and it's just a matter of putting in the final piece together," said male team captain Michael Frater. "We will see if we can get the win first of all and run something fast."

Nesta Carter, who like Frater and Bolt have been involved in Jamaica's two men's 4x100m world-record runs, watched with the rest of the team as the Americans crossed the line in front in their heats and is looking forward to today's clash, while playing down the talk of records.

"People have been saying sub-37 but we first have to try and get the stick around because that's what relays are all about, so the time will come, we don't have to worry about the time," Carter said.

The team was led by young Kemar Bailey-Cole, who made his Olympic debut, with a strong and confident anchor leg.

"It wasn't nerve-wrecking at all, I just went out there, did my part and carried home the stick and the experience has been very good," said Bailey-Cole.

The team was completed by 100m and 200m silver medallist Yohan Blake.

Jamaica will be hoping to win its fourth Olympic medal in the women's 4x400m and are still with a shot after the team of Christine Day, Shereefa Lloyd, Shericka Williams and Rosemarie Whyte won their heat in 3:25.13 to book their spot.