Jamaica’s Olympic football team stunned spectators by holding Uruguay’s Club Nacional to a 1-1 draw. After falling behind in the second half, the young and inexperienced Jamaicans roared back with a determined equaliser that sent the crowd into wild celebration, proving they could stand toe-to-toe with seasoned international opponents.

Published Tuesday, October 17, 1973

Jamaica Fight Back to Earn 1-1 Draw

Before an estimated 15,000 spectators at the National Stadium last night, the Jamaica Olympic football team held the visiting Club Nacional de Football team from Uruguay to a 1-1 draw.

The game started at a brisk pace with the visiting team on the offensive in the early stages. Most of their dangerous movements were led by outside left Alejandro Nin, who, with some beautiful crosses from the wing, had the experienced Vester Constantine leaping high to bring off some good saves.

The Jamaica defence was always sure-footed in the tackles, and thwarted the efforts of the visitors. At times, however, they were more intent on playing the ball back to the keeper instead of building up positive movements.

Whenever the Jamaican forwards went on the attack with passes from the midfield generals Peter Marston and Carlton Smith, they appeared dangerous, but the visitors were capable in defence. The closest Jamaica came to scoring in this half was when Smith hit a volley shot which deflected off a defender and went outside.

At the start of the second half, Jamaica was first on the attack and had the advantage. Midfield striker Miguel Blair had the home crowd cheering wildly when he wormed his way through the defence on the wing and crossed the ball into the middle, which was empty.

Soon after, the visitors went on the attack and actually scored a goal, but it was ruled offside by the referee after consultation with the linesman. This brought them more alert, and they went into the lead in the 70th minute of play when midfield player Mateo Infatizzo headed home a cross from the right wing.

Jamaica were not dismayed by this and, two minutes later, linkman Marston sent Phillips on the run with a pass. Phillips shunted around a defender and placed the ball in the far corner of the goal past an advancing keeper for the equaliser, which had the crowd cheering wildly.

The architect of the Jamaica team, Derrick Dennicer, who was having a good game, was replaced by Karl Largie soon after, and the visitors also made a change. The display given by the Jamaican team was refreshing, considering that they were young and inexperienced.

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