By Tym Glaser, Associate Editor - Sport
The US's Eddie Johnson (centre) scores a goal past Jamaica's goalie Donovan Ricketts (30) during the first half of their World Cup semi-final round qualifying match at Columbus Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, last night. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. - Reuters
THE JAMAICA football team's drive to the Germany 2006 World Cup hit its final road block at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio last night.
The Reggae Boyz battled to a game 1-1 draw with hosts the United States but a historic victory was required as Panama trounced El Salvador 3-0 in Panama City to sweep past Jamaica and claim the second qualifying spot from CONCACAF Group A.
The US had already qualified for CONCACAF's final Group of Six round from which three teams automatically advance to the World Cup in two years time while the fourth-placed side plays off against an Asian team for a possible fourth berth from the region.
The U.S., with last night's draw, reached 12 points and topped the standings. The three gained by surprise side Panama catapulted them to eight points one more than Jamaica.
MAJOR BLOW
Jamaica's hopes received a major blow only 16 minutes into last night's encounter against a young but keen U.S. side when Ed Johnson out-paced a sluggish Jamaican defence and comfortably placed the ball past goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts.
The Reggae Boyz were revived 12 minutes later when a bustling run down the left and into the area by Ricardo Fuller saw the forward brought down and awarded a penalty.
The kick from the penalty spot was taken by Andy Williams who shot straight while US custodian Kasey Keller dived left to level the scores.
Coach Sebastiao Lazaroni rung the changes from the bench including bringing on Jermaine Hue, Marlon King and newcomer Jason Euell but nothing seemed to be able to spark the Jamaican team which now has three years to wait before embarking on World Cup qualification again.
THE END FOR LAZARONI
The end of the campaign also means the departure of coach Lazaroni, for a second time, whose contract only ran as long as Jamaica were on the Road to Germany and a severe financial belting to the Jamaica Football Federation which misses out on five home World Cup qualifiers next year worth an estimated $10 million apiece.
While last night was the end of Jamaica's run for a second World Cup appearance following France '98, the die was cast in Kingston where the team could only garner two points from three home games, including a shocking 2-1 loss to Panama.
