Elton Tucker, Assistant Editor - Sport

Jamaica's players react on the podium after losing the gold medal against Ecuador during the Pan American Games men's soccer final match in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, yesterday. Jamaica lost 2-1. - AP

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:

Jamaica's Young Reggae Boyz produced a gallant display in the Pan American Games football final at the famous Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro yesterday, but it was not enough to deny Ecuador.

The South Americans, helped by what seemed a very soft penalty, came from behind to beat the Young Boyz 2-1 to capture the gold medal.

Eric Vernon had put Jamaica ahead in the fifth minute but Ecuador's Jefferson Montero equalised in the 79th and captain Edmundo Zura slammed in the winner from the penalty spot six minutes from the end.

The penalty call came after what seemed an innocuous challenge by a Jamaican defender and even the Ecuadoreans appeared a bit surprised at their good fortune.

Defeat in the final still meant that the island's Under-20 team had captured a historic silver medal in football at the Games.

Jamaica's footballers had qualified for the Games three times before - 1971, 1975 and 1999 - but had not gone past the preliminary round. The silver here put them ahead of great football nations such as hosts Brazil, Argentina and bronze medallists, Mexico. The gold was also Ecuador's first medal in football at the Games.

Firmly in Jamaica's corner

Coach Wendell Downswell felt the players did well.

"Overall, we had a very good first half but then in the second half we gave up two goals. Despite this, I think we did exceptionally well to end up silver medallists here."

Downswell added there was no plan to play defensive after the goal: "We came out very offensive in the second half but we were playing a high-quality team and possibly the back-to-back games took their toll."

It was clear from the start that the small Brazilian crowd in the large stadium was firmly in Jamaica's corner and they cheered every move. Midfielders Edward Campbell and Eric Vernon settled early and along with forward Kaemmar Daley put the Ecuadoreans on the backfoot.

It was a combination among the three which brought the opening goal. Campbell relayed to Daley and the team's leading goalscorer provided a brilliant through pass to Vernon who sprinted forward down the right and put the ball past the advancing Maximo Banguera in goal for Ecuador.

The early strike lifted the confidence of the Young Boyz. Daley, Vernon and Campbell, backed by captain Ricardo Cousins, had the Ecuadoreans' defence in some disarray, while the Jamaican defence, led by goalkeeper Dwayne Kerr, was always quick off his line to break up any attack.

Kerr had to be at his best twice late in the half.

A swerving shot from the edge of the box in the 32nd minute by defender Israel Chango forced him to change direction quickly and come up with a fine save. Then two minutes later, in the 34th, theJamaican began the second half well and should have gone further ahead when James Thomas weaved his way into the box after just one minute. He slipped at a crucial time, however, and the chance was lost.

The Ecuadoreans, who had 57 per cent of the possession in the match, gradually took control and a defender's error gave them their chance in the 79th. Zura's shot was blocked by Damaine Thompson, but the ball fell into the path of Montero who put the ball past Kerr.

Jamaica did not look the same team after the goal and Ecuador took charge and attacked in waves. It was from one of these attacks that defender Wilson Folleco came forward and fell in the box after he made contact with a Jamaican defender.

Teams: Jamaica: Duwayne Kerr (GK), Ajuran Brown, Eric Vernon (74th), Obrian Woodbine, Damaine Thompson, Troy Smith, Ricardo Cousins, Kaemmar Daley, Edward Campbell (46th), John-Ross Doyley (67th), James Thomas.

Subs: Dwayne Miller, Anderae Campbell, Jermaine Jarrett, Alanzo Adlam (74th), Dwayne Smith (46th), Norman Bailey (67th), Draion McNain.

Ecuador: Maximo Banguera, Wilson Folleco, Deison Mendez, Roberto Castro, Hamilton Chasi, Carlos Delgado (46th), Israel Chango, Jefferson Montero (90th), Fidel Martinez (57th), Edmundo Zura.

Subs: Jesus Alcivar, Alex Alcivar (90th), Fabricio Guevara (57th), German Vera, Alex George, Eduardo Bone, Pablo Ochoa (46th).