Whitmore overjoyed

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Reggae Boyz head coach Theodore 'Tappa' Whitmore has described last night's historic come-from-behind 2-1 victory over the United States at the National Stadium as a momentous achievement for him.

Rodolph Austin and Luton Shelton struck home free kicks in each half to hand Jamaica's Reggae Boyz their first-ever victory over US at the senior level.

"It is a very historic night for me," said Whitmore. "What I have never done as player, I have done it as a coach. I am very elated."

Continuing, Whitmore said: "I knew that we have the team to do the job, it is just the support and the belief that we needed. I think that once we get the support, we can climb mountains."

Jamaica were stunned in the opening minute when Clint Dempsey scored for the Americans but Whitmore said he was confident they would have rallied to win the game.

"We weren't worried because it was early days. We started the game very slow but as the game continued, we started to get into our stride and in our rhythm and then we started playing well," Whitmore said. "We knew from day one what we were up against and I said in our team meeting that there was no way that USA was going to be beat us."