We have to start winning - Mattocks

Marc Stamp, Gleaner Writer

After a short lay-off from the Jamaica national men's senior team, striker Darren Mattocks said it's very important for the country that the team starts winning in the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying football games in the hexagonal phase.

Jamaica face perennial World Cup qualifiers Mexico in a crucial game for both teams at the National Stadium today, starting at 8:30 p.m. The Jamaica team is rooted in the cellar on two points from three games.

"It's not only important to the players, but the entire coaching staff, JFF (Jamaica Football Federation) and the country for us to start winning," Mattocks told The Gleaner.

Panama lead the race for three automatic spots in the 2014 World Cup Finals to be played in Brazil, followed by the United States of America (USA), Honduras and Costa Rica, all tied on four points. Mexico come next with three points.

Mattocks, who plays for Vancouver Whitecaps in Major League Soccer (MLS), is urging the fans to stay behind the team and give full support for tonight's encounter.

"The fans play a crucial role. We know that in Jamaica the fans can get hostile whenever we are not doing well. We know that we have to start winning."

A new attitude

Mattocks had been left out of the team for recent internationals, but Reggae Boyz head coach Theodore 'Tappa' Whitmore said the striker has shown "a new attitude".

Mattocks featured in the previous round of qualifying, but was left out of the squad after the Digicel Caribbean Cup last December. He was recently recalled after missing the first three games in this final stage.

"The more you grow as a player is the more you learn and, as a young player, each and every day brings a new challenge in your life," the 21-year-old former Bridgeport High School star said.

"I don't think it is a personal attitude. I have been doing better in the situations and that is good for me as well as the JFF," he reasoned.

Mattocks was also praised by newly-appointed technical director, Brazilian Alfredo Montesso and Whitmore for an excellent game against English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur in The Bahamas on May 23. He played the entire game that ended 0-0.

"I thought I did really well in the game against Tottenham but, as they say, self-praise is no recommendation, so it's good to know that the coaches were pleased with my performance," he noted.

"The thing for me is to stay focused and, if given the chance, do well in these crucial games, starting with the one against Mexico. We all know how crucial the next three games are in determining where we go," Mattocks added.

After tonight's game against Mexico, Jamaica play the USA on Friday, June 7, at the same venue, then travel to Honduras for a fixture against that country, to round off three games in eight days.