Jamaica's Olympic team beat their Chinese counterparts 5-4 on
penalties to lift the Lunar New Year Cup after a goalless 120
minutes in the final in Hong Kong last night.
Goalkeeper Allen Whittaker was the hero, saving two spot-kicks
as former China coach Bora Milutinovic masterminded another
surprise victory in the international friendly tournament.
Milutinovic became the first coach to win the tournament for a
second time having been successful with Nigeria in 1998.
The 62-year-old Serbian, who has taken Mexico, the US, Costa
Rica and Nigeria to the second round of the FIFA World Cup, was
delighted with the U-23 team's success.
"I'm so happy for the Jamaican team. The whole of Jamaica can
celebrate this win," he said.
"The Jamaicans really tried their best and I am so happy for
many of the players who have never played abroad before. It was
important to win this tournament."
In a lackluster final that produced few bright moments, China
had the better game and looked more dangerous in attack, but failed
to find the back of the net against a stubborn Jamaican
defense.
Jamaica started the penalty shootout poorly when Nicholy
Finlayson missed his effort, but his teammates buried their next
five kicks.
China's Dai Qinhua and Wan Houliang both had their spot-kicks
saved by Whittaker before Donovan Davis tapped in to start the
Jamaican celebrations.
China coach Ratomir Dujkovic was disappointed but hoped his
team, vilified over the notorious brawl that overshadowed a visit
to England this month, will have more luck at next year's Beijing Olympics.
"We have to get this behind us and look forward to the future.
Hopefully we will get more luck. Luck played a major part tonight,"
said Dujkovic, who is also a Serb.
China's best chance fell in the 61st minute when striker Jiang
Chen darted into the box and struck a post during an excellent
spell. Two minutes later, Whittaker produced an excellent save to
keep out Li Wei's powerful freekick.
The Chinese tried hard to break the deadlock during extra-time
but Jamaica's defense refused to buckle.
China fielded the same starting line-up that comprehensively
defeated Australia's under-23s 2-0 on Sunday.
Earlier, Australia also needed penalties to overcome Hong Kong
in the match for third place.
The Olyroos led the hosts 2-0 through Nathan Burns and Bruce
Djite before conceding to Festus Baise and a Keith Gumbs penalty,
but made amends by scoring all five penalties.
(CRI.cn via agencies, February 22, 2007)
