World Cup Q & A with President Jeffrey Webb

With the completion of group stage play at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and three of CONCACAF’s four representatives sealing berths in the round of 16, President Jeffrey Webb sat down with CONCACAF.com to get his views on the action in Brazil.

Q: Great results thus far for CONCACAF at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Are you surprised by what the Confederation’s representatives were able to achieve?

PRESIDENT WEBB: I’m not really surprised. We knew immediately after the draw that the groups were going to be tough, but I also predicted that we would have two teams advance to the knockout stages. Having three out of four actually progress is a very good indicator of the game’s level in parts of our region

Q: To what do you attribute this overall success?

PRESIDENT WEBB: I believe it is a combination of different elements for each team. For one, the strong commitment from National Associations to player development is certainly showing with individual standouts on the field.

I also believe that the fact that CONCACAF’s Gold Cup is played every 2 years, instead of every 4 years has a positive impact on the level of competition. Teams have the opportunity to play highly competitive games more often allowing them to evaluate their player pool at that level.

We have also witnessed outstanding coaching in our teams. Managers have successfully adjusted their teams and formations during the course of games in order to get the result. We have also seen their ability to motivate and unite their respective squads. Taking pressure off the players is key and our managers have proven to be proficient in making sure that their players are in the right frame of mind to compete.

Q: Which aspect of the teams differ most from past tournaments…technical, tactical or mental?

PRESIDENT WEBB: To me, changes in mental approach differ most in the performances of our teams in this World Cup as compared to others. Each team has demonstrated a belief that it could win regardless of the opponent. It has become a CONCACAF trademark in this competition. Take Costa Rica as an example. The Ticos went undefeated and finished first in a group that contained Uruguay, Italy and England…three past champions. Mexico beat Cameroon and Croatia, while tying host Brazil. The United States topped Ghana after losing to it in each of the previous two World Cups.

Q: Can you give us your quick impressions on each CONCACAF team at the World Cup?

Mexico…

PRESIDENT WEBB: Miguel Herrera has instilled a real sense of camaraderie into the team. There seems to be no stars, no egos. The entire team pulls together as a single unit. Their resources are utilized beautifully in all areas of the field, attacking through the middle, the flanks, shooting from mid-range and taking players one-on one. A truly multifaceted squad anchored by Ochoa’s outstanding goalkeeping. Certainly a contender for the best goalkeeper performance in the tournament.

USA…

PRESIDENT WEBB: Its mental discipline on the field stands out from previous World Cups. Even when the odds may indicate otherwise, the team maintains its style and stays true to what Jurgen wants. Their possession game has been outstanding and their confidence runs high. These attributes were best demonstrated against Ghana and Portugal.

Costa Rica…

PRESIDENT WEBB: Simply flawless. Confidence is high, but so is technique and tactical awareness. Its possession game and off-the-ball movement have contributed to the creation of opportunities and a sturdy defense. I think that the job that Mr. Pinto has done with this team will have a long lasting legacy in Costa Rican soccer.

Honduras…

PRESIDENT WEBB: Honduras came into this tournament playing solid football. However, I don’t think it ever found a rhythm. (Head coach) Luis Fernando Suarez certainly gathered a solid team that played well during qualifiers and the 2013 Gold Cup, but it could not find its game in any of the three matches.

Q: What are your thoughts on the performances of CONCACAF referees during this World Cup?

PRESIDENT WEBB: The CONCACAF referees have done a terrific job thus far. Overall, their performances have been very solid. If I have to highlight one, it would be Mark Geiger’s first match. I thought he was simply outstanding.

Q: What does the success of CONCACAF teams mean in relation to the desire for the Confederation to secure a fourth direct berth to the FIFA World Cup?

PRESIDENT WEBB: The strong performance by our teams certainly justify the debate to push for a fourth full spot and we will do so accordingly. Only South America at 83% had a higher share of its teams advance to the knockout stage of this World Cup.

Q: Finally, from a fan support point of view, are you pleased with CONCACAF’s showing?

PRESIDENT WEBB: CONCACAF fans have shown without a doubt that this confederation loves our sport, not only on the ground at the stadiums in Brazil, but also across the social media spectrum. I applaud their efforts and thank them for being proud of belonging to our confederation. Hashtags such as #CONCACAF and #WeAreCONCACAF have trended before, during and after our matches.

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WWCQ: Duncan propels Jamaica to Caribbean finals

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Jamaica’s Shakira Duncan (pictured) has scored eight goals in two 2014 CFU Women’s Caribbean Cup games.

SAN CRISTOBAL, Dominican Republic – Shakira Duncan struck for four goals in a second straight game and visiting Jamaica posted a 7-0 victory over the Dominican Republic on Sunday in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Women’s Caribbean Cup at the Estadio Panamericano.

The result gave the Reggae Girlz gave the Group 5 title, guaranteeing them a place in the competition’s eight-team final round, which will be held in Trinidad & Tobago in August.

Duncan (3’, 23’, 64’, 77’) scored two goals in each half, while Omolyn Davis (31’, 90’+1) struck for a pair and Donnakay Henry (42’) added one.

The Jamaicans amassed a total of 21 goals in its two first-round games, including 14 in a win over St. Lucia.

The CFU Women’s Caribbean Cup is the region’s championship for national teams that also serves as a qualifying competition for the 2015 Women’s World Cup.

2014 CARIBBEAN FOOTBALL UNION WOMEN’S CARIBBEAN CUP

WOMEN’S WORLD CUP QUALIFYING RESULTS, TABLES & FIXTURES

FIRST ROUND

GROUP 5 (at San Cristobal, Dominican Republic – Estadio Panamericano)

Results

Wednesday – June 18, 2014

Dominican Republic 7, St. Lucia 0

Friday – June 20, 2014

St. Lucia 0, Jamaica 14

Sunday – June 22, 2014

Dominican Republic 0, Jamaica 7

Table

Games Played, Wins, Draws, Losses, Goals For, Goals Against, Points)

Jamaica 2-2-0-0-21-0-6

Dominican Republic 2-1-0-1-7-7-3

St. Lucia 2-0-0-2-0-21-0

Related story:

Marley inspires Reggae Girlz on World Cup journey

Cedella Marley (front row, third from left) with the Jamaica women’s national team prior to its participation in the 2014 CFU Women’s Caribbean Cup.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica women’s national team is benefitting from its relationship with Cedella Marley, daughter of reggae music icon Bob Marley.

Last week, the Reggae Girlz topped Group 5 in the opening round of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Women’s Caribbean Cup, the region’s championship for national teams that is doubling as a qualifying competition for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Marley’s encouragement is being credited as one of the reasons for the recent success.

“The girls love Cedella a lot,” Jamaica head coach Merron Gordon told CONCACAF.com. “Cedella is everything to us, a mother, role model, ambassador and sponsor. She is working very hard and giving back to Jamaica.”

With Marley’s munificent support and Gordon’s strategy the Jamaicans defeated St. Lucia (14-0) and the Dominican Republic (7-0) to secure a place in final round, scheduled to be played in Trinidad & Tobago (see iNews Cayman story published June 26 2014 “Women’s Caribbean Cup finals schedule announced” at: http://www.ieyenews.com/wordpress/womens-caribbean-cup-finals-schedule-announced/), August 19-26, 2014.

Gordon was pleased with the team’s offensive output, but is committed to making further enhancements over the next two months.

“We are potent in attack, but there is room for improvement,” he expressed. “We didn’t miss many chances and the girls were focused in the Dominican Republic.”

Leading Jamaica was former University of West Florida star Shakira Duncan, who scored eight goals in the two matches.

The striker’s success came as no surprise to Gordon.

“Shakira is a very talented kid,” beamed the manager. “She is awesome and she will be a better player coming into the final round.”

Jamaica is slated to face Bermuda, Haiti and Puerto Rico in Group A of the CFU competition, which will crown a champion and send four teams to the 2014 CONCACAF Women’s Championship in the United States.

According to Gordon, no stone will be left unturned in the side’s preparations.

“We are going to do a lot of strength work because we need to be stronger,” he finished. “We have players as far as England wanting to come and try out for the national team. As long as we see those players and make our selection, we will be a very strong team coming into Trinidad.”