The Central American Under 16 Championships opened last night at the MCC Grounds. Guatemala and El Salvador played the opener and Belize played Panama in the nightcap. How did the home team do? Our camera was there to see.
Jules Vasquez Reporting,
The Belize flag stood watch over the evening, but it was the Panamanians ho would score first on this header but the Belize team was not dissuaded. 12 minutes later, Belize would even the with this equalizer. That made it a game and at the half it was tied 1-1.
The Belize team came out for the second half looking inspired. But just a minute into the half Panama struck with this killer goal off a corner kick and after that the route was on. 6 minutes later Panama scored again on this cross and just a minute later another goal off this effort.
That made it academic, 4 to one and the spirits of the Belize team sagged as it struggled to get control of the ball and to maintain possession. The game ended 5 - 1. And after the Belize team talked it over
Head coach Marvin Ottley was disappointed.
Marvin Ottley, Coach
"Disappointed because we worked hard on our dead balls defensively and I think early in the second half we went out, I think we were a bit flat and we didn't challenge for non of the headers there...we ended up giving three goals in ten minutes. In the football arena that is something very difficult to come back from."
Jonathan Caliz, Team Belize
"I am very disappointed in how we played tonight. I don't like the way how we played tonight."
Q: Was the way you prepared for this tournament?
Jonathan Caliz,
"No sir, we trained harder than this."
Q: Okay so what is the disappointment about?
Jonathan Caliz,
"Well the guys were just frightened Sir, they were out of their game. I don't know what happened today but they were just out of their game today."
Delmar Casey, Team Belize
"We went out in the first half very well and in the second half I don't know what happened with my teammates, we get tired, but we played well."
Q: What will be your plans now for the next ball game?
Delmar Casey,
"Play harder and make them open the wing and touch the ball and don't afraid, be confident."
Marvin Ottley,
"We don't think all is lost. To be honest with you, the Panamanian team played very good and I think they were definitely one of the teams to beat in this tournament."
Q: Marvin you had five months to prepare this team. In your opinion do you think five months is enough to prepare a national team for an event such as this one?
Marvin Ottley,
"Well it would have been good if I had five months. I basically only had 16 weeks but I think what we have done with the team to where it is presently, I still feel good about this team."
The Belize team faces Guatemala in its next game on no less than the 21st of September. Stakes are high and that game kicks off at 8.