KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC-Jamaica’s substitute goalkeeper Richard McCallum has conceded that a second half blunder on his part allowed Costa Rica to score in their drawn world cup qualifier here on Tuesday.
However McCallum, who was only drafted into the squad after Number one Donovan Ricketts was suspended and usual replacement Dwayne Miller sustained an injury, has blamed a ‘clash of culture’ in playing styles for him opting for the short pass that created the goal.
Jamaica remain at the bottom of the table following their one all draw with Costa Rica but still has a slim chance of qualifying for next year’s World Cup in Brazil.
“As a goalkeeper, you have to take some amount of responsibility for goals you concede. Tonight, I think I made a mess of that fairly soft kick, but nevertheless I am pleased with my performance,” said McCallum.
“I have to take some licks for getting beaten at my near post, but nevertheless, I thought I gave a fair performance.”
McCallum had pulled off two spectacular saves in a brilliant first half to deny Costa Rica’s captain and dangerman, Bryan Ruiz.
However, he flirted with danger in the second half opting for a short pass aimed at Jamaican defender Adrian Mariappa who seemed not to have expected the ball, which was picked off by Randall Brenes who converted with a tame shot at his far post.
“Being around these new players, it takes a little bit of time to blend in and to find out how they want the ball,” argued McCallum.
