Bahamas Advances To Second Round of FIFA World Cup 2010 Qualifying

With a dominating performance at the BFA National Centre for Football Centre for Football Development on Sunday, March 30, 2008, the Bahamas Men's National advanvces to the second round of Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa. The Bahamas dominated from the start of the match and, utilizing changes brought about by BFA Technical Director Neider Dos Santos to good effect, controlled for much of the match. The team created chances fro as early as the fourth minute, when central idfielder Connor Sheehan found himself clear with only the goalkeeper to beat. Alas, his shot could not beat the 'keeper, and the BVI held on. With good speed, and quick movement of the ball, the Bahamas created a number of other chances in the first, but all left the throngs of Bahamian spectators wanting as none could find the back of the net.It easn't until the 40th minute, when a powerful header rebounded into the path of teenage forward Michael Bethel, whose shot in reply was clinical. The gave the Bahamas a 1-0 lead that they took into the half-time break.

The second half was more of the same, with the Bahamas dominating the play. More chances were created and it was not long doubled their lead with a goal from Demont Mitchell. This second goal, in the 52nd minute, seemed to seal the fate of the visiting Virgin Islanders, who ironically were the home team on the day, but a lte rally added some excitement to the event. avondale Williams scored the first for the BVI in the 72nd minute ad with virtually no time left on the clock, a dubious penalty was awarded by the referee when the infringement seemed to be on the attacker instead of the goalkeeper. Williams, once again, stepped to the front and converted the spot-kick to tie the match at 2-2. This call and resulting penalty left a sad taste in the mouth of the spectators, but did not prevent the Bahamas from advancing. With FIFA's away goals rule, the 2 scored by the Bahamas in their "away" match.

This now means that the Bahamas will face Jamaica in the second round. Having missed out on progressing last time around and the possibility of facing Mexico, the opportunity to face Jamaica will certainly bring some excitement to Bahamian football. With a young, but capable, team the Bahamas will certainly get a taste of their level in facing Jamaica. There will be no ground given by Jamaica who, when facing many of these same players at U-23 level last October in Haiti lost, and will have something to prove. But having already defeated the "Reggae Boyz", the Bahamas will have this experience to reply.

The road to the FIFA World Cup 2010 continues through the Bahamas for the time being with Jamaica as the next opposition. How long the road lasts will of course be determined by the performances of our team and players. LET'S GO, BAHAMAS!

For further information, please contact Lionel Haven at lehaven@bahamas.net.bs.