Belize has dropped one place to 175th in the latest FIFA World rankings. Crucially, however, the Jaguars remain 27th out of the 35 teams in the CONCACAF region, this position being crucial to their 2014 World Cup qualifying hopes. Back in May of this year, CONCACAF proposed changes to the region's qualifying format for the next World Cup in Brazil, with the bottom six-ranked teams playing a preliminary round to decide who makes the round of 32. In their current ranking position, Belize would play in a World Cup qualifying group for the very first time, guaranteeing them at least six matches - the last 32 being split into eight groups of four, competing for places in the final sixteen group stage. These additional internationals are vital to the development of the Belizean national team which has undoubtedly suffered from a lack of competitive matches in the past. Belize's participation in the last 32 looks secure given that none of the teams ranked below them are likely to have the opportunity to play many fixtures in the next eight months, by which time the World Cup seedings will have been decided. Jose de la Paz Herrera's men do, of course, have a fantastic opportunity to shoot up the rankings with a good showing in January's Central American Cup
Hosts of that competition and Belize's opening game opponents, Panama, are fast becoming tournament favourites after an impressive 2-0 home victory over World Cup finalists Honduras on Wednesday. Elsewhere, Guatemala had an equally impressive 3-0 win against Caribbean Cup qualifiers Guyana, whilst Costa Rica drew 0-0 with Jamaica.
Belize Defence Force strengthened their position as leaders in the Caribbean Motors Cup with a 7-0 crushing of the luckless San Pedro Sea Dogs. FC Belize maintained their place in second with a 2-0 triumph over Hankook Verdes, Christian Okonkwo scoring the opening goal to make him the league's leading goalscorer with six.
Very interesting and informative. Plenty of action for this team.
ReplyDelete...but will Belize be allowed to play home games IN Belize during the next cycle?
ReplyDeleteI think so, yes. The friendly against Trinidad and Tobago earlier this year was the first 'A' international held in Belize since April 2000 against El Salvador. I have contacted and I'm now waiting to hear from the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) to confirm whether they can stage home WC qualifiers.
ReplyDeleteFFB Chairman Dr Bertie Chimilio has confirmed that they are working on the facilities and that the Federation hope they will be ready on time.
ReplyDelete