Mexico star Luis Romo conceded his side are "not at the best level" after a frustrating 1-1 draw at Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League.
Leon Bailey opened the scoring for the hosts after just four minutes on Tuesday when he headed Shamar Nicholson's cross home.
Jamaica could have doubled their lead soon after, but Nicholson was denied by the crossbar, allowing Mexico a lifeline after a tepid start.
Mexico capitalised on that opportunity in additional time in the first half, with Romo finishing past Jamaica goalkeeper Andre Blake.
However, Gerardo Martino's side could not find a winner in the second half, leaving them a point behind leaders Jamaica, who have played a game more in their Nations League group.
With the World Cup in Qatar just five months away, Romo admitted his country have been far from their best but backed them to deliver at world football's historic tournament.
"Inside we realise that we have to overcome everything, the criticism we must take. We know that we are not at our best or maximum level, but we are very aware of what we can achieve," he told TUDN.
"A World Cup and an opportunity to make history motivates us a lot."
Mexico were somewhat fortunate to not fall behind again in the second half, with Kevin Alvarez making a goal-line clearance after the break.
El Tri arguably deserved to share the points, though, after forcing numerous saves from Blake in the final 45 minutes, and Romo believes Mexico may have even deserved to win.
"In the second half we got stuck," Romo added. "I think we deserved a bit more."
Coach Martino was left satisfied with June's internationals nevertheless.
"All the players adapted well to this training camp. It is complicated to work with 38 players, and they did well," he told reporters.
"Each match had situations that will help us analyse the future."
Mexico are not next in action until August 31, when they face Paraguay in a friendly in Atlanta.
All-Jamaica National Junior Championships set for this weekend, with Seniors to follow
The Jamaica Badminton Association (JBA) is set to stage the All-Jamaica National Junior Badminton Championships, set for Saturday, November 16, and Sunday, November 17, 2024, at the Kingston YMCA.
This highly anticipated event will showcase the country’s most promising junior badminton talent, with a strong focus on the Under-19 category. The following weekend, on November 23 and 24, Jamaica’s top senior players will take to the court for the All-Jamaica National Open Championships, where they will vie for national titles in an intense knockout competition.
JBA President Vishwanauth Tolan expressed excitement about the event and shared details on ts special highlights.
“The tournament will be held at the Kingston YMCA. National champions will be crowned in each age group and category, and special prizes will be designated for some of the top performances for the year. We will also recognize our honourees Audley Astwood and Marcia Williams, for their long-term support of badminton, and particularly their leadership of the schools’ league competition for the past three decades,” Tolan said.
The JBA president also revealed that there will be a new category will be added to the championship.
“The first weekend will feature the inaugural ‘Rising Shuttler’ category, which will be open to players in the C and D divisions. We will crown the first ever Rising Shuttler Champions.”
The junior championships will feature rising stars in the Under-19 category. On the boys' side, 14-year-old Amir McBean, the reigning Under-15 and Under-17 champion, enters as the top seed. His brother, 17-year-old Jorie McBean, follows as the second seed. Both Amir and Jorie were semifinalists in last year’s Under-19 singles and are poised for a strong showing this year. Among the girls, top seed Jade Ranger, last year’s Under-17 champion and Under-19 finalist, will face Amelia Dawkins in what promises to be a thrilling matchup.
In the doubles events, Daniel Ford and Joseph Morrison are seeded number one in the boys' division, while Jade Ranger pairs with Cassandra Russell as the top seed for the girls. The mixed doubles will see the formidable team of Samuel Smith and Jade Ranger leading the bracket.
For the senior championships on November 23-24, Jamaica’s best badminton talent will compete for national titles. Leading the women’s singles, Tahlia Richardson is anticipated to dominate, while the men’s singles event is set for an exciting showdown between top-ranked Joel Angus and second-ranked Craig Allison, who recently defeated Angus in a tournament final. With a knockout format, the stakes are high as the nation’s elite players battle for top honours.
Looking Ahead to 2025 In addition to the national championships, the JBA is excited to announce plans for an active 2025 season, with the full tournament schedule to be finalized in December. Key events slated for the first quarter include the Schools League Final, Schools Knockout Final, the Tournament of Kings and Queens, and Doubles Mania. Moving into thesecond quarter, the JBA will host the Junior Classics and the Prep/Primary Championship. The summer months will see the association prepare a junior team to represent Jamaica at the CAREBACO Championships and Pan Am Junior Championships.
Bisseck signs Inter contract extension to 2029
Yann Bisseck has signed a new contract extension with Inter until 2029.
The defender joined the club in July 2023 from AGF for around €7million and has since made 32 appearances in all competitions.
His initial deal would keep him at Inter until 2028, but the 23-year-old has signed a one-year contract extension.
Bisseck has played 11 times for Inter so far this term, including all four of their Champions League matches, making the second-most blocks (four) and the most interceptions (five) among his team-mates in the competition.
"I feel that the club has confidence in me, as does the coach: everyone has contributed to this renewal, and I'm happy with the progress I've made. I think this deal is a positive moment for everyone," he told InterTV.
"There are many things I can still improve. I'm not a perfect player, but I'm still young and there are many aspects that I still need to work on, especially from a tactical and mental point of view.
"Technically and physically, I've reached a good level. I think my mentality will be key to my future growth."
Clarendon College, Manchester, Dinthill Technical and Cornwall College through to quarterfinals of Ben Francis Cup
Seven-time champions Cornwall College and Manchester High survived penalty kicks to advance to the quarter-finals of the ISSA Ben Francis Cup, where they will be joined by Clarendon College and Denbigh High.
Cornwall College came from a goal down to earn a 1-1 draw against Happy Grove High before winning 5-4 on penalties at Drax Hall, the same margin that Manchester High beat Dinthill Technical by after they played out a 2-2 draw at Wembley Centre of Excellence.
Clarendon College beat Kemps Hill High 3-1 in their all-Clarendon derby at Foga Road, while Denbigh High were 2-0 winners over Alphansus Davis High at Brooks Park.
The winners will await the four teams that fail to advance past the daCosta Cup quarter-finals for the next round of the Ben Francis Cup, which will be played on November 21st.
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