…….And it came to pass in those days that the Reggae Boys dream to reach a second FIFA World Cup was dashed following a 1–nil extra-time defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo, in their Inter-Confederation Cup final at the Akron Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Tuesday.

For unto us came a Reggae Boys team that fought with great intensity and fixity of purpose, pushing from the start to keep a cohesive Congo team at bay.

With great defending and excellent show stopping Goal keeping from Captain Andre Blake, the Jamiacans avoided the possibility of dashing thier feet against any stone, as the teams were locked at 0–0 after regulation time, with neither side able to break the deadlock.

In a pulsating contest the Congo attacking players were caught in the offside trap on several ocassions in thier desperation to score.

Blessed are the players : Leon Bailey, Joel Latibeaudiere, Kasey Palmer and Bailey Cadamarteri, who got some good looks at goal, and whose intent were also clear, but they were cast down by poor finishing.

However, heartbreak came for Jamaica early in extra time when Axel Tuanzebe scored the decisive goal in the 100th minute, sealing victory for Congo, which saw their spectators sang, danced and made a joyful noise, with drums, harps, timbrells and vuvuzelas.

The win sends the Democratic Republic of Congo through to their second FIFA World Cup finals appearance.

It will be their first apperance since the 1974 tournament in West Germany.

In the end the Jamaican goal keeper, Blake should be called a Mighty Warrior in battle, Wonderful, the ‘Prince’ of saves, for what was truly a ‘world class’ performance, as he came with salvation in his gloves.

Meanwhile, in other results, Italy’s struggles continue, as they were eliminated and will miss a third consecutive World Cup finals. They lost 4–1 on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina after the teams had played to a 1–1 draw through regulation and extra time.

Elsewhere, the Czech Republic secured their first World Cup finals berth in 20 years, defeating Denmark 3–1 on penalties following an exciting 2–2 draw.

Turkey also booked their place at the World Cup for the first time since 2002, edging Kosovo 1–0.

And Sweden qualified in dramatic fashion, with Viktor Gyökeres scoring an 88th-minute winner to give them a 3–2 victory over Poland.