Football fans in Belize are still trying to get used to the idea, after an explosion of emotions last night all across the country, that we are indeed going to the CONCACAF Gold Cup in July, following our national team’s injury-time 2-1 victory over Nicaragua in the decisive game of the Copa Centroamericana. With the win, and the subsequent failure of Guatemala to beat Costa Rica, Belize is guaranteed a spot in the Gold Cup and a place in Friday’s semifinal of the Copa Centroamericana. So, Belizeans will have to wait a bit longer before they can greet our boys at the airport in celebration of this historic milestone.
In a quick response to the spectacular win last night, the Press Cadogan Sports Show went on air shortly afterwards at 7:00 p.m., a day earlier than its regularly scheduled Wednesday night date on Krem Radio 96.5 FM.
Few fans are giving Belize much of a chance in Friday’s semifinal against defending champion Honduras; anything else would only be desert, after the sumptuous feast we all enjoyed in last night’s win. Whatever Friday’s outcome, Belize is eagerly awaiting the return of our football heroes. Nevertheless, Honduras will be well advised not to take our Jaguars lightly.
Belize has never been more unified as we are behind our national football team. And all are aware that it took a real national effort and much individual sacrifice to realize this important achievement – from the parents and relatives of the players; their respective team clubs, managements, fans and sponsors; the Premier League of Belize; the FFB Executive and its National Team Committee; the Ministry of Sports; National Team sponsors BTL and Belize Bank; and last but not least, head coach Le Roy Sherrier Lewis and his National Team coaching staff, management and the players themselves, who played out their hearts to earn the victory on the football field.
(Ed. Note: The enormity of our National Team’s accomplishment can best be appreciated by perusing the adjacent article, “CONCACAF announces 2013 Gold Cup host cities and venues.”)