FRANKFURT, Germany — The scoreline does not paint a true picture of the occasion. It did not capture the guts, fluency and style which the Reggae Boyz displayed in going down 0-2 to South Africa in a friendly international at the at the Offenback Kickers stadium here last night.

With only 500 people there to witness it, the Reggae Boyz matched or outclassed their Bafana Bafana counterparts by knitting a series of intricate and eye-catching web of passes, plus their co-ordinated movements off the ball and defensive stout-heartedness, betrayed that of the weary traveller.

The Boyz had only landed in Germany some 11 hours prior to last evening’s kick-off, and it was widely thought they would be crushed as a result of the attendant weariness and jetlag. But for the most part, they defied science with their performance, and only began physically fade after they had conceded the first goal in the 52nd minute by Surprise Moriri.

But their weary legs could not stand up for much longer to that of the fresher South Africans who have been in Germany for a training camp as they tighten the screws in preparation for their opening World Cup match against CONCACAF giants Mexico on June 11 in Johannesburg.

No coach likes to lose a game irrespective of the stakes, but Theodore Whitmore was understandably pleased with the efforts of his mainly local-based Boyz.

“We know we got in just this morning for a game the same night, but we are not using that as an excuse because I believe that South Africa played well and I congratulate them. But I must also congratulate my players for a good game, especially the younger ones,” said Whitmore in a post-match interview.

His opposite number, Brazilian Carlos Alberto Parriera, had a new tune yesterday after his stinging criticism of Jamaica’s approach play in last Novemeber’s meeting between the nations in Bloemfontein where lashed what he deemed “negative football” aimed to “frustrate” his team’s fluency.

“I like the spirit in which the game was played… it was a very difficult game as the Jamaicans are very good technically and in the air.

“This game was different because the Jamaicans were now chasing the game, so it allowed for freeflowing football. The last time they made a lot of substitutions in a short space of time and that killed the game. This time that did not happen,” said Parriera.

South Africa, ranked 88th by FIFA, were the first to threaten in the second minute of the hurriedly organised friendly when goalscorer Moriri floated ball into the danger area which was then cleverly headed goalward, but goalkeeper Duwayne Kerr was equalled to the task and tipped the ball behind for a corner.

Four minutes on, Jamaica gave a hint of their attacking quality and what was to come with a sweeping move forward, but the end result was disappointing as Keammar Daley kicked harmlessly to South African goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.

After a lull in offensive activity by both teams, the Reggae Boyz proved a threat in the 20th. The towering Harbour View man Dicoy Williams sneaked below South Africa’s defensive radar for a free header from a deceptive freekick from the otherwise disappointing Xavian Virgo, but the effort ballooned high from 12 yards.

For all of the first half and a sizeable portion of the second, Jamaica showed little sign of wear and tear from their torturous trans-Atlantic trip, which team doctor Carlton Fraser had warned would impact on performance. Though he was right, even he must have been surprised by the effort.

Frustrated and worried by the bravado of the Jamaicans, Bafana Bafana went into panic mode and consequently launched goalward raids, but Kerr and company were having none of it.

In the 35th minute, the Portmore United custodian pulled off a spectacular airborne diving save to deny Siyabonga Sangweni from sinde the 18-yard box. And when he was not showing off between the sticks, he was spared work by the no-nonsense skipper Jermaine Taylor, Williams and Desmond Breakenridge at the heart of defence.

In the 50th minute, an unrelenting Kavin Bryan slipped his markers and turned for home, but the German referee made no ruling after the goal-bound Jamaican was tripped up by recovering defenders.

The ensuing two minutes proved costly for the Boyz who went behind after their defence went for doze and allowed a ball played low into the box to run to an unmarked Moriri, who calmly controlled before firing past Kerr.

Teams:

Jamaica — Duwayne Kerr, Desmond Breakenridge, Dicoy Williams (Nicholy Finlayson 78th), Jermaine Taylor, Jevaughn Watson (Ricardo Cousins 70th), Xavian Virgo, Richard Edwards (Jerry Walters 85th), Navion Boyd (Romario Campbell 70th), Keammar Daley (Mario Swaby 60th), Ryan Johnson (Devon Hodges 89th), Kavin Bryan.

Subs not used: Richard McCallum,

Booked: None

South Africa — Itumeleng Khune, Siboniso Gaxa ( Thabo Nte The 75th), Bongani Khumalo, Siyabonga Sangweni, Lucas Thwala (Innocent Mdledle 45th), Lance Davids (Rene Letsholonyane 45th), Thanduyise Khuboni, Teko Modise (Andile Jali 74th), Surprise Moriri (Siyabonga Nomvete 60th), Katlego Mphela, Siphiwe Tshabalala.

Subs not used: Moeneeb Jospehs, Shu-Aib Walters, Mathew Booth, Siyanda Xulu, Franklin Cale, Daylon Claase

Booked: None

Referee: Peter Sippel (GER)

Assistants: Thorsten Schiffner, Josef Maier (GER)

Fourth Official: Matthias Zacher (GER)