MONTERREY, Mexico — The current crisis surrounding the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) and the resignation of Austin ‘Jack’ Warner from FIFA, is miniscule to the problem Jamaica’s Under-17s face when they tackle Argentina today starting at 6:00 pm Jamaican time.

In the curtain-raiser, Group B leaders France and Japan, both on three points, meet in the top-of-the-table clash in the extremely hot 3:00 pm sun at the Estadio Universitario.

Jamaica, who lost their opening game 0-1 to Japan, must get a positive result against desperate Argentina looking to rebound in style.

Both teams are pointless after one game and today’s encounter will be of paramount importance as neither can afford to lose.

Jamaica’s head coach Wendell Downswell said this game is a do-or-die match as early as it may seem.

“We see this game as a cup final, it is a do-or-die situation. We had the luxury of losing the first game, we have that luxury no more. It is down to the wire now to see how many points we can get,” said Downswell.

“From all indication, the players are upbeat and looking forward to the game. Three or four points can get us through the next stage. We would like as a Caribbean nation to at least get a victory. Our objection was to get to the next round, but so far there is a little obstacle because we lost the first game,” he added.

Downswell was early on hand to watch the France/Argentina match, and he along with his coaching staff, have identified some gaping holes in the Argentinean team.

“We expect a much improved performance from them. We have identified some tactical weaknesses, more so defensively, which we would very like to exploit,” he pointed out.

Argentina arrived at the hotel on Friday night after clouds of ashes from one of Chile’s volcanoes some 6,000 miles away, brought air travel to a standstill.

The South American giants looked lethargic against France after travelling 17 hours by bus to get a flight to the tournament and duly crashed 0-3.

That kind of performance is expected to be quickly erased and Argentina will be very difficult to beat and Jamaica will have to be at their best to come away with a positive result.

“Taking in to consideration that they came in late and did not get acclimatised to the condition. We have an advantage where it relates to that and we could exploit that,” Downswell explained.

“They are very formidable both at the seniors and under-17 levels, so they won’t come here and lie down based on what we saw in their first game,” he noted.

The young Reggae Boyz also need to improve after showing up against Japan toothless despite seemingly organised at the back for most part of the game.

“We have to improve equally defensively and more so offensively. We have to get the goals to put us in good stead,” said Downswell.

Coach Downswell has indicated before leaving for their 6:00 pm training, that there will be a few changes to the starting team.

Jamaica started with Jason Wright and Jevani Brown up front in the first game with a midfield of Omar Holness, Andre Lewis, Romario Williams and Shawn Lawson and they look void ideas.

“We want some more punch, especially in the attacking part and midfield so there will be at least two or three changes there,” he confirmed.

Jamaica lost the possession battle to Japan 62-38 and against Argentina they will have to step up big time and play the game of their lives if they harbour any thoughts of advancing from the first round.

Despite the lethargic display by Argentina which was attributed to jetlag, they don’t seem to be the typical slick-moving, skilful South Americans and the time is right for Jamaica to create another piece of history and win the first match at the Under-17 World Cup in this their fifth game.