The Reggae Boyz’s defeat by Canada in that country on Tuesday night should not have come as a great surprise to those who follow football closely.

Away games are never easy and, in this case, the Jamaicans had very little preparation time after flying to Toronto from diverse places.

As it was, and as is often the case for international friendlies, coach Mr Winfried Schaefer was unable to select his best squad since a number of top players were unavailable.

Also, as football followers are well aware, the substantial difference between the two countries in the FIFA rankings borders on the ludicrous.

Those rankings had Jamaica at 85 and Canada at 122. That’s hardly believable.

On the strength on that alone, we would suggest FIFA needs to revisit its methodology in ranking international teams. All that aside, though, we at this newspaper believe it important to make the point that Jamaica’s football authority and its football fans should resist the temptation to place too much weight on results in friendly internationals.

We are aware, however, that for marketing and commercial purposes, it is always better to win or, at the very least, draw.

Mr Schaefer is well aware that losers make few friends, however, all stakeholders, including the leadership of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), sponsors and fans, should bear in mind that friendlies form a necessary part of the preparation process with specific goals in mind.

In this case, the Reggae Boyz have short, medium and longer-term goals. The immediate short-term target is to dominate the Caribbean Cup to be hosted by Jamaica from November 10 to 17.

That tournament, let us not forget, will serve as qualifying competition for the medium term — CONCACAF Gold Cup in the United States of America next summer, as well as the 2016 Copa Centenariom, which will include the 10 South American nations plus the best six from the CONCACAF region.

Beyond that, the longer-term goals must firstly be that Jamaica is among the chosen few at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. And secondly, that there is sustainable growth and development of local football, inclusive of a culture, that embraces professionalism.

Those twin goals must be riveted in the minds of all stakeholders, not least the leadership of the JFF.

Losses here and there for the Reggae Boyz as they head down the road ahead are inevitable. Such minor setbacks, however, should not be allowed to distract or serve as diversion from the finish line.