AHEAD of what is viewed as a must-win game for the Reggae Boyz, Head Coach Steve McClaren says there will be changes in their tactical and mental approach against Bermuda in the Concacaf World Cup Qualifying final-round match at the National Stadium, starting at 7:00 this evening.

Following a 4-0 win over Bermuda and 2-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago in September, Jamaica saw their unbeaten record snapped on Friday at the Ergilio Hato Stadium as hosts Curacao registered a 2-0 victory.

The result was damaging for the national senior men’s team as they were overtaken by Curacao who now lead Group B, which gives them control in the race to secure automatic qualification to next summer’s Fifa World Cup.

McClaren, though, says he saw a number of positive signs throughout the defeat which give him a lot of confidence they can get back on track, starting with the Bermudans.

“We had to adjust in one training session. Once we did, after 20, 30 minutes we got the grip of the game and I think then we dominated, created enough chances — one to equalise, and two to go on and win. But this is football,” he said.

“When I look at the stats, the possession we had, the amount of entries into the final third, the amount of entries into the penalty box, the amount of touches in there. [We had] 18 shots, seven on target — there were enough chances to win two games. So I hope, and we said to the strikers, we’re saving the goals for tomorrow. And it’s a must-win game, and that’s what we’re preparing for.”

Jamaica will be boosted by the return of midfielders Isaac Hayden and Kasey Palmer who missed Friday’s loss due to suspension.

McClaren says their addition is part of a number of changes that will be implemented for today’s contest.

“For this game we need energy and attitude, and we were unlucky that we were missing them [Hayden and Palmer]. We’re lucky we got them back and also we’ll be looking maybe to change a few more, because we’ve learnt over the past year that the second game is always difficult and I don’t think you can play the same team,” he said.

“So you need to bring in energy — that’s why you have a squad — and so we’ll be doing that. Then, we have two very fresh ones in Isaac and Kasey coming in who are integral to how our midfield plays.”

Only the group winners are assured a spot in next summer’s World Cup, and today’s game could have been the day the Reggae Boyz ended their 25-year drought, had they beaten Curacao.

However, they will now have to win their remaining three games and hope Curacao drop points in their remaining games, which includes their return fixture at the National Stadium next month. Curacao can move to 10 points before the completion of the Jamaica–Bermuda contest as they take on Trinidad at 6:00 pm.

McClaren believes the team can still finish top, starting with a big performance against Bermuda today.

“Qualifying for the World Cup wasn’t going to be easy. It wasn’t going to go flying through and winning every game and so by the fifth game you’re qualified. It doesn’t work like that, especially [given] the quality in the groups,” he said.

“You never want to lose but we have an opportunity to bounce back, which is the best. Bouncebackability is a requisite of all top teams.”

The English man also says home support will be important, despite their frustration with the team’s performance last week.

“I think we need a collective tomorrow; I think at times during the game it may be difficult. We say to the players, ‘We have to stick together’ and we also say to the supporters, ‘Stick together.’ So the 12th man is going to be important to create a good atmosphere — but we have to make that.”