Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz missed their golden opportunity to qualify for the FIFA World Cup last November; however, another chance has presented itself and Captain Andre Blake says the team is more determined than ever to secure a spot.

The national senior men’s team will take on New Caledonia in the intercontinental play-off semi-finals tonight at 10:00 at Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico. The 27-man squad completed their final training session on Wednesday with no injuries reported.

With Africa’s DR Congo waiting in the final on Tuesday, Jamaica must beat the New Caledonians if they are to vie for the final World Cup spot.

The Reggae Boyz’s last competitive outing ended in a goalless draw with Curaçao at the National Stadium in their final Concacaf World Cup Qualifier in November, a result that confirmed their opponents’ place at this summer’s tournament.

Since then, a new technical staff led by Rudolph Speid has been installed, with 14 players who weren’t part of former Head Coach Steve McClaren’s last squad earning selection.

Despite the changes, Blake says the goal of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1998 remains unchanged.

“I feel like everybody knows what’s at stake, we all know what we got to do,” he said. “Obviously, this is not where we would want to be but this is where we are and I think everybody is still confident. We have a chance, the football is round and I think that we’re looking forward to it.”

“We’re all excited and I know that everybody’s going to go out there and give their best. And sometimes we as Jamaicans tend to operate better when our backs are against the wall, so let’s see.”

Unlike Jamaica, world 150-ranked New Caledonia have yet to witness a World Cup. With the tournament expanding to 48 teams, it gave Oceania an additional chance to qualify and New Caledonia took advantage, finishing behind favourites New Zealand.

However, New Caledonia haven’t played a match since last October which they won 2-0 in friendly with Gibraltar, ranked 202 in the world. In fact, they only played three games last year including a 0-3 defeat to New Zealand.

Midfielder Angelo Fulgini says the team is looking to pull off an upset against Jamaica and continue their underdog journey.

“We have nothing to lose. If we go through, it will be an unbelievable achievement; if we fall short, nobody will bat an eyelid. We have to go to Mexico under no pressure and with no fear, with the determination and belief that we can do it,” said Fulgini.

While admitting the Boyz have limited knowledge of their opponents, Blake says they won’t take them lightly due to the mission at hand.

“We have one final to play and then another final — that’s how we have to approach it,” he said. “Football has changed so much where you don’t just show up with names and win games anymore so you have to go out there and perform.

“I’m pretty sure all the players know what’s at stake and we all know that without winning the first game, there’s no second game, so the approach is going to be one game at a time. We don’t know much about our opponent, but we’re going to have to approach it as it’s a final and it’s a must-win game and we take it from there.”

From their previous four meetings against Oceanic opposition, Jamaica have recorded two wins and two losses, with their most recent encounter being a 3-2 away victory over New Zealand in 2012.

Reggae Boyz winger Leon Bailey (left) strikes the ball as teammates (from second left) Bobby Reid, Jamal Lowe and Renaldo Cephas look on during training on Tuesday at Verde Valle in Guadalajara, Mexico, ahead of the FIFA World Cup play-off semi-final against New Caledonia. (Photos: JFF)

Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz Ephron Mason-Clark (left) and Isaac Hyaden participate in a drill during training on Tuesday at Verde Valle in Guadalajara, Mexico, ahead of their FIFA World Cup play-off semi-final against New Caledonia.