Ten man Jamaica ran out 1-0 winners in their CONCACAF Gold Cup Group B clash with El Salvador at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada.
The Reggae Boyz lost both goalkeeper Dwayne Miller and defender Jermaine Taylor to early injuries, stifling their rhythm in the first half.
In a bad tempered second half, El Salvador got on top, forcing Miller's replacement Ryan Thompson into a string of excellent saves. They were made to pay in the 72nd minute, when Gareth McCleary followed up Jobi McAnuff's shot to prod home the winner.
With ten minutes remaining, Darren Mattocks was dismissed for a second bookable offence when he upended Alexander Larin out on the touchline.
Jamaica held on to claim all three points, ensuring that they finish the group stage in first place, having taken maximum points from their three games.
Follow how the game unfolded below.
Hello and welcome to live coverage of tonight's crucial CONCACAF Gold Cup Group B encounter between Jamaica and El Salvador here on Sports Mole.
This is the first of two contests in this group tonight, with the matches playing one after the other at BMO Field in Canada. The host nation take on Costa Rica later, and all four teams in this group can still advance to the last eight.
I'll explain the qualification picture shortly, but first we'll start with some team news. The lineups are out, so here they are.
Jamaica: Miller, Mariappa, Morgan, Taylor, Lawrence, Austin, Watson, McCleary, McAnuff, Mattocks, Barnes.
El Salvador: Carrillo, Garcia, Mendoza, Molina, Larin, Menjivar, Ceren, Punyed, Flores, Alas, Herrera.
Winfried Schafer's Jamaica squad boasts a host of recognisable names to an British audience, with Premier League defenders Adrian Mariappa and Wes Morgan in the XI tonight. Recently released Leeds midfielder Rodolph Austin is the team's skipper, and he was the last-gasp goalscoring hero on Saturday as The Reggae Boyz beat Canada 1-0.
In the only change for the Jamaicans, Derby County midfielder Simon Dawkins has been replaced in the starting lineup by Darren Mattocks of the Vancouver Whitecaps. Ex-Rams attacker Giles Barnes partners Mattocks up top.
The El Salvador squad meanwhile is not so well know, with 14 of the 23 man squad plying their trade in their home nation.
Their sole change tonight has captain and New York Cosmos midfielder Andres Flores coming back into the team in place of Arturo Alvarez. Flores was dropped for Saturday's 1-1 draw with Costa Rica, but has been restored tonight after the side's second consecutive draw.
It's an inexperienced squad actually, with none of the 23 to yet reach 50 caps for their country as yet, whilst substitute Rafael Burgos the only man in their ranks to have scored more than 10 international goals.
As I stated earlier, tonight's game is an important one for both sides. Although Jamaica have qualified for the quarter finals already, a win would ensure that they finish in top spot of Group B.
El Salvador currently sit third on two points from their first two matches. With only three groups of four in the Gold Cup, the top two from each group qualify automatically. To make up the quarter final lineup, the best two of the three third placed teams will progress.
Currently, Los Cuscatlecos are in a strong position to qualify, but Panama - the third placed side in Group C - face Cuba tomorrow night, and the Cubans are yet to pick up a point from their first two matches.
Should Albert Roca's team win this match, they'll leapfrog Jamaica into top spot and qualify for the quarter finals regardless of what happens in the Canada match.
Neither of tonight's sides have won the Gold Cup before, with El Salvador twice finishing runners-up. Both of those finishes were before the competition's rebranding into its current format in 1991, so it's about time one of them made a mark on the knockout stages!
So then, we're just moments from kick off now then. Jamaica emerge from the tunnel in their bright yellow shirts, El Salvador wear blue. Incidentally, this is the first Gold Cup match ever hosted in Canada, and the crowd has built up nicely.
Kick off is slightly delayed here. An animated Schafer is on the touchline barking orders to his men already!
KICK OFF! Jamaica get us underway!
SAVE: Good work down the left from Herrera, who whips a dangerous cross into the box. Miller shows good hands to hold on, however.
Positive stuff from both sides here. Herrera's intent for El Salvador has been matched by Jamaica's heavy pressing. The pace is quick, that's for sure.
YELLOW CARD: Well we didn't have to wait long for the first caution, with El Salvador skipper Flores going into the book for hacking down Barnes.
Los Cuscatlecos break quickly, with Flores leading the charge down the left. He is under pressure from Jermaine Taylor and the ball squirms free. The Jamaican hits the deck and I think he's going to have to be replaced - he doesn't look in a good way.
SUBSTITUTION FOR JAMAICA: That's a blow for Taylor, who is forced to depart at this early stage. Reading defender Michael Hector jogs onto the pitch for only his fourth cap.
Rapid break from Jamaica, with Barnes feeding McCleary down the right. Despite plenty of time and space, the Reading winger's ball lacks quality - with Mattocks screaming for the ball at the back post. El Salvador edge the ball clear, although it almost falls to Mariappa before it's cleared for a throw.
That was pretty disappointing from McCleary, but what was obvious was the pace that the Reggae Boyz boast on the break. The space they were afford can be considered extremely encouraging.
CHANCE: El Salvador come forward and Flores is involved once more. He delivers a teasing ball to the front post, where Punyed meets it on the volley. His connection isn't threatening however, and the ball loops over Miller's crossbar.
Defeat for Jamaica tonight would mean a potential match up against the USA - a team they certainly want to avoid. Finishing top of the group will confirm a last eight fixture with Haiti.
Giles Barnes' position in this Jamaica side is interesting. He's operating in almost a free role in the centre, coming deep for the ball whenever he can. Clearly, he's the man they're going to look for to make something happen.
Things threaten to boil over after a poor tackle from Mendoza on McAnuff. Personally, I felt that was more of a booking than Flores' one earlier, but a card isn't shown this time.
CLOSE: Austin travels forward and is encouraged to shoot when he gets to the edge of the area. He lets fly with his left peg, and Carrillo is happy to see the powerful effort fly wide.
Clever chip into the box from Ceren, who is looking to play a one-two with Punyed who darts into the box. The midfielder can't get there ahead of Miller, and the keeper is clattered by Punyed's stray knee. The goalie is down and receiving treatment - they won't want to be forced into a second change already.
SUBSTITUTION FOR JAMAICA: Incredibly, Miller is going off, with Ryan Thompson his replacement. Schafer is absolutely furious on the sideline, although I don't think Punyed's knee was left in with any malice. It seemed an innocuous challenge but a head injury is always a concern, so this is probably the right call - even if the manager is angry at having his hand forced.
These injuries restrict Schafer's options later on tonight of course, although he's probably just as concerned about the pair's futures in the further stages of the tournament.
El Salvador clearly have plans for certain players. When McCleary or Barnes see the ball, two blue shirts immediately surround them. It's an impressive example of hunting in packs.
Schafer sits arms crossed; long white hair surrounding a stern red face. He's not a happy man right now.
Hector plays a lovely little ball inside to Austin, who in turn attempts to feed McCleary. It's the right idea, his pass is just slightly overhit. Better though, from the Jamaicans.
McCleary's next involvement see's him dart inside, dribbling with the ball up to the edge of the box. Naturally, he's scathed down by Molina, and the yellow's have a free kick from a promising spot.
CLOSE: Wow that was close from Jamaica! Lawrence's left-footed free kick is nothing special, but Carrillo cannot hold on to the ball. Mariappa reacts quickest and diverts the ball back across the face of goal. With no attackers present, Molina is able to clear. That's the closest we've come to a goal so far tonight.
Alas isn't happy despite producing a blatant foul on Mariappa. Jamaica are clearly visibly frustrated by these heavy-handed El Salvador tactics.
SAVE: El Salvador have a chance to heap pressure on the recently-arrived Thompson but their corner kick is weak. They win it back though, and Punyed is fed on the edge of the box. He gets a shot away but this lacks power too and Thompson gathers easily.
Austin delivers a free kick into Carrillo's box; it's disappointing, and Schafer can be seem on the touchline furious once again!
CLOSE! Brilliant link-up from the Central Americans, ending with Larin delivering a low cross from the left. It's a teasing ball, and Morgan has to have his whits about him to clear the danger.
Can't help but think El Salvador are turning the screw slightly here. Once more, Flores has time to cross from the right. His ball is too heavy for Herrera, but there are definite signs of encouragement for them here.
Thompson shows good awareness to come and collect a long, hopeful punt from the El Salvador back line. Although he's had to come off the bench, the inexperienced stopper does not look flustered by the occasion.
YELLOW CARD: Surprisingly, it's not an El Salvador player in the book next, instead it's Jamaica captain Austin. The midfielder puts in a strong, if slightly high, tackle on Punyed. Despite winning the ball, a foul is called. He wasn't going to be booked, but his reaction ensured he was.
CLOSE: El Salvador should really have a penalty! Herrera bursts into the box and is upended. The ref decides it is just outside the area, even though it looks to be on the line. Menjivar's free kick from a tight angle is heading goalwards, though Thompson keeps it out.
YELLOW CARD: Mattocks is booked now, and Schafer really needs to get his men in the dressing room now. Time to calm down.
HALF TIME: JAMAICA 0-0 EL SALVADOR
Well... Time for a breather all round now then! For a 0-0, that half was not short of action and drama! Two injuries have forced Jamaica into changes, and both have clearly disrupted their rhythm. Mariappa has gone closest for them, though in truth they have not offered anywhere near enough going forward.
On the flip side, El Salvador are clearly here to infuriate their opposition. They're hard in the tackle and persistent in the chase. It's visibly rubbing the Caribbean side up the wrong way, with late bookings for Austin and Mattocks being born purely of frustration.
I'd suggest Schafer makes changes, but with two already used up because of the injuries, it's hard to see what bench options his has. Simply put, Jamaica need to try and focus on the football and not allow themselves to be wound up by the El Salvador tactics.
Either way, it's a really interesting contest. El Salvador look more likely to score first and if they do, we could be in for some finish.
RESTART! El Salvador get us underway and immediately get on the front foot, winning a corner after just 13 seconds!
Poor delivery, and the big frame of Wes Morgan lowers his head to clear the ball.
Mattocks breaks forward, squeezing his way between two blue shirts. Eventually, Menjivar upends him, meaning that Austin has an opportunity to test Carrillo from range.
The Salvador wall stands firm, with Austin's set piece crashing straight into the blue line on the edge of the box.
Mariappa boasts an excellent long throw, a tactic that Jamaica can surely capitalise from at some point. Their problem however, is that every time he gets a chance to launch one into the box, one of the Jamaican attackers commits a silly foul. It's a real waste.
CLOSE: Another neat one-two from El Salvador this time ends with Larin bursting into the left hand side of the area. Austin closes him down, and the winger lashes the ball into the stands behind Thompson's goal.
Excellent composure from Hector, who takes the lead as Mendoza plays a clever ball down the right. With Herrera the target, the Reading defender puts himself in charge, clearing the ball away from any danger despite Thompson beginning to emerge from his goal.
SHOT: McCleary picks up the ball and although he initially looks as if he's going to surge down the right, he cuts inside, instead opting to go on his left. He shoots low and hard, but Carrillo is equal to it.
With Canada due to play next here at BMO Field, the crowd and therefore noise is growing all the time in this game. It's making for a great atmosphere.
SAVE: Excellent double stop from Jamaica's stand-in goalkeeper! First, Punyed manoeuvred his way in to space and cracked a left foot shot from distance. Thompson was able to parry, but only as far as Flores. The captain then drills an effort low, across the face of the goal. This time Thompson saves with his feet. Great stuff from the substitute.
SHOT: El Salvador are well on top now, and they're knocking the ball round really nicely. From the latest move, Menjivar smashes over the top, following more good work from Punyed and Flores.
SUBSTITUTION FOR EL SALVADOR: Surprisingly, Flores departs, alongside the disappointing Herrera. In their places come Bonilla and Alvarez - can they be the key to unlocking this Jamaican back line?
There's a slickness to El Salvador's play in this second half. They're quicker to the ball than Jamaica, with some of their link-up play really quite impressive. They deserve some reward for their performance here.
YELLOW CARD: Je-Vaughn Watson goes into the book and will be suspended for the upcoming quarter final. Menjivar made the most of a hand to the face, but the referee didn't like it and the Jamaican is in the book.
CLOSE: Not too far away from the resulting free kick, with Alvarez bending one towards Thompson's far corner. He doesn't dive for it, comfortable that it's not going in - but it's not far away.
YELLOW CARD: Punyed is booked for a foul on Watson. The Jamaican goes to grab the ball so he can restart things quickly, but Punyed hits the deck easily when he slightly touches him. It's a clear tactic to try and get Watson cautioned again, and I think it almost worked.
SUBSTITUTION FOR JAMAICA: Alvas Powell replaces Barnes - a clear signal of defensive minded tactics from here on out for Schafer.
CLOSE: And defending Jamaica are having to do now. This time Alvarez jinks past two men before unleashing a shot from the edge of the box with his left foot. It's a little dragged, and it rolls wide of Thompson's upright once more.
GOAL FOR JAMAICA!
Oh wow, nobody saw that coming! For the first time since the restart, Jamaica get the ball up front. Mattocks does really well to hold it up and bring McAnuff into play. The midfielder strikes firmly towards goal, forcing Carrillo into a diving save. It's not a bad one, but it falls straight to McCleary, and the Reading man has the simple task of tapping it in. Hugely against the run of play!
El Salvador are conceding fouls all over the pitch now - their composure clearly under threat now they've gone behind. Tempers are flaring up and it's becoming a real difficult one to keep a lid on. You wouldn't want to be in the ref's shoes here.
The goal has absolutely knocked the stuffing out of the Central Americans. Less than five minutes ago they were well on top, but since McCleary's goal, they seem to be completely out of ideas. The crowd has certainly gone quieter too.
SUBSTITUTION FOR EL SALVADOR: They're going for it now, of course, with Mendoza going off in place of Corea, who scored against Costa Rica at the weekend.
Gaps are appearing in the Salvador back line, with Powell almost getting in on Carrillo's goal.
RED CARD: Stupid stuff from Mattocks, who did so well in the build up to Jamaica's goal, as he becomes the first player to be sent off in this year's Gold Cup. I've thought he's looked too fired up all evening to be honest, this his first start of the tournament. Too eager in closing down for a man on a booking, the forward wipes out Larin and he's given his marching orders.
El Salvador are pressing forward now, but their delivery into the box is shocking at times - particularly from corners. Thompson is gathering crosses with ease.
YELLOW CARD: Yet another card, with Garcia this time being cautioned for a really late challenge on McCleary. He's nowhere near the ball, and that could have easily been a red.
Punyed is still trying but El Salvador seem to be running down blind alley's now. When they advance, they're too slow to get the ball into the box. On the rare occasions they do, the crosses just don't have the required quality.
Michael Hector has been absolutely brilliant for Jamaica tonight. Since arriving as a 7th minute substitute, he's looked assured with every tackle. Once again, he gets to the ball ahead of Alvarez to avert the danger.
Powell hammers a long range shot in the general direction of the goal, but people in the top row are more in danger than the goal. There are to be three extra minutes.
SHOT: Close from El Salvador, who again carve out a neat opening. Bonilla is the one who gets the shot off this time, though Thompson is happy to usher it wide.
CLOSE: Somehow, El Salvador have spurned another chance! It genuinely looked harder to miss, but somehow they did. Punyed won a header which was cleared off the line, before Corea dragged his follow up wide. That should have been 1-1.
FULL TIME: JAMAICA 1-0 EL SALVADOR
Well, what an excellent game that was! Gareth McCleary's 72nd minute goal has won the contest for the Reggae Boyz, who advance to the quarter finals as winners of Group B. Despite two early injuries and Darren Mattocks' red card with ten minutes left, Jamaica held on to qualify and leave El Salvador's future in doubt.
Los Cuscatlecos are now in limbo, relying on other results to help them advance in the competition. Right now, it seems unlikely that two points are going to be enough to advance as one of the best third placed teams, although it is still possible.
It's actually a very harsh outcome for Roca's side, who deserved at least a point for their efforts tonight. Too many wasted opportunities were to blame, because El Salvador certainly had good chances - both before and after Jamaica took the lead.
As enjoyable as that was, that's all from me tonight. I hope you've enjoyed our coverage and be sure to join us again on Sports Mole, where coverage of the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup continues over the next week.
USA
Jamaica
Saint Kitts
Mexico
Qatar
Honduras
Panama
Costa Rica
Canada
Cuba
