Copa America: 15 surprises so far
9. Jamaica fails to show up
While Jamaica wasn’t expected to advance out of Group C, let alone go on a deep Copa America run, the Reggae Boyz were still one of the most disappointing teams in the tournament following an ugly performance.
Last summer, Jamaica was on perhaps the best run in team history, including a 2-1 win over the United States in the Gold Cup semifinal. The Reggae Boyz were clear underdogs in the group against favorites Mexico and Uruguay but had the potential to spring an upset or two.
Jamaica got off to a bad start against Venezuela, as it had a man sent off 23 minutes in an eventual 1-0 loss. Managing just 37 percent possession and three shots on goal against the 77th ranked team in the world was one of the most disappointing performances of the tournament, and Jamaica was unable to recover.
Uruguay’s struggles opened up a qualification spot, but Jamaica was unable to take advantage in the final two games. Mexico and Uruguay beat Jamaica by a combined score of 5-0, as the quarterfinal spot shockingly went to Venezuela.
While the Reggae Boys generated some chances, particularly against Mexico, they finished the tournament as the only team without a goal. With the likes of Wes Morgan, Jermaine Taylor and Je-Vaughn Watson on the roster, Jamaica should have done better.
Next: 8. Bobby Wood's emergence for the USA