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Hallgrimsson lauds Bell
July 10, 2023
Jamaica's coach Heimir Hallgrimsson believes that Amari'i Bell is one of his most consistent players who always delivers after the Luton Town defender scored his first international goal on Sunday to put the Reggae Boyz into the semi-finals of the Concacaf Gold Cup with a 1-0 win over Guatemala.
Bell ran on to a through ball from Everton's ace Demarai Gray in the 51st minute and calmly slotted past Nicholas Hagen in goal for Guatemala from 12 yards. Hallgrimsson was pleased to see the player, who suffered from injuries during the first round of the tournament, gets his first goal for the country in this important match.
"Amarii is a very constant player. He never has a super match but always like an eight. He always delivers. If you look at him next year in the Premier League, you will see the same thing.
"He is a very consistent player, doesn't make mistakes, and a goal in such an important match is fantastic for us and him," he said.
He added: "I can only say he is a true professional. He will always play all the minutes you ask of him. He's a warrior, and I am pleased he got his goal, but he should not have been there (in the box) though," Hallgrimsson joked.
The Central Americans started lively and gave the Jamaicans minor scares, but the Reagge Boyz came into their own, took control of possession and made a few threatening attacks.
However, Guatemala came back towards the end of the half, although both teams gave very little in defence.
Early into the second half, the Reggae Boyz broke the deadlock when Gray split the defence after a good build, and Bell held his composure and finished inside the neat post.
Guatemala had a good opening in the 56th minute, but Mejia del Cid's shot failed to trouble Andre Blake in goal.
Leon Bailey and Damion Lowe had good chances to add to Jamaica's lead, but neither could make the most of them.
Alejandro Galindo had Guatemala's best chance in the 79th minute but an alert Blake parried his effort wide.
Jamaica will face Mexico in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
