Fans want holiday if Reggae Boyz reach World Cup

With the Reggae Boyz set to face Curacao tonight in a decisive World Cup qualifier, Jamaica is gripped by a wave of anticipation that feels both nostalgic and historic.

The last time the nation reached this stage with such hope was nearly 30 years ago when the team qualified for the World Cup in France which was held in 1998. On November 16, 1997, after Jamaica secured a 0-0 draw against Mexico to qualify, then Prime Minister P.J. Patterson declared the following day a national holiday. However, it has never been replicated as it was not an official holiday. Fans are saying that tonight's match could reignite that magic to deserve another holiday if the Boyz advance. That call echoed loudest in Trench Town, where national striker Shamar 'Bowza' Nicholson first learnt to kick a ball.

Yesterday, a small cluster of neighbours stood on the bare, sun-baked plot where his family home once stood before a fire reduced it to memory. The lane was unusually still, holding its breath almost, but residents quickly explained the quiet.

"Dem gone titivate up, do dem hair. Some gone all 'bout," one woman said with a grin, insisting that by today, the entire stretch would be highlighted in yellow. The excitement was unfiltered.

"Them affi win, honestly," another resident said. "See dung a Westmoreland mash up, a dem affi dweet fi dem dung deh."

The resident opined that a victory would lift the national mood at a time when Jamaica badly needs a moment of unity.

He insisted, "A national holiday this, a history eno. Jamaica affi inna it."

Residents of Trench Town, like many in other Jamaican communities show unbridled support for other countries whenever football's biggest tournaments roll around. But for today, they said every voice will be firmly behind Jamaica. Even the critics came with hope.

"Wi just happy seh them ago go World Cup eno because it's been a while," a man said. "But if yuh buck up pan a team like Spain... if yuh cya beat Trinidad and dem side deh... ," his voice trailed off. Still, he gave the Reggae Boyz credit.

"The first time in a long while me see dem know dem one another and a play the game, there is a sense of togetherness," he said.

In the minds of residents, the formula for victory is simple: rely on the core players they trust most.

"[Play] Nicholson, [midfielder, Kasey] Palmer... and yuh want [defenders, Ethan] Pinnock and [Richard] King," one resident said.

Meanwhile, downtown Kingston was already alive with yellow jerseys and animated discussions about tonight's match. On Beckford Street, where official merchandise mixes with the constant rhythm of street commerce, many vendors noted that grandstand and several stadium sections have already sold out, adding to the pressure and excitement.

Among the onlookers was 56-year-old Carlton Smith, who witnessed the famous Jamaica -Mexico match that sealed qualification. Though the finer details have faded, the emotion has not.

"One thing me know, a must-win," he said. "Cause if we nuh win, we nah go home? We a go home."

He admitted that he isn't a die-hard football fan, but some moments pull the nation together.

"My expectation is brilliancy. But Curacao strong, dem deh pan the top a the table," he said. "Carry it go stadium like Independence Day."

Nearby, vendor Jaheim said he will not be attending the game.

"Mi cya go dah match deh, mi nuh want mi head hurt me. Mi affi watch mi blood pressure," he told THE STAR. "If dem nuh go out wid the right mindset, dem nah win. Yuh affi believe inna yuh self."

Across the island, yellow shirts are selling rapidly, and bars are preparing for crowds. After weeks of hurricane damage, flooding, and national strain, many say they are hungry for something uplifting.

Smith said, "If Jamaica win [today], holiday fi sure!"