Action from the World Cup qualifier between host Belize and the Cayman Islands (white jersey) on March 25, 2015, in Belmopan. (Photo: William Ysaguirre)
BELMOPAN, Belize – Belize and the Cayman Islands opened their CONCACAF qualifying first round series for the 2018 FIFA World Cup with a 0-0 draw on Wednesday night at FFB Field.
The result snapped Belize’s six-game losing streak, while the match was the Caymanians’ first full international since playing the Dominican Republic to a 1-1 stalemate in a qualifier for Brazil 2014 on November 14, 2011.
The host had the game’s best pair of chances. In the second minute, Elroy Smith had his penalty kick saved by goalkeeper Ramon Sealy. Then, in the 66th minute, Harrison Roches’ goal was disallowed for offside.
Cayman captain Abijah Rivers was delighted with outcome against the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup participant, saying: “That’s football.”
The two-legged series will shift to the Caribbean on Sunday, when the sides meet again at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex in George Town. The winner will advance to face the Dominican Republic in June.
