KANSAS CITY, United States:

Jamaica has no option but to claim its first berth in a women's World Cup, according to a senior coach, as the latest edition of Reggae Girlz is better talented and more equipped than any other in the country's history.

Wendell Downswell, who has guided national teams at multiple levels and is currently assisting the Girlz in the CONCACAF Women's Championships, believes the resources poured into the preparations boosted the team's talent and the positive response should be enough to propel Jamaica through the group stage, semi-finals and into the game's premier tournament next year in Canada.

"There is no excuse now," said Downswell yesterday, hours before Jamaica kicked off its final qualification run here against Martinique, with two Group B matches to come against Costa Rica on October 18 in Illinois and three days later versus Mexico in Washington, DC.

"It's for the players now and the staff they have to produce on the field."

Downswell, like head coach Merron Gordon, said the positive belief was heightened by Jamaica's month-long training camp in the United States. The team also confronted unfavourable weather conditions after arriving, but appears to have retained their confidence and spirit.

"This is why we are so optimistic," said Downswell, who guided Jamaica to two youth World Cups, most recently the under-17 team in 2011.

The Marley Foundation

He underlined the contribution of the Marley Foundation, which stepped in to provide the Girlz with backing not usually linked to female national teams in Jamaica. That, he believes, has paid off.

"The support has made a marked difference," said Downswell. "This has injected a lot in terms of confidence in the players that people believe in them. That has caused a significant change in the (Girlz) work ethic."

Jamaica's chances to advance have been heightened by the fact that Martinique is ineligible to advance to the four-team semi-finals, even if the French-speaking Caribbean nation finishes in the group's top two. A semi-final spot guarantees at least a playoff for a place in Canada.

Yet Downswell doesn't expect an easy passage for Jamaica. Costa Rica and Mexico are considered much tougher challenges. But it's nothing Jamaica is not prepared to overcome, he explained.

"We have seen significant strides," Downswell said. "There is a deep sense of commitment and the Girlz feel a true sense of belonging."

Downswell accepted that Jamaica now has a responsibility to deliver a World Cup place. The nation should expect no less.

"People might say this is the best preparation we've had and will hold us accountable," he said.

In the group's other game striker Carolina Venegas scored the lone goal in Costa Rica's 1-0 win over Mexico.

- G.W