AP

Costa Rica's Katherine Alvarado (left) goes up for the ball against Jamaica's Shakira Duncan during yesterday's CONCACAF Women's Championship football game in Bridgeview, Illinois.

AP

Jamaica's goalkeeper, Nicole McClure, makes a save during yesterday's CONCACAF women's championship game against Costa Rica in the United States.

GORDON WILLIAMS, Star Writer

WASHINGTON, DC, United States: There can be no holding back for Jamaica in today's crucial clash against Mexico in the CONCACAF Women's Championship (CWC) at RFK Stadium here.

The Reggae Girlz find themselves in a situation of critical importance, where anything less than victory in the final Group B showdown means the end of a historic quest to qualify for a football World Cup, and only maximum effort will do from the opening kick-off at 7:30 p.m. (6:30 Jamaica time).

"They know it's an all out situation," said head coach Merron Gordon, after Jamaica's final training session yesterday. "Win or lose means you live or die."

At stake is more than just a CWC semi-final place alongside group leaders Costa Rica. A final-four spot not only narrows Jamaica's chances to qualify for the 2015 World Cup in Canada, but would also inject needed respect into the women's game.

"It means so much," said Elaine Walker-Brown, Jamaica's team manager. "It will be a breaking point to let others see, especially corporate Jamaica, that we need their support. The youth would see it as something to elevate to."

Jamaica has no option - or excuse. Beat Mexico or go home. The two countries are tied on three points after two games, but the Central Americans have a better goal differential. They whipped Martinique 10-0. Jamaica beat their French-speaking Caribbean rivals 6-0. Mexico and Jamaica both lost to Costa Rica, 1-0 and 2-1, respectively.

Qualify for Canada

Top three of four semi-finalists automatically qualify for Canada. Fourth plays Ecuador to decide another place.

Yesterday, Jamaica's camp assured the "spirited" Girlz will be in top shape, physically and mentally. Attacking midfielder Omalyn Davis, who missed the earlier group games with a leg injury, returns to add quality.

"She participated in full training (yesterday) and is a possibility to start," said Gordon. "Everybody is fit."

He will rely on a familiar 4-3-3 formation, hoping to attack through the flanks. Gordon is satisfied with Jamaica's defense, but emphasised the Girlz must limit giveaways at the other end.

"Offensively, we turned the ball over too much against Costa Rica," said Gordon. "It will be important to avoid such a high percentage."

Also key will be Jamaica's ability to score. Shakira Duncan, Jamaica's most accomplished attacker in the CWC, will be key with her ability to threaten with the dribble. She should get support from Donna-Kay Henry and Christina Murray. The trio has scored two goals each.

But Mexico is dangerous, too. El Tri has taken more than 50 shots on target, twice as many as Jamaica. In teenagers Tanya Samarzich, Veronica Perez and Monica Ocampo, Mexico has weapons to hurt Jamaica. They, too, understand the importance of not letting a World Cup opportunity slip.

"This is big time, the big one," said assistant coach Chris Cuello.

Jamaica has adapted the mindset: it's all or nothing. But, according to Gordon, there's no panic.

"They really understand what we need to do," he said. I don't see fear. I see motivation."