Paul Clarke, Star Writer

Western Bureau

Reggae Boyz coach Winfried Schäfer has heaped praises on the national team following a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over arch-rivals Trinidad and Tobago at the Montego Bay Sports Complex on Tuesday night, which saw the team lift a sixth CFU Caribbean Cup title and second on home soil.

The victory was sweet for the Reggae Boyz and vindication somewhat for under-pressure head coach Schäfer, who punched the air in celebration after Khaleem Hyland sent his team's final kick from the spot over the crossbar.

"I hope everyone knows just how good this team really is; we had one goal and that was to win the Cup and I am very proud of the medal I have won with this group of players," a clearly relieved Schäfer said.

"I believe from the first match in this team and it could not have been any better in the way we took on this championship," Schäfer added.

"Now we have the Gold Cup and the Centroamericana tournament to think about, but this was good for us."

Blake, who was hardly tested during regulation and extra time, was at his imperious best in the shoot-out. Jermaine Taylor, Jobi McAnuff, Demar Phillips and captain Rodolph Austin scored from the spot, while striker Michael Seaton had his kick saved by Jan Michael Williams, the Trinidad keeper.

Trinidad ace striker Kenwyne Jones saw his shot stopped by Blake, with Ataulla Guerra, Kevin Molino and Joevin Jones all then scoring from the spot. The game began with the Jamaicans making all the right plays, forcing the Trinidadians into defence.

In the 15th minute, Dane Richards had his shot parried to safety by the Trinidad keeper and the ball fell kindly to McAnuff who hit a torrid half volley that flew past the upright as the Trinidad defenders breathed a sigh a relief.

Failed chance

Darren Mattocks, who shared the Golden Boot award with Trinidad's Kevin Molino and Kervens Belfort of Haiti, for their three goals in the championship, then had a great chance in the 85th minute to give Jamaica the lead but his flashing header went just wide of the upright.

The nil-all, full-time and extra-time result brought out Blake's steely nerves. He was awarded the Best Goalkeeper award, while Austin was selected as the Most Valuable Player.

Good sportsman

Trinidad's head coach Stephen Hart, though disappointed with the loss, offered congratulations to their conquerors, while hailing the championship as excellent and of a good quality.

Haiti finished third and Cuba fourth to qualify directly to the Gold Cup along with Trinidad and Jamaica.