Description
Match Date: June 26, 1998
Competition: World Cup 1998
Location: Stade de Gerland
Match Story:
As an island nation with a population under 3 million people, Jamaica has long punched above its weight when it comes to athletic prowess. The country’s pedigree with pumping out world-class athletes, per capita, is nearly unmatched. But despite that, finding success on the international soccer stage has been tough for the Reggae Boyz. As a result, even just qualifying for the 1998 World Cup in France was a major achievement in itself. But settling just for showing up didn’t suit the Jamaicans. In their final group match against Japan, goals within 10 minutes of either side of halftime from future national team manager Theodore Whitmore were enough to give them a historic victory in their only appearance in the tournament.
Design Story:
The match side is based on the national flag, with goals marked by the the Jamaican island itself. On the reverse is a design inspired by the iconic 1998 kits worn by the team when they earned that first ever World Cup win.
