World of support for Reggae Boyz - But team falls short in crucial World Cup match

She was not decked out in the black, green and gold like the masses that turned out at the National Stadium yesterday for the Jamaica vs Curacao World Cup qualifier, but Scotland resident Heather Hawgart was all Jamaican.

Standing in the line for those heading to the bleachers, the Reggae Boyz' supporter, who is staying in Manchester, says not even the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa could prevent her from travelling to St Andrew.

"I have joined the line about four hours from match time but I don't mind standing out here as there is a lot of excitement. When I am on the inside, I am going to get some food and drink and enjoy," she said.

The Scottish woman said she was in Jamaica during Melissa's passage, but said thankfully, her residence was spared from the wrath of the winds and flooding. However, her prayers are with the thousands affected. As she looked at the jubilation around her, Hawgart said she was expecting nothing less than a victory.

"This is my first time attending a local match and I hope that Jamaica wins as I have been supporting the team for a while. I have been travelling back and forth to Jamaica for a long time and I love it here...it is nice," she said.

Close to 5 p.m. when the bleachers' gate was opened, Hawgart stood patiently in line as some of those behind her rushed towards the gate. Minutes later, she made a few steps bringing her closer to the entrance.

Mark Jones, who resides in Wales, could be spotted from afar in the crowd with his crew, decked in Jamaican-coloured apparel from head to toe.

"Jamaica gonna give them a 2-0 whipping. I travelled from the UK to Miami then Jamaica. My girlfriend is here and it's five of us and we are just going to have a good time. It is my first time seeing the Reggae Boyz playing live and I am excited," he said.

In the end, the support wasn't enough as Curacao got the draw to qualify for next year's World Cup, the country's first. Curacao also becomes the smallest nation by population, less than 154,000, to reach football's biggest showcase. The Reggae Boyz will have to contest the inter-confederation playoffs next year. The draw for that will take place on Thursday. The five other teams to qualify for the playoffs are Iraq, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, New Caledonia, Bolivia and the Reggae Boyz's fellow Concacaf team, Suriname. Two spots to the World Cup are up for grabs in the playoffs, which will be held next March.