Dale Eve (goalkeeper): Not his most notable appearance, however it did not have to be, as he was largely untroubled by an ineffective opposing attack. He did have to be rescued by Danté Leverock at the near post on one occasion, following a left-wing corner in first half. Spent more energy pointing and vocalising in his direction of attack. 6

Daniel Cook (left back): Quietly effective in his ability to lend to both the attack and defence. His ability to change roles with Luke Robinson and Kane Crichlow served to confuse markers on more than one occasion. 7

Reese Jones (right back): Caused great excitement in the first minute when he produced cross from left side that almost led to a goal. Later found Reggie Lamb in space on left side of penalty area, which produced the best chance of the night for Bermuda. 6

Danté Leverock (centre back): After his status among the squad was questioned following a disappointing outing against Guyana, Leverock turned back the clock against French Guiana. He was fit, stout and clearly the team’s leader, marshalling the middle of defence and using his physicality to great effect. 8

Harry Twite (centre back): After some nervous early moments Twite regained his normal confidence and produced solid defending, forming a good partnership in the middle of defence alongside Leverock. Was capable while on the ball, playing out of the back and got better as match progressed. 6

Roger Lee (defensive midfield): Largely invisible for much of first half, but only because he followed orders and gave up possession to the more creative team-mates. Got a knock late in the first half, which temporarily hobbled Lee, yet he remained a steadying force in the middle. 6

Milan Butterfield (centre midfield): Put ball in the back of the net in the first minute of play, only to have the goal disallowed for his infringement with the goalkeeper. Was busy all over the midfield, but particularly the right side. 6

Kane Crichlow (centre midfield): Crichlow was pure trouble with his pace, guile and dribbling skills. The most attack-minded of the three in central midfield. Played freely and was unfortunate in having to watch his shot just miss the target after well worked move. 6

Luke Robinson (attacking midfield): A defined threat down the left side for the entirety of the first half, while linking with Bean and Crichlow. Not so adept defending his position and performance tailed off in the second half, resulted in his being replaced by Reggie Lamb. 6

Zeiko Lewis (attacking midfield): Lewis was a situational threat for much of the match, choosing his moments to make bursts at French Guiana’s defence. Was a part of the first half’s most decisive attacking moves, receiving defence-splitting pass from Bean on right and further exposing the same with a pass into the path of Crichlow for a 22-yard, curling blast went inches over the crossbar. 6

Jai Bean (striker): Even without scoring Bean was the star of the show, his energy up front infectious and stirring the crowd. Great energy on and off the ball, with a willingness to retreat in order to gain possession and restart attacks. Combined well with Crichlow in particular to create gaps in French Guiana defence. 8

Substitutes

Reggie Lambe (midfield): The ‘old man’ of the crew started on the bench, but made sure that his wait was not in vain, as he produced was part of, perhaps, the best chance of the day to score, when Jones found him in space inside the area. Lambe would have loved to have seen his low, curling effort that looked destined for the left corner shake the rafters, but Leon’s save was equally impressive. 5

Late substitutions: Deniche Hill for Crichlow (79), Lejuan Simmons for Lewis (79), Remy Coddington for Bean (88).

Substitutes not used: D Bell, Q Hunt, J Commissiong, Ne-Jai Tucker, L Evans, K Scott, K Hall, A Todd. Booked: Lee.

Michael Findlay (Bermuda coach)

Bermuda’s new coach Michael Findlay’s initial outing in charge of the senior men’s team was solid, not spectacular, offering promise for the future.

Having filled out the line up with youthful, emerging talent there were periods, particularly in the first half, where inexperienced showed.

However, after early teething issues, the team settled in and produced some exciting moments for the fans and danger for the opposition.

Somewhat surprising was Findlay’s use of a complex 4-3-2-1 formation, headed by Jai Bean and anchored by Danté Leverock.

Unlike his last appearance against Guyana, when he was yet used despite his being vastly out of sorts, this time saw Leverock’s fitness and ability matching his experience, as he once again showed himself as a giant for Bermuda.

Findlay expertly utilised a compact shape with a solid spine that proved extremely tough for the opposition to break down.

The formation is known to work best for possession-based teams that take a slow and methodical approach to their build-up play and such appeared the strategy of the coach, securing his defence and encouraging occasional attacking bursts from midfield, where Milan Butterfield and Kane Crichlow roamed and were able to link well with Bean and Zeiko Lewis.

The coach awarded a compact midfield creative freedom in attack, as long as they got back when out of possession, taking advantage of youthful energy on offer.

Scoring opportunities were not in great abundance but the coach and players’ intentions were clear.

The usual flaw in the system is the distinct lack of width, with the only recognised wide players normally being the fullbacks, but again the interchangeability of the group saw continual cover being provided for overlapping fullbacks.

Good timing in use of Reggie Lambe as first substitute almost secured a victory, but insertion of Deniche Hill and others were a tad late to give reward. 7

French Guiana (4-4-2): D Leon 8 – S Youssou 7, T Ericsson 6 (sub: U Souza, 32min 7), Z Charlec 7, M Colino 7 – Ludovic Baal 6 (sub: M Haabo, 28 7), M Gourpil 7 (sub: D Florentine, 79) J Benice 7, Loïc Baal 7 (sub: W Rino, 79) – J Sarucco 7 (sub: J Haabo, 79), Y Nozile 7. Substitutes not used: M Bulsan, A Clet. Booked: Youssou, Souza.

Referee: J Escobar (Honduras).

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