Everton’s Demarai Gray continued a strong debut tournament run with Jamaica as he set up the winning goal for Amari’i Bell in their 1-0 victory over Guatemala to advance the Reggae Boyz to the semi-finals of the Concacaf Gold Cup.
Birmingham-born Gray switched his international allegiance from England earlier this summer and now has two goals and two assists in four appearances after the quarter-final triumph at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Sunday evening.
After a goalless first half, Gray pulled the strings in the 54th minute to help Jamaica earn the breakthrough goal. His through ball pass into the Guatemalan box allowed Bell to pick up possession before drilling a low shot into the back of the net for his first international goal.
Although Gray did not find the back of the net himself, he continued to be a thorn in the Guatemalan defence’s side all night. He created four offensive chances, completed 90% of his passes, completed two dribble attempts, and won seven of his 11 individual duels.
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Jamaica would hang on for their third-straight tournament victory and second consecutive shutout this summer. Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Andre Blake registered six saves to help preserve the win.
Gray and Jamaica will now face Mexico on Wednesday in the semi-final at Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, home of NFL side Las Vegas Raiders, knowing either the United States or Panama will await them in the Gold Cup final on July 16 should they make it through.
The 27-year-old’s form will no doubt be of great interest to Everton manager Sean Dyche given that Gray has been linked with a potential Goodison Park exit this summer with reputed interest from both the Premier League and Saudi Arabia.
