l KINGSTON

Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller has commended the Reggae Boyz following their historic 0-0 draw against Mexico in their opening game Wednesday in the final CONCACAF round of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Prime Minister Simpson-Miller says Jamaica's ability to walk away with a point in one of the most intimidating football stadiums in the world was commendable.

Outstanding goalkeeping from Donovan Ricketts and robust defending helped Jamaica to hold off Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.

"We did not lose. I'm so happy because it is so difficult to win a match... any game in the Azteca," Prime Minister Simpson Miller told the Jamaica Observer.

"I've been there (Azteca) with the Reggae Boyz before. I know what it is like and for them to have done what they did I am extremely proud... they played their hearts out representing the black, green, and gold,"

The draw against CONCACAF champions Mexico was one of Jamaica's most impressive results in its footballing history.

The Caribbean powerhouse squandered an early golden opportunity in the 8th minute after Reading's Jobi McAnuff's failed to tap a rebounded ball past the Mexican goalkeeper.

"I was able to say congrats (to the team)," said the Jamaican Prime Minister who called the players in Mexico after the match.

"They put me on speaker phone and I heard them cheering and they were really in a very happy mood and I'm very happy for that".

The Jamaican leader warned visiting Mexican delegates for a Pan American Sports Organisation (PASO) meeting that Jamaica will be favoured to beat Mexico in the return leg in Kingston.

"I'm sure at 'The Office' we will make up for that, but we're just proud that they did not come away defeated," said Simpson-Miller

"They came away with one point and that one point is important".