It was only a matter of time…

I am still in shock over what transpired this evening at the Marvin Lee stadium, but the result was just what we deserved from the lack of effort showed by the individuals on the field today.

Bermuda well done. They played to a set game plan, they executed it perfectly, they played within their limitations and scored two very good goals against a PISS POOR TT team.

I honestly do not think the players on the field realised what this game meant to the nation. I also do not think they know the position we are in, the severity of their actions and the consequences to follow.

I have over the past few reports indicated the weaknesses to our game and the glaring deficiencies that our team possess, we were exploited perfectly by the Bermuda team.

It is so hard being a TT supporter. Having been to every match so far and being rewarded game after game with sub-standard displays, lack of effort, poor opposition and now losing scorelines.

I arrived at 4:45 and joined the 1000 or so spectators in attendance. The Jamaica game had a much larger crowd and the stadium consisted of the true Die hard TT fans. TSTT had some girls in burning white football pants and tall socks giving away rags, thundersticks and cups, the carib girls were strutting their stuff and KC confectionary was handing out free chewing gum to anyone willing to exercise their jaw muscles and get an early dentist appointment….(I took a handfull)

The teams were warming up on the field and from the looks of it Bermuda just didnt look like a side. Imagine a team of red men, some of them tall but many devoid of any kinda physique or athletic finish what so ever. I telling yuh is some big belley men with paunch was warming up. They were in red, doing all different kinds of stuff and TT doing the usual.

The teams came out from the tunnel and it was from then it all went downhill.

Readers…..before the whistle even blew we lost that match.

Bermuda came out with a Normal standard sized 3 x 4 flag and TT did not learn their lessons from the previous games and came out with a flag SMALLER than the one displayed in the England match. Yes, Yes the flag was smaller…. It is as if they take a Trini bandana from a vendor outside or borrow a man flag from his car antenna.

So after that disappointment, Bermuda’s anthem…God Saves the Queen…blared out from the PA system and then it was time for the TT anthem.

The 1000 of us were waiting for the kettle drums to roll, the trumpets to blare and the opening bars of our anthem to ring loud and true from the PA system but what we got instead was a …..Ladies and Gentlemen…..Please Sing….The national Anthem of Trinidad and Tobago!!!!!!

Well boy is now people start to cuss…….We at home, in the opening WCQ, and we do not even have our own national anthem in our own stadium. Worse yet, they ent even get some kinda singer or artiste or someone with a clue of a singing voice. Is the same announcer hit we the Pat Gastagne composition…acapella…out of time…out of key…and he rush the last verse as he was feeling shame.

Ent we play JA last week right here…the cd lorse or what?

So small flag and no anthem….yes..whoever in charge of that should be fired!

TT also was outfitted in our new Kit…yes the one being sold in Francis Fashions and while there were no names on the shirt the uniform looked good. Bermuda in a grey kit with a blue trim.

SO game on….. Bermuda in a 4-4-2. TT playing a 3-5-2 formation.

Ince in goal, Smith, Hislop, Lawrence,

Mid of Telesford, whitley, Daniel, Hyland and Carlos.

Stern and Scotland fwd.

What was interesting was that Hyland was in the left wing position, Daniel in the middle, Carlos on the right flank.

Tweet!!!!!!

and it was all Bermuda…

They came at us full guns blazing, running hard, moving the ball, hustling and TT with the same shitty knock the ball in the back could not even come out of our half.

The midfield did not tackle, men only watching, Telesford getting cuss right tru from ince, Hislop getting cuss right tru from ince, Smith getting cuss right tru from ince and Dennis Lawrence transformed from Sweeper to Playmaker. It is then I knew we didnt have a clue if Tallest was the one responsible for pulling the strings.

After 5 minutes the Bermudan team played a one two…the fwd blow past Smith and whipped in the cross. The defenders were caught out ball watching and the Bermuda forward ran in past everybody and hit a one time volley past ince from the top of the 18.

Brilliant goal!!!!

and one I hoped would spark TT to life….but how wrong I was.

TT continued their pass around in the back and Bermuda effectively shut us down and out. TT could not even come out the half. The wingbacks did not over lap. We have 5 midfielders who could not make a run or open up a space, take on a player or pass it around.

Imagine in the pass around in the back…it would be Dennis Lawrence to hoof a long ball to the flank or play a driven pass 40 meters to stern or scotland to trap and screen. By passing the entire midfield.

The first chance came from a hit and hope long ball…Stern collects it and with acres of space and in a 1 v1 situation hits a powder puff from the top of the box when he could have moved in closer.

Hyland was a non factor on the wing. After getting blade 2-3 times he was out. Daniel was also out of the game being “pongs” off the ball and doing nothing on the flank whenever he interchanged with Hyland.
WHitley tried a thing but had no support, was doubled teamed and marked out of the game.

Telesford was good at looking busy and doing nothing. To his credit he was the only TT player who tried to tackle the ball, but he was simply just skate tackling wild and getting left out.

Stern and Scotland up front….their work ethic and speed not the best and no service leaving TT impotent up front.

In the next 20 minutes we just laboured around losing the ball on the flank, hitting it long to the corner flag hoping for something or long for Stern to hold up. Then he would lose the ball as he was double and triple teamed with no midfield support.

The TT goal came against the run of play. Bermuda had us penned in and after an exchange of passes Stern finally got the ball and placed it in the far post….Goal…1-1 and I say ok we will step up the tempo and kill them off.

Eh heh TT went into bedroom mode and start to play casual casual as if they alone on the field and is level wood we start to get.

TT were slow to every ball, came second in every challenge, every air ball and every referee call. It was as if we were the away team…All the while the TSTT riddim section pounding away and supporters urging on the Team.

We trying, we trying and is nuttin happening, no movement off the ball, no tackling, no creative passes, no beating or taking on players…just a hoof, a hit and hope.

Bermuda then scored after a spell of possession…a cross came in and with a fwd runnin on to the ball Lawrence, and Hislop backed off to head it away..Ince comes off his line…Does not bawl “keeper” jumps and fumbles the ball colliding with Hislop and the Bermuda forward.
He lands awkwardly..I thought his wrist or shoulder break/he is not moving and all the other TT players standing up watching.

Meanwhile…Ball is in play and a Bermuda player picks up the loose ball and fires home into an empty net with the TT defence standing up, Hislop on the ground and Lawrence looking over them.

They tried to argue that Ince is injured but the ball never went out, the ref never stopped the play and TT are 2-1 down. Good Goal.

Then Ince stays down for about 5 minutes, the medic team runs on, the back up keeper warms up and then Ince gets up and continues like nothing is wrong.

Tweettttt half time

players cussing one another…body language not there. You could see tension and things just looking grim.

Tactically a side of big belley red men, some of whom, bun, cant trap or pass properly but running with all they heart and soul shut us down and we cyar see we way or come out the half.

The second half starts and Maturana takes off Hyland and puts in Farrier.

TT switch to a 4-3-3 and Bermuda goes into a 4-5-1 formation compact and tight hoping to hit us on the break.

TT then plays knock around in the back and nuttin for the rest of the game.

What I cannot understand is that Maturana makes no other positive subs…the last sub being Stephan david to replace telesford as telesford was tired from tackling wind and running into his own players.

Bermuda has a compact formation, two defensive zones and TT playing backs and fwds…the new tactic is that smith or farrier would play a long cross field ball for Scotland or Daniel to trap and try to get across.

Folks it was bad…..nuttin was happening and then Whitley and Carlos tried to make things happen.

Both players would try to form a small triangle, take on players and shoot if the opportunity came.

Carlos beat one, he beat two, he beat three and after all the hard work had no one to cross to or made a total mess of the final ball.

With 10 minutes left Ince was forced to come off his line to thwart the Bermuda fwd who could have scored to make it 3-1.

Then another comedy…the game was stopped as the net for one of the goal posts was loose in the back. Stern John then tries to climb up and fix the net. The crowd shouting “that is not your wuk” Then eventually the groundsman Ralphie appears and Whitley has to lift him up and put him on his shoulders to help tie the net…..( You ever see shit so)

Our own players chasing a goal hadda give man boost and help groundsman tie up goal post net with 10 minutes left to play.

Bermuda then start to milk the clock and TT tried to wake up passing the ball around and playing it to Scotland and Sterns feet in the box.

People start to leave and at times I actually had to stop and count the number of TT players on the field because it looked like if we were playing with 8 men. Bermuda turned it up a notch and start to knock the ball around and we couldnt touch it or see our way. Their 4-5-1, TOTALLY dominating our 4-3-3 and we never looked like threatening.

What was mindblowing is that Maturana did not change the formation, did not make any positive attacking subs and looked like he was trying for damage control rather than getting options going fwd. But given the squad selected with only Roberts as a attacking sub…he was short on players and ideas.

5 Damn minutes to go and is only then TT look like they wanted to play ball. Stern then beat two men and squared for Scotland who hit it straight at the keeper in the 6 yard box and then the worse throwaway for the night came when stern after trapping a ball and beating the last defender one on one with the keeper who is already scrambling on the ground hits it wide in the six yard box.

WHen I tell you the whole stadium Cuss….For all the shit TT play tonight had Stern taken his chances we would have won the game 3-2.

Tweeet thats it game done, Bermuda start to jump up like if they win the world cup and TT players walking back to the dressing room normal. No kinda emotion, no shame no nuttin…is like if they ent care.

I ent know what to say.

But this cutarse is the best thing that coulda happen to us!

The sheep and the goats got seperated long time ago and we done line up by the abattoir and the butchers have they knives sharpening.

It will take a MIRACLE to beat Bermuda 2-0 away.

Is not now we ketching we arse to create chances, is not now we defence playing shit and is not now the midfield deficient.

TT has to step up their game big time in order for us to move on to the next phase.

As for me I will not be surprised if we are eliminated. It will come sooner than later in this campaign but I would rather it at the hands of the USA….not Bermuda.

Additionally I think Maturana and the Corneals have to go. Wim was a better bet, tactically and with the style of play. Even if we get past Bermuda we have a month to sort out ourselves. It is off season. A one month camp with some of the regular players will be enough to beat Cuba and Guatemala. The youths have shown time and again they are not ready for this level.

Our World Cup dreams will be dashed in one weeks time if we do not muster a 2-0 away win. It is not impossible by any means, but for this group and this coach it is a uphill task indeed.

I dont know if there will be a next time on this campaign.

P.S. Happy Fathers Day

Yet again I bring to you my dear readers a tale of doom and gloom. I would say this performance was marginally better than the England game. But truth be told it was a contest between two mediocre teams, quality play was few and far between and plenty work has to be done by both Coaches. It is tough being a TT supporter and its becoming even more expensive to witness yet another poor performance by our beloved national team.

I was upset at my teams performance, the opposition, the scoreline, but most of all the dim witted clown posing as a referee and his trusty assistants.

My arrival to the COE was greeting by no parking signs and a few vendors trying to get rid of bandannas and other TT paraphernalia. I went in the uncovered section and after purchasing a ticket at the security booth, I passed through the chain link gate, received a Bmobile rag and noisemaker from a modelesque TSTT employee and took my seat on the makeshift stand that was erected.

Folks I liked the temporary stand, metal and slabs of plyboard, it was a bit wobbly but there was an intimate feeling, many a die hard was in attendance, all of whom were quite vocal in expressing their displeasure at the players or the officials on the field. Additionally there were a number of mini stands and it was easy for a group to commandeer a section for themselves. The stand was also right next to the fence providing an excellent view of the field and within earshot of the comments on the field. There was another stand filled with plastic chairs, on the covered section. But there were few patrons sitting in these. On the southern side of the ground behind the other goalpost the After Fete stage and Performance area was erected. For those who collected tickets for the England match it was this area that was used.

But I must say there were a large number of vendors selling everything from geera pork to chicken foot souse, shark and fries, hot dogs, burgers etc. There was a good police presence, plenty bins and a temporary bathroom was created behind the scoreboard with port-a-potties.

The Laventille rhythm section set up in the stand directly behind the goal and they provided the most entertainment for the afternoon, changing the tempo to match the action on the field. I would estimate the crowd to be around 2000 Max. The price, the quality of opposition, timing in relation to our next WCQ and location being factors attributed to the few spectators in attendance.

Both teams were warming up doing the usual small sided game, shuttles between cones and the prerequisite stretching exercises. Jamaica had a number of solid looking players while their TT counterparts were smaller in terms of stature and height. Additionally, there is a big difference in size between the overseas pros and the local based players. To put it in perspective; Carlos Edwards is by no means a big person. However, his arms were comparable in size to a few of the TT local based players, shin-pads and socks included.

TT came out in the old red adidas kit. JA in a yellow kit, not quite sure of their sponsor. I would like to know why are we still wearing our old uniforms? Having celebrated our centennial match, I would have thought we would be outfitted in the new strips currently being sold in Francis Fashions, but this was not to be. Both teams did not have names on their uniforms and the TT kits also had some cheap looking generic numbers rather than the official Adidas numbering.

The Management learned a few lessons from The England game Flag fiasco and no flags were brought out on the field. Instead players and officials faced the flags that were flown on the flag poles near the scoreboard. Jamaican fans added an intimidating “BOOM” during certain parts of their anthem and the 100 or so odd supporters were quite vocal for the opening moments of the match and at the end. The TT voices that were present sang our anthem as loud if not louder than the crowd at the England game and pretty soon the match was under way with JA dominating the opening proceedings.

T&T Squad:
1.Clayton Ince; 13.Kareem Smith, 4.Makan Hislop, 6.Dennis Lawrence, 15.Akile Edwards (3.Ancil Farrier 77th); 5.Osei Telesford, 7.Carlos Edwards (11.Kevon Carter 72nd), 8.Khaleem Hyland, 19.Keon Daniel (17.Kevaughn Connell 72nd) (18.Stephan David 86th), 9.Aurtis Whitley (capt); 12.Jason Scotland.

Jamaica Squad:
30.Donovan Ricketts; 5.Ian Goodison, 14.Jermaine Taylor, 3.Simon Ford (18.Deon Burton 68th), 17.O’Neil Thompson (16.Omar Daley 46th); 7.Evan Taylor, 15.Ricardo Gardener (capt), Demar Phillips, 24.Rudolph Austin; 6.Marlon King (23.Jermaine Johnson 82nd), 10.Ricardo Fuller (21.Luton Shelton 61st).

TT lined up in a kinda 4-4-2/4-5-1 formation. To me it was as if Scotland was alone up top, with no support. The midfield consisted of Telesford ad the defensive mid, whitley and hyland the creative, Daniel and Edwards on the flanks and a back four of Smith, Hislop, Lawrence and Edwards.

Jamaica had a 4-3-3 formation. Allowing TT to knock the ball around in the back and putting pressure near the half line.

Both teams played a similar style playing patient football, slow build up and trying the flank or through pass down the middle.

Both teams were also suffering from an overseas pro vs local player disparity in quality sort of game. All the pros and their quality stood out for both teams, the supporting casts however were never on the same page. King and Fuller looked a notch above their JA teammates, while Lawrence, Carlos and Scotland proved why they ply their trade overseas.

However, Gardener for JA looked a shadow of himself playing on the flank and seemed uninterested. Goodison was steady at the back, Burton showed a glimpse of hustle and run with no end product and Shelton on his introduction showed speed but not too much upstairs. The rest of the JA team are a bunch of labourers, simply trying to get it right. Poor Rene Simoes must have been wondering what level of la la his team was running with their “Big Guns” on the field and Mr. Maturana’s honeymoon period is over with the obvious problems not being addressed, game after game.

Maturana my dear readers is simply “forming track for gouti to run” and with each passing game the tracks getting not only deeper, but resembling a carriageway, asphalt and shoulder included.

As mentioned before, it only takes so long before a player is found out. The bag of magic dust finishing if you will and Smith, Daniel, Telesford, A Edwards and to a lesser extent Hyland and Hislop all seem to be running on “E”

It is no fault of their own, they simply are not up to international World Cup standards as yet and our TT team is not a collection of the best XI in the nation but rather a training exercise, with the purpose of auditioning players for contracts overseas, providing comic relief for opponents and heart attack moments for nationals, whilst providing a hole in the pocket for the die hards of TT.

TT for the first 10-15 minutes could not come out of our half. Playing the ball around in the back….. as soon as the ball arrived in the middle the Jakan forwards closed down the space, put in the tackle and lack of support by the TT middle, errant passing or playing the ball back resulted in negative football. Ja to their credit attempted to hustle fwd but King was effectively dealt with by Lawrence and Fuller by Hislop or Whitley.

After 10 minutes the heavens opened up. Rain like fuss time and all of us in the uncovered stands ran for whatever shelter that we could find. Some sat and took the rain like champions. I with a few others climbed under the stands and looked at the match through the wood and metal. Funny enough you still had a good view of the field and none of the action was missed. After the rain subsided, there was a slight drizzle in the air but the pitch was still perfect. The surface was a bit slick so any advantage went to the outfield players.

The game was poorly officiated, TT not getting any calls, blatant fouls, corners, throw ins and advantage calls were not given. Additionally injuries to players were ignored. The ref allowing play to go on when serious fouls were committed, few yellow cards were shown and the TT players received them for silly things like Telesford kicking away the ball.

It was a real battle on the field, elbows, short jabs to midsections, late tackles etc were the norm and most challenges resulted in a player or two down for a couple seconds. I was also disappointed that we took so much abuse at home and only Whitley and Telesford stood up to the Jakans and dished it out. There were three moments in the game where fights threatened to break out, Whitley was involved in all, either standing up for his teammates or not being taken advantage off. From my vantage point there was a free kick incident and within the TT wall King decided to step on Whitleys foot and elbow him in his guts. The ref was being distracted moving the ball for the free kick and the linesman was talking to some players. Whitley and King squared off. King attempted to push/strike/hold whitley near his throat and whitley feinted and hit him POW in he eye. He then calmly turned and went back into his position in the wall.

The game was not free flowing and JA were not able to string more than 3-5 passes without the play being broken up or the pass being errant. TT allowed them way too much space and respect giving them the opportunity to reach the top of the box, but they were always short of ideas and wasted every corner, free kick or through ball opportunity.

Ince made a number of good saves, with Fuller or King hitting a few shots at goal. Ince also came off his line bravely a number of times to clean up.

Lawrence tried his best to talk to Smith, Edwards and Hislop who were all making last ditch tackles, losing the ball with no pressure, making the errant pass or not paying attention to the long cross field balls. We gave away a number of corners and throw ins and even at this level big men making foul throws giving the ball to the opposition in dangerous places.

I was disappointed in the wing-backs not using their room and going forward. With no players on them, time and space being afforded, they simply would hold up the play or knock it back. Giving a ball to a player in a pressure situation or losing the ball in the process.

We have no concept of a counter attack or long ball. Sometimes TT were faced with 1 v 1 or 2 v 3 going fwd on the break and instead of going to goal we would stop hold up the ball and negate any advantage or we would simply mess up the pass and give it back to the opposition.

In the first half we had one attempt = one shot = one goal.

An errant back pass was intercepted by Daniel. All he had to do was take on the Jakan last stopper 1 v1 at the top of the box. Instead he delayed, ran near the wing and passed it to Scotland with two men on his back. Scotland twisted and turned and to me it looked like the opportunity was gone as the Jakan defense came back. However he screened the ball well cut inside and set up the onrushing Hyland who with a neat bullet put the ball far post and out of the keepers reach.

The crowd went wild, The rhythm section start to get louder, men start to jump up and the Jakans were quiet…. not a peep from them both on and off the field. In fact that goal clearly disrupted all the plans by Simoes, TT gained a bit more confidence and we started to stroke the ball around more.But after a few passes we just played the ball laterally, lost it. Had nothing again going fwd and when not in possession, escorting players instead of tackling.

Keon Daniel has been found out. Another poor performance from him. He provided nothing defensively, limed whole evening on the wing, did not get past his marker once, only blade in he tail and just was ineffective. Everybody in my section was calling for him and Aklie Edwards to come off as the first sub.

Telesford is a poor mans Davids. He try to play the defensive mid role and I will give him some pips for the aggression. But the last ditch wild man tackles were due to mistakes he made and he trying to recover, poor positioning and his passes were poor.

Hyland and Whitley kept getting in each others way and it made no sense to play both of them in the same role. The understanding was not there, all of the mid-fielders were up under one another not giving each other the proper outlet or space to play. No off the ball runs. And they were not doing the simple play early enough. Additionally TT players did not want to shoot the ball. Passing the responsibility, falling down or just making a mess of things at the top of the box.

Hyland also learned today that to be effective you do the simple things first time. All the fancy beat and flick he try were dealt with by the Jakan midfield and he get some proper blade in he arse. At one point he got a two footed lunge and I swear the man foot break or he ankle mess up. The ref ent even watch him and said play on. For 3 minutes he on the ground rolling around and the medics cant come on the field.

Poor Carlos had another frustrating game, both he and Scotland. No support, nobody to pass to and just no cooperation from the other players. Carlos repeatedly was begging Smith to help him or Hyland in the middle. He beat one, he beat two and nuttin. Scotland beating his men nice whole evening screening three men at a time and nobdy inside to pass to or no midfield supporting him. A proper game of backs and forwards which we are yet to fix.

Half time came and went and the action pretty much the same as before. Ja having more possession and doing nothing with it. TT when in possession knocking the ball in the back and making mistakes in the midfield, no clue going fwd and bad passing in the final third or nobody inside becoming the order of the day.

Jamaica nearly scored a wonderful goal by King. Bad passing between Hislop and one of the wingbacks resulted in King picking up a loose ball, he beat somebody and in the 18 rifled a bullet that graze the V. A proper throwaway and TT held on for the rest of the game by a Hope and a Prayer. It is not that Jamaica were dangerous but simply our defenders made the simplest thing look hard and nerves started to kick in.

Maturana then made some subs which made a difference. Carter and Connell came on and immediately started to go forward, using the wings and taking on players. Carter then had a nice interchange of passes beat a few players and was through on goal scoring a nice side foot past the keeper. I was right there behind the linesman. It was a good genuine goal. Scotland did not touch the ball and was not interfering with the play. The lines man got some proper cuss from the crowd, and to an outsider one would think that the linesman would have a sibling in a few months time.

Hyland also got a good opportunity, passing neatly with Scotland and with a man on his back turned the defender in the 18 and slapped a bullet wide. It looked like sure goal and had it scored Ja would not have seen their way. With them already being on the back foot.

Connell then started to take on players and I was seeing a spark in this player. Then all of a sudden he make a bad trap. He make a bad flick under no pressure, he collect a jam and 5 minutes later that is the end of him. A shame really as he was looking good going fwd drawing players out of position and his pace had the jakan defence worried.

Carter had the wing back on my side hot with some nice footwork and push pull beat. However after getting past his man he simply had no one to cross to and the balls across the box went to no one. No supporting midfield as they were liming near the half line and the lack of support apparent.

Game then wound down, crowd start to get excited, it was the 90th min by my watch and people started to leave the game. All the Jakans quiet quiet knowing that all they Britz and big guns they had on the field couldn’t do nothing vs a poor TT outfit and they were shame with they tail between they legs. Even the players on the field seemed to concede defeat when a long speculative ball which should have been dealt with by the defence was left alone.

Shelton with his speed blow past the defence and Ince comes out to make the save. Shelton never had the ball under control, was never likely to get it and from my view Ince touches ball only and pushes it out of play and for some reason the ref blow and penalty is awarded. It was never a penalty. Men start to cuss….. Maturana off the bench quarrelling with the 4th official, the TT side drop they head and they dejected. Shelton score. The undeserved Jakan lifeline was celebrated and all there know how lucky they were to escape.

I never hear a stadium steups and cuss so in unison and with 2 minutes extra time to be played. TT instead of going for goal playing like they in their bedroom and knockin ball around at the top of the box instead of piping bullet.

At the final whistle I left the COE vex, with the TT performance, the JA performance and the scoreline. They get away, the killer instinct and passion just evaporated and the ref…..well he should not officiate a game ever again.

Folks the sheep have been separated from the goats long time. We know the problems and yet we still cant fix them. Both managers I am sure were disappointed by the performances and JA ent looking like they coming out they group. We probably right now only good to get past Bermuda and we will struggle. I cannot see where the goals are going to come from and our system of play is not creating any chances. Even with Stern and KJ there is no service, no bite in the middle and a shaky defence. Any organized team will exploit us.

However the positives are…1) Ince is a boss. 2) Carlos is a Boss, 3) Lawrence still have it, 4) a ¼ fit Scotland is still class and worries. 5) Whitley is a fighter and die hard, full commitment and we know what he could do. 6) Hyland have talent but have to mature real fast. 7) We could work with Hislop, Connell and Carter.

The rest of the team…..we up the creek without a paddle and sinking fast.

Till next time.

I could not help but feel depressed at the end of the England match yesterday.
What transpired on the field did not surprise me, as the problems which were evident over the past few games continually cropped up. But I felt we could have kept the score line a bit more respectable and we should have taken at least one goal in this match.

Needless to say it is the best TT performance of Maturana’s tenure thus far, scoreline not withstanding. There were less errors, more attempts at getting fwd, I saw some composure in the back, we tried to knock the ball and maintain possession and I think we can beat Bermuda on current form. However we are not ready for Guatemala, Cuba and USA as yet.

Let us remember the caliber of opposition we were playing, a far cry from Barbados and Grenada. But at the same time England took their foot off the gas. They did not really tackle us or pressure us, they gave us a level of room and respect that would not be afforded by our Concacaf neighbours and they waited for us to make the mistake and then regained possession.

But lets go back to the story shall we.

I was really hyped after seeing the England training and all the reports online and in the news.

Woke up early, instead of getting the morning paper near to my house I took a drive round the stadium and it was a buzz of activity, (Its about 8:30am) Vendors setting up, tstt setting up some small goalpost inside the stadium, men putting up railings, music firing up. I say yes it looking busy.

After getting a few phone calls, members of my squad went down from 12 to secure a good seat and I left my house clad in my White Latapy Jersey, My red puma shoes and a tall red and white socks. My iron drinking cup and my small drum/rattle completed the outfit.

The intention was to park on the Ave and walk in but I was greeted by No parking signs and a wrecker was patrolling. So I decided to pay for a bit of piece of mind, parking in the Princess Elizabeth center and $30 poorer walked to the front of the stadium.

It is now 1:00 and everyone was clad in white. A few wore their red Trinidad jerseys, some locals in a white England kit, a White Manu or Arsenal but a lot of people have purchased the new white TT kit much to my surprise. It was funny though as the Warriors did not play in the kit being offered by Francis fashions, but rather they came out in something looking like a training kit with the TT crest hurriedly sewn on the center.

I had an extra ticket to scalp and after disposing of it. I held my remaining ticket aloft, walked tru the long metal gates by St Johns Ambulance and was frisked by a security officer. After passing them I was now in the Crawford compound and I received 2 little scrolls to win some competition or the other. A smiling TSTT beauty handed me a white rag. Then the scent of horse dung alerted my senses. Skipping thru the hay filled obstacle course I makkoed the lunch and lime fete…which was a total BUSS in the JP complex. Not a person inside.

After walking away I looked at some English visitors string up a green and white TSTT goalkeeper in a white small post with makeshift field. Nice interactive touch by tstt.

After getting my ticket scanned and getting the green light. I received a match program and I made my way upstairs to the action.

Truth be told I reach late…it is now 1:30 and the entire half line section and 18 yard areas were completely filled. Only corner flag and behind the post seating was available and everyone was holding seat for they pardner. I found my crew sat down and waited for the action to start. It was overcast, weather was muggy but we got a spell of rain that brought out the umbrellas from some and sighs of relief from others. Strong men started to strip down, The white outfits started to print out and the eyefood started to be shared in heaping portions.

The Big Flag that was being used to shade those underneath had to be rolled up quickly when the rain came down and it was a beautiful sight contrasting against the white background.

I had a pack of cards on me, the squad had a dominoes set, but as the seats were wet it didn’t make sense so we killed time “Trini” way. Cup get rinse, ice was filled, scotch start to pour and then it was all good. My bamsee then started to get corn from sitting in the seat for so long so I used the opportunity to walk about. Met quite a few friends who I have not seen in ages and the time passed by quickly. I was also introduced to a new concoction. Potent, a tad sweet but enjoyable….folks alyuh try Puncheon and Sorrel Shandy…It guaranteed to Beam To You Up after 3 sip.

Anyways the team came out on the field to warm up and then I noticed the atmosphere.
It was dead, not lively, no setta jammishness, no kinda vibes, no passion as compared to previous games. Without getting into it, lets just say grounds had a different demographic and ethnic composition. I suspect that the Online ticket system coupled with the price of admission was used as a Social Filter and the attendance was also younger and seemed new to football and how to support.

The speakers in the grounds section were not working properly so the announcer and the music was not too audible. Exodus, the Tassa group and maximus were not heard and poor maximus was trying to get the problem fixed thinking it was the mic and trying to whip up support in the crowd but people ent take him on too much.

TT warm up was starting XI near to grounds stretching doing passes and a small sided game. The subs across by covered stands. Keepers being put tru their paces by Brow and the English in three separate groups defence, mid, forwards doing their own passing and running drills.

Again Stern and Kenwyne aside we were generally smaller than them in stature.
Crouch got some boos, Beckham got the loudest cheer whenever he touched the ball and after the teams went back in the tunnel the embarrassment began.

England comes out with a Huge flag nearly the size of the WN big flag, held by 6-8 children. TT standing next to it has a regular sized flag held by two children….OH dear it looked so poor. We are home….chants of our flag too small, our flag too small filled the air and SPALK had to piggy back and say Look up at the big Flag in the Stands to
Help deflect the glaring embarrassment. Anthems played on Steel Pan and TT patrons sang the anthem loud and true.

Then they announce the officials and Dignitaries and Gary Hunt get the loudest collective BOO I have heard. They announce Jack after and he get applause. Yes he get a few murmers of discontent and steups but generally he get clap. Yorke get a clap, Hasley Crawford get a clap.

TT played a 4-4-2 in a white Kit that looking like a training uniform. England played a 4-4-2. as well morphing into a 3-5-2 at times.

TT: Ince, Cupid, Lawrence, Hislop, Farrier,
Carlos Edwards, Hyland, Whitley, Daniel, John, Jones.

Subs: Phillip, Roberts, Telesford, Smith, Adams, Guerra, Tinto, Yorke.

England: James, Johnson, Ferdinand, Woodgate, Bridge, Beckham,
Barry, Gerrard, Downing, Ashton, Defoe.

Subs: Hart, Lewis, Warnock, Wheater, Jagielka, Bentley, Young, Huddlestone, Crouch, Walcott, Agbonlahor.

Well lets just say after the touch TT tried to play the ball around and England just waited for them to make mistakes. The errant pass was picked up by the English midfield and they start to spread it and run at us with pace.

We lost the game due to a non existent tackling midfield and poor wingbacks. A problem that I have not seen corrected since Maturana has been in charge. It is a player selection issue.

No steel in the middle and no tacklers allowed England to pass the ball freely. Keon Daniel played on the wing and did not tackle or track back. Beckham was wide and free as a bird whole night and kept on swinging in cross after cross under No pressure.

Poor Cupid, what can I say..he get a 2.69 on BBC player rater and men in the crowd Christen him “To Who” …..as that is all they was shouting everytime he attempted to pass the ball or when he lost it.

He has struggled consistently. He was rescued by being subbed vs Jamaica, He redeemed himself vs Grenada and he was average vs Bdos but he is not ready for this level of ball yet. Let him get experience in the club system and let him put in his dues in his national team age group.

Hislop try a thing back was shakey, Lawrence was not concentrating and move a bit sloppy at times. Farrier try but the difference in quality was evident.

The problem is/was is that once the midfield not tackling and loafing wide or wherever the defence under pressure right tru. Is a setta last ditch effort and lunging tackle save us.

We still not creative going fwd and Stern, kenwyne for the few minutes he was on Roberts, Forbes etc never got a good ball or opportunity going fwd.

Keon Daniel hit Johnson a push pull beat on the flank and Hyland hit Gerrard a spanner in the middle but these individuals things did not transpire into any clear cut opportunity.

The first goal was a nice interplay of passes by England cross comes in and Barry looked to score a flying header or volley past Ince. Now I knew we would concede eh…but so early? I mean we supposed to weather at least a 20 min.

The second goal was real poor. Midfield ent tackle, Cupid back off…Ince shouting at him to cover and tackle and Defoe score a simple side footer far post from the top of the 18.
A real soft goal defence and midfield standing up arguing and watching.

However I find Ince save real good. He stop some certain goal, he save some bullet, he went down by men feet and save some 1v1 . He even gallery heself by chest trapping a header from Crouch then collecting it and throwing it upfield. He was off his line well, he was communicating well with his players giving instructions, he distributed well and came for all the corners and crosses that I saw. Is only the 2nd goal I vex with him for.

Kenwyne coming off was a real disappointment and to me it looked like James caught him on his shin or knee with a boot. Roberts came on and looked lost, he ent get no passes and even though he made the correct fwd runs. Nothing came his way . Imagine he got subbed at the ½ for what?

After that England overs and just play out the rest of the game. I don’t even think they tried. They knock the ball around, didn’t go into any tackle, all fouls were some pull jersey/ big body kinda screen and they look disinterested.

TT on the other hand then tried to string passes together but mistakes, poor communication and players STANDING UP and not supporting resulted in our attack being stifled. We were our own worse enemy. Not doing the simple things, not running off the ball, not tracking back and pointing and blaming each other. I detected a star boy mentality on the field and I saw Edwards, Stern and the other overseas players gesticulating and being aggressive to their local conterparts. While it was deserved you could see the chemistry and cohesion not there.

Whitley play like a boss. Tackling intercepting and trying to go fwd but he could not do it alone. Hyland showed what he was made of but…he tried to hard and some things just didn’t work or he was overeager making mistakes.

Carlos showed his touch and beat were there but I fault him for taking too long and not doing the play simple or moving fast enough but he was one of the few looking like he had a clue.

Stern realized he was not getting any service up front and dropped back to help the midfield, to try to slow up the pace and to try and bring out the ball. I find as a senior player he tried and did what he could I cant fault him this game.

The rest….just tried the best they could and there is no shame in that.

Farrier try, Smith come on and make some bad pass but he clean up in the back, he even breed crouch falling down. Telesford was the best sub, showing aggression, running into space, supporting and making room. But he come on too little too late.

Dwight Yorke…is still the boss and I feel we have a WCQ campaign in him still. His touch was on, the screening ability, the way he took pressure off the side and his passes were crisp. We could still use him.

Now a sub came on a #12 didn’t get his name but he was running fast and looking useful….he try a ting but get some jam.

Forbes had zero impact. But the damage was already done.

Throughout it all we had about 3 opportunities to score…and we should have put them away. One in the first half and about 2 in the second. Somebody blaze over bar and other was cleared off the line by a defender.

I did not see Englands 3rd goal as I was downstairs in the bathroom and by the bar. It probably happened right as the 2nd half started. I didn’t hear anything so I was shocked when the final whistle went and I looked up at the scoreboard and saw Eng 3.
I had to ask all around me when that happen, who score and how it transpired.

All in all we did not get a cutarse, but we could have made the game more competitive, we should have scored and I think we could have been able to keep a clean sheet and frustrate the English longer.

There are positive signs, we have improved since the first game and players are now understanding their role. However lack of midfield aggression, lack of creativity going forward and our defence is cause for concern. We do not have the time to groom a player…WCQ is this month. We trying them against poor opposition and they struggling, we need to bring back Birchall, Cyd, and Sancho to help out and provide experience and their talents.

Jamaica game is on this Saturday. But to pay the same price as England…$300. I ent sure it worth it. Especially as I intend to go to the more important Bermuda qualifier.
Anybody with a Oval pass could organize a link for me?

Till next time.

Happy arrival day or Indian arrival day which ever it is to all in TT.

I just returned from the England training session in the HC stadium and I am very excited for Sundays game.

I arrived at 9:15 and there were cars all over. I ended up having to park on de vertiel street and walked into the stadium with throngs of eager enthusiastic fans all ready to see the English.

There were more people at the training session than a regular TT game. The entire covered stand section was filled and alot of families, infants, tots and screaming girls were in attendance. There were a few English fans scattered amongst the crowd and everyone was just taking in the atmosphere.

I limed with Swima and Patriot took a few pix but my camera not too good and is a setta distance shots.

The HC field was in top shape execpt for a few areas near the touchline and the corner flags. Lines were painted and nets were in place.

The english had their cones and some blue stakes inserted into the field. These were used as temporary goals.

All English players wore white training uniforms and flourscent green bibs.

I took in the action with the english players in groups of 4 jogging and sprinting around the field. Every time Beckham waved, touched the ball, or did any kinda antics the girls in the crowd started to bawl and beg…real groupie ting.

The man scratch he bamsee, he bend over….he play with he eggs and all the woman in the crowd start to go wild. Some start to bawl take orf yuh shirt take it orf and so they was going. Beckham ent play he like d attention too and play he lifting up he pants leg and stretching.

It was so bad, at the end of the session……. a security guard retrieved the used water bottle he was drinking from that was discarded on the pitch and a group of well to do, high brown, milky finish squad of girls start to fight over the bottle. They all fight to get a sip of the man jutta water yes..I say whey sar….dais how it is to be a star!

SO yeah back to the training…from row was Rio, becks, gerrard and somebody else running.

next was ashton, crouch defoe…ehy I ent go lie Crouch real real tall.

I was surprised at the size and build of many of the players, if they ent a Big beast…like Ashton or huddlestone they thin thin and small like Walcott and Defoe. David James real thin but he tall. Woodgate tall too, Agbonglahor have some size on he frame and I just saying to mehself…..oh lorse…we matchstick finish players how dey go manage….Eddoes and cassava vs Potato come Sunday and the potato looking more solid.

so they start running..then sprint and sun in they arse. Men sweating they bib get wet in no time but they didnt look bun atall.

Keepers went in one post and start to limber up with the trainers, bullet and catching exercises then follwed while the outfield players put on bibs and started to knock the ball in two lines.

After the passing warm up the start hitting bullet pass and they went on one side of the field to play a passing warm up/sweat.

Then they call James and Joe hart, put down the sticks to form a goal and it was bibs vs whites. Both keepers get good string up. Defoe, young and crouch was scoring some nice bullet. Gerrard was hitting them crisp and Backham have some chip, flick and turn in him. I was like WOW.

I was really impressed with Tom huddlestone. The brother have a cross field pass 60-70 meters a driven bullet…sublime technique.

Now at times I watching them and saying them ent looking no different to TT. Dey making some mistake they doing the same thing but then you will see a piece of skill or the execution of technique or a trap or pass and yuh hadda say….nah boy…dey on a different planet.

Then Capello in he short pants put attackers on half of the field, defenders on the next.

Both did seperate drills.

The defenders get the young reserve keeper to save. He use Jagielka or some other fella on the flank and had them whipping balls in. Rio, WOodgate and Johnson played as a back three heading them out. It was like if they were dancing. Pivoting, moving out in sync, turning pushing out etc. The defenders all headed out to the flank. If they made a mistake the wingers hit a shot at the keeper.

On the other half James and Hart get a workout.

Capello had the midfielder run up play a ball to the fwd who would knock it back one. A long ball is then played by the advancing mid to the cornerflag where a winger would pick it up and whip it in for the fwd to score.

I would say the conversion rate was about 60% successful and they going and use dat on us come sun.

The second play was a one two dummy the ball played into space and it resulted in a 1v1 with keeper and fwd.

After that it was shooting practice from the top of the 18.

Then it was 1 v1 running in and dribbling keeper.

and that was it…2 hrs of hot sun, screaming and entertainment.

I frighten for our wingers and i frighten for the midfield. Some of them play and knock i see today look unstoppable and from seeing every Trinidad match of the Maturana campaign and knowing all our players and their abilities we have our work cut out for us big time.

At the end I never see big men and women..old hard back man, gangster, tots, women of all shape, size and age run behind the england team bus as it tried to come out the stadium. The bad parking and crowd made it somewhat impossible to come tru the main gate and the bus was stuck for about a 5 minutes with fans swarming the bus. Eventually the bus reversed made a tak back and came out the other bg gate by ST johns ambulance accompanied by police escort.

I studying to go down COE this afternoon but I see enough.

I real excited for SUnday.

See you all tom at the sweat.

Laters

Congrats to the Warriors on their victory over Barbados, but let us not be mislead by newspaper headlines and big scores. Let me burst alyuh bubble for the umpteenth time and please do not get a false sense of security. TT looked very sloppy and struggled at times against a poor Bajan outfit.

I was very disappointed in the performance of the TT team and many players needed a good kick in they arse and their socks pulled up for their efforts yesterday. Maturana I realise give players the opportunity to play their way OFF the team.

I arrived around 5:30 and upon turning into the street at the side of the COE, I was greeted with NO PARKING signs. The TTFF took control of the traffic and parking situation and I applaud their efforts. The alternative was to pay a fella with a spranger finish to get a spot near Cariri, park on the narrow dimly lit street under the bridge or use the COE carpark. After deciding on the latter, I paid at the carpark gate entrance…imagine they reuse the Guadeloupe game tickets..collected my stub…walked tru the chainlink fence and entered behind the goal on the northern side…very convenient.

I decided to walk about to see if the TTFF had their registration booth or any other kinda setup but none were visible. The two soup men, bake and shark vendors and pie man were also present. My walkabout was also topped off by 3 models from Sacha cosmetics handing out certificates/entry forms to all mothers who attended the game. Truth be told, standing up under the stands and taking a gape at the three ladies would have been a better bet than the action on the field.

After getting a seat near halfline by the press box area I observed the teams warm up. Barbados did their thing individually walking about passing the ball. TT set up their players in two lines and stretched, jumped, twist etc. At times they looked comical and reminiscent of a under 14 session. Then the trainer put some discs in two lines and they did some small shuttles, jumping and twisting etc in between. What I found interesting is that the trainer had to explain each warmup to them and demonstrate each one….not like it was a routine thing. Then they put down the discs in a square and played a three team small passing game. Anthems were played and game was on

T&T: – 21.Marvin Phillip, 2.Kern Cupid (13.Kareem Smith 65th), 4.Makan Hislop (5.Keyeno Thomas 65th), 6.Anton Pierre (capt), 7.Khaleem Hyland, 12.Stephan David, 14.Jamaal Gay (18.Akile Edwards 89th), 15.Ancil Farrier, 16.Kevon Carter (17.Ataullah Guerra), 18.Jerol Forbes (11.Devon Jorsling 65th), 19.Keon Daniel.

Subs not used: – Glenroy Samuel, Romauld Aguillera.

Barbados: – 1.Adrian Chase, 2.Dyson James, 3.Jonathon Straker, 7.Rondelle Vaughn, 8.Malcolm Marshall (15.Arantees Lawrence 75th), 10.Norman Forde (capt), 11.Kieran Crichlow, 12.Greg Belle, 13.Bryan Neblett, 14.Walton Burrowes (9.Madalitso Mkoloma 66th), 17.John Parris.

Subs not used: – 4.Brent Carrington, 5.Omar Archer, 6.Barry Skeete, 18.Omari Eastmond.

TT still looked a bit small in comparison to the boys from Bimshire and TT lined up in a 4-4-2 with Barbados doing the same.
However TT played with a diamond midfield :- David as the tackler and Hyland as the offensive player.

Barbados controlled the game for the opening 10 minutes, not allowing TT any time on the ball and keeping good possession. However they never threatened the goal and their two breakaway chances were deemed offside. Barbados had one good goal attempt when their right back ran up the flank and hit a beautiful curlers at the jep nest….it had goal written all over it but Phillip came up with a BIG BIG save to deny the Bajan.

TT did the usual ball in the back, long hoof up the flank to the forward and they attempted to maintain possession when they could. All the players were sloppy and gave away the ball needlessly, slipped under pressure, bad flick or pass to no one or…(Lack of effort in chasing the ball..Chief Culprit Kevon Carter)

No player had a good game and the game was decided on 3 moments of individual brilliance. The first one was the well taken goal by Jamal Guy. Folks he is young, he is thin, he was pongs off the ball, fell at inopportune times, made bad decisions coming fwd and his inexperience showed big time. However he has a lot of heart and determination and after getting the first goal his confidence improved 100% and he lifted his game. A long ball was flighted over the top. He beat the offside trap and the Bajan keeper came off his line. Guy took his time, hit the keeper a spanner and after blowing past him composed hiself…ran into the area and made sure side footing his effort into the goal with defenders bearing down on him. An excellent goal and this lifted the team spirits.

Hyland who was pulling the strings in the midfield then hit two defenders a roly poly at the top of the box and with the keeper alone to beat, mustered a poor side footed effort at the keeper. What was disheartening was that he turned his back and walked off when there was a rebound and he could have followed up the play.

Keon Daniel played decent, nothing spectacular providing support for hyland in the middle. Carter and Forbes were trying a thing on the flank and getting a few crosses in but we were too indecisive up top and not shooting and exploiting the space going forward.

In attack I was pleased that both wingbacks were getting involved in the play and advancing. Cupid is nifty and beat a few players well but the final cross was disappointing or the shot blocked. Farrier also acquitted himself well.

In the back Farrier looked decent and did not make too many mistakes, recovered if he got beaten for pace and put in the tackle. My only grouse with him is that he escorts players and does not step up and close down the space. He looking and pointing.

Hislop was disappointing. He made some costly errors, probably have twins from a Bajan fwd or two and was lucky not to have been punished for selling guns and teeing up the bajan fwds in front of goal. Maturana sub him at the right time for Keyno thomas.

Bullet head Anton Pierre showed why he never make a TT side when it mattered. Talk about sloppy, bad pass, missing crosses, slow to the ball. He eat some beat and is not able against the speedy fwds. Bad game from him. To his credit he showed his lofted cross field passing is on point and was responsible for changing the point of attack from flank to flank during the game.

I found also we gave the bajans too much respect and too much space to play and at times they were nifty coming fwd on the counter and they also played a possession game.

My entertainment for the evening was the Bajan #10 Norman Forde who looked like a general on the field. Poor David collected the neatest of “caps” from Forde and collected a long drag tru his legs at top speed that had the crowd going wild.

The beat of the game came from a Bajan sub on I think it was poor David again……All the Bajans have proper English names…they bring orn a fella with a Nigerian Finish name Madalitso Mkoloma….watch meh the breddah run orn and his first touch of the ball Fan David with his left foot and brush him with consumate ease.

Maturana eventually got fed up with the antics of certain players and started subbing them as the mess they put down was too much. Carter got two beautiful balls on the flank and he just had to put a toe and gave up and let the ball run out of play. The crowd could not believe it and he got a thorough round of applause when he was subbed.

Guerra showed real class and composure coming on and he was the difference on the night. A deft touch, good controlled passes and the ability to take on players he created the trouble that caused two goals in the last 5 min.

Jorsling came on and ran like a no headed chicken, getting beat, losing the ball, passing bad…just doing nothing in an excitable way. But he was there at the right time to get his head to a ball after a good piece of skill on the flank and spanner by GUY tru a bajans legs by the corner flag….. to flick it ever so skillfully while falling into the far corner to make it 2-0.

With the game in the 90th minute I had to beat the traffic and I was hustling to leave. I saw the introduction of edwards and when I was behind the goal saw a scramble and the ball going into the net. 3-0. But my mind was on getting out of the COE as fast as possible.

After reaching home I looked at the match again on TV but it further reinforced the fact that we ent ready to play higher calibre teams and that we still need to step up our game big time. Certain players have been found out against lower level opposition and are not consistent.

Also the ref was real real poor, he did not show any cards during the game and flagrant fouls were not punished. However the Bajans came out on top in this dept. They stopped us and hacked us down right tru and TT did not retaliate and got roughed up, much to my disappointment….we must dish it out too. We must not get roughed up at home.

It was not one of the better performances of the Maturana campaign but hey…..WE WIN 3 NIL ent.

Till England.

I was rather pleased with the showing of this new young team and it was a stark contrast to the Guadeloupe game played on Ash Wed.
There were plenty positives coming out of this match and while there are things to work on with time this can be corrected.

I left town at 4:15 and went Bar hopping in the east. The traffic was bad but I eventually arrived around 6:45. The Main road leading down to the Marvin Lee was jam pack with cars and it was a better bet if you parked on the Main road and walked in.

From the number of cars I say …hrmph….like they get a crowd.

After walking in I greeted with a Free bag of Chow…Mango or Pineapple and opted for the mango. I did not see the Richards Bake and Shark, I bought 3$ worth of pholourie which was missing split peas and I refused to pay 4$ for a doubles. The 5$ pie was apparently sliced by a Cheese knife and I washed that down with a 8$ juice that was selling 2 for 15.

Reaching up into the stands I could not believe it…Marvin Lee Ram OUT

The entire stand was full, the bleachers behind the goal post was full and the jokey stand by the corner flag was full….I say wheeeeyyyy like Jack oversell tickets here or wha?

It was so bad a new stand was created by the public who could not get seats. The entire Roof that covers the walkway from the main stand and cafeteria was used as a balcony and that and all was ram out.

I stood up for the whole match behind the last row of seats leaning up on the press box…all the aisles were filled and people were seated on the steps…MAJOR FIRE HAZARD. Also at the end of the game only one small gate was opened for people to exit the facility leading to a massive jam. Why are the authorities so stupid when it comes to exiting. It always occurs when ever a game is finished why cant they open more gates or larger ones….Lord help us if there is a fire or an emergency.

So I would estimate the attendance at 3,000 People.

Anyway back to the game.

TT line up (taken from Flex report)

T&T: – 21.Marvin Phillip, 2.Kern Cupid, 4.Keston Williams, 19.Keon Daniel, 9.Aurtis Whitley (capt), 15.Akeem Adams, 6.Khaleem Hyland, 5.Makan Hislop, 8.Kerry Baptiste (17.Silas Spann 77th), 7.Jamaal Gay, 11.Randi Patterson.

Subs that did not play: – 1.Glenroy Samuel, 3.Akile Edwards, 13.Kevon Neaves, 12.Justin Fojo, 16.Daniel Cyrus.

We lined up in a 4-4-2 and the El Salvador team played a 3-5-2.

Physically all the men on the TT team were nashy and thin. Only Patterson had any meat on his bones, but the El salvador players all were either good actors or just sufferring from a doubles paper finish. Them fellas fall down with every challenge…wasting time and just killing the flow of the game at every opportunity.

Now I know it is still early, and maybe my eye is untrained, but I have not seen a difference in style or tactics between Beenie/Wim and Maturana.

TT played the ball in the back keeping possession at all times, tried the flank, if it was not on… we go backward and then we spread the ball to the other side of the field.

I was pleased with the possession, no errors, no bad passes, good control and players fighting and hustling for the ball. They would try a little beat to create space and they would play safe if needed.

However let us be mindful that El salvador did not pressure us too much, the game was a relatively clean one, and plenty of time and space was afforded to both teams. One worrying thing for me was that there was Whitley was alone in the middle and while playing as the defensive midfielder had to do all the attacking work as well, he had no support and took the team on his shoulders, directing the play and slowing down or speeding up as the case may be.

So at times the backs and fwds syndrome and long ball hoof was the order of the day.

Also TT made good progress in the first 15 minutes..making 1-2 going into the box creating chances, but then the El salvador mid shut us down with the extra man and for the remainder of the period we could not come out of our half of the field. Also worrying was that it was only the two El salvador fwds keeping us at bay and running hard amongst our back 4.

However we knocked the ball and kept possession well and did not make any mistakes.

In the second half EL salvador upped the tempo and we matched them…playing the offside trap well and physically putting them under pressure.

I must say that the back 4 on display was the best I have see thus far since our Germany showing. These 4 fellas were all composed on the ball…fast…good in the tackle…good at reading the game…and they would actually step fwd and tackle and not point and shadow players. I like the number 2 Kern Cupid in particular, speedy and was good going fwd. They communicate well and show no shakeyness or panic.

The middle two are tall and decent in the air…only concern is that they need some size.

In terms of stand out players Randi Patterson the number 11 was the best player on the field…he has a better build than the rest, was evidently fit and was notch faster, stronger on the ball and had a element of hustle that no others had. He has a good first touch, can skip away from tackles well and was useful taking on his opponent. Also he ran off the ball well and created plays, he knows how to make the diagonal and circular runs that Gay did not do.

After him Whitley and the Goal scorer Keon Daniel had good games, good passing, hustling getting into the mix good understanding.

Keon Daniel scored a beauty of a goal from about 20 yard out…a left foot curler around the wall which the Keeper could only stretch and tip onto his post and into the net. It was a great kick, something we should do more often.

Finally the number 2 in the back were my standout players.

Hyland was absent for me and had a forgetable game, Baptisite was another one that was quiet on the night.

I was unhappy with the performance of two players…the Goal Keeper Phillip and the other fwd number 7 Jamal Guy.

Phillip did not command his area well and was jumbieing his defenders by hesitiating, coming out, retreating, coming out etc….is either yuh go and clean up or yuh stay on yuh line. Also he let some cross balls pass in front of his area and honestly if El salvador had competent men up front we would be made to pay for his hesitation.

The number 7 was just out of it….he was the pullstones for the night and the funny thing is…football does follow pullstones right tru.

He missed 2 crosses that looked like goal and he was slow and lethargic. He was thin getting knocked off the ball and did not make the proper runs up front to get in the mix. His control was also off but to his credit he made a couple pretty beat and flick near the corner flag.

The sub that came on to rapturous applause was Silas Spann for Baptiste…Full of energy and promise. However his contribution for the night was two attempted dribbles…TWO JAM. End of story.

Certain section of the crowd were calling for Fojo but he never took to the field. Maturana opting instead to give all the players a good workout and not tinker with selection and rhythm in the final minutes of the game

That was it..a few scares from the El slavador #14 in the final minutes but good back tracking and blade by the defenders had him skipping and putting the ball overbar.

This young team would have been nice to see in the Digicup and I think we can use a few of them as subs later on or groom them bit by bit to take over in the next few yrs. However they still have work to do and those with promise should go abroad immediately and bulk up and take jamming. The experience and fitness is needed. I would keep mixing the pros with this batch and instead of picking man on name and past glory go on form. The youths hungry and they showing the fight and had we lost the match I would still be pleased with the showing and fight put forth by the fellas last night.

I dont think we will do too bad vs Jamaica and this is a nice group to work with.

Till next time.

The good news and one of the positives from today’s game is that we did not lose. 0-0.

This game had to be the most painful TT game I have ever witnessed and while I may be christened the prophet of doom and gloom, the ultimate pessimist etc. I cannot sugar coat the abysmal performance that was on display today.

Man was sleeping on theyself in the stand after paying $150.

Imagine we have regressed from 0-0 with Sweden to 0-0 with Guadeloupe at home. Imagine the Digicel Cup matches with a total local team played a higher level and better brand of ball than the group that was assembled today.

I sure them fellas went and wine on people in Tobago and the good locals play mess for spite and fake injury so they could get dropped to jam people for Carnival. They have no way possible a side in camp could play so poorly.

The afternoon started with a trek to Harvards to purchase tickets for the game. You had to know which stand you wanted and each one was individually sold. Dos Santos, Constantine, KFC, etc. The WN faithful opted for Dos Santos lower deck and they stretched out the banner for all to see. TI, Weary, Patriot, Jah Goal, Reaper, Girl Warrior, Pardners, brownsugar and Myself were there and I am sure all present would have rather spent the 150$ on something else than watch the training session on the field.

AFter the anthems were sung and the teams were greeted by I think the president. Kick off was under way.

TT lined up in a 4-4-2.

Not sure of the starting lineup but Stern has lost quite a bit of weight. The man is so thin he was unrecognisable at first but he looking healthy and was a bit more mobile than usual.

Kenwyne was his strike partner. The middle was Samuel, a Number 6 who was playing decent to his limitations, Theobold and Spann.

The back was Telesford, Powers and two others.

Ince as Keeper.

The cricket pitch was green and slippery. It seemed as if they wet the field and it did not help the players as they fell at inopportune times. However our opponents walked with proper footwear and did not fall as much.

Folks the positives were the following….

Ince saved us and was MOM pulling off some big saves and denying 1v1 opportunites. He tipped a freekick around the post and claimed everyball, cross and shot that came his way. No fumble no spill.

Kenwyne showed what England did for him.

and ….

dais it.

They had a youth who came on with good touch and skill..number 19 in the last 10 min. He showed a lil something but I was real disappointed with the others on display.

Silvio has shown why he cannot make a Wrexham side and should not be selected for TT any time soon. Too casual, laid back, error prone, injury prone and lost the ball regularly.

Theobald play a new level of pile today. TI sit right next to me see with he own eye and admit he partner play shit. My assessment of him in previous reports…not being able to dictate the play, make a proper pass under pressure, win a ball in midfield etc…Denzil just let the side down.The crowd and start to call for sub after 5 min and Theobald father move from where he was sitting due to the level of heckle he son get on the field.

Why I am a bit harsh on these two is that these were WC players. Germany players…WCQ players and yet they performed or looked no better than a PFL bench warmer on Tobago United.

All Colin Samuel have is speed and no brain.

The back 4…..were a hot mess.

Imagine two man going for the same ball under no pressure, clashing and the loose ball trickling to a fwd who 1v1 with our keeper while they on the ground.

They quarreling with themselves, not taking instructions, they making bad pass and they playing wrong and strong and arguing. Man mistrapping in the 18, falling down, ball watching. It was poor.

At the half the captain got subbed (stern) the entire midfield besides the number 6 got subbed. and one defender.

The new defender a number 3 green green. He tried and played the best to his ability and fought a good fight.

Tinto came on and ran his heart out but was ineffective.

Oliver was immediately a crowd favourite with his first few moves and dummies. People started saying give Fari the ball. But after 5 minutes the man expired. He was a bit slow in getting to the ball and was knocked off on occasion. Also he was short on confidence, getting into good shooting positions and passing the opportunity. But then poor passing and indecision let him down.

The best sub was a number 19. The fella small and thin but tall and has good awareness and skill. He also has a good football brain making intelligent passes and supporting the play.

Being honest. We have plenty work to do. We have to play plenty more games and get others on board. Dog, Tallest, Avery and Sancho are a must. Cyd, Glenn, Edwards and Birchall must all come back if we dont have them we dont have a CHANCE.

We had no midfield…it was a long ball to Stern or Kenwyne from the keeper only.

The middle not winning a ball, not tackling the defence marking air and we had no playmaker, no bruiser, no work horse…just headless chickens running after the ball coming second.

We did not get any shots on target and about 2-3 attempts from corners.

Also Guadeloupe is not a side. yet they were knocking tha ball around with ease maintaing most of possession and creating chances…some of them being gifts handed to them by our defenders.

I sorry if any of you get vex but in the words of one of our moderators who was at the game…”we lucky if we even beat our first opponent and make the semi final round”

Yes it that bad.

We have plenty work to do and little time to do it. After looking at the JA game on TV just now……UNLESS WE IMPROVE SIGNIFICANTLY WE WILL GET LICKS.

Maturana have plenty work to do.

Till next time.

Tonight the TT public said farewell to one of the most successful goalkeepers that we have produced in recent times. Shaka, thank you for your services and you have made T+T proud.

He was presented with a cheque worth 100,000$ at the end of the game and he donated all to various charites in T+T.

Our very Own Patriot was also part of the award proceedings and presented Shaka with a token of appreciation on behalf of the Warrior Nation.

For me the big game was the first match between Paranese and the Foreign based PFL team. It did not disappoint and there was significantly more action than the previous set of matches.
After 30 Minutes the PFL outfit were down 4 nil and it looked like double figures were on the horizon.

The Brazil team put on their stronger players and I was treated to some nice off the ball runs, fancy footwork, good passing and some nice dead ball situations which resulted in some good headers being slotted past the PFL keeper.

After collecting 4 goals around the 30 min mark the PFL goalie came out and made a clearance under no pressure and fell in a heap. Apparently he pulled something or landed bad and was substituted. The replacement keeper was a tall white guy…I was wondering at first if it was the Scottish guy who posts here James Baird from Tobago United but the commentator said a spanish sounding name which I did not recognise.

It was also difficult to hear the announcer as there was plenty entertainment in the form of 2 riddim sections and a tassa group. Tempo down the line and I was really impressed with the Siparia riddim section, they had a brass section and was belting out tunes much to the delight of patrons. At halftime SHerwayne Winchester also entertained the crowd.

The beat of the game was a brazilian hitting a fella in the center of the park……. a roly poly aka a zidane..after spinning like a top with the defender committed he back heels the ball and belts the poor man. The speed, precision and ease at which this was done was something to behold.

In the second half the PFL foreign based went in damage control mode and put about 7 men in the back and looked to hit on the counter.
As much as they tried it was all Paranese additionally the numerous subs that were made changed the flow of the game.

The PFL stars then got a gem of a goal and could be the goal of the series. A ball was floated in, a game of head tennis ensued and when the ball came out a PFL player slapped a laser beam of a volley into the “V”. A real good goal that gave the PFL outfit some more spunk but the Brazilians locked up shop and played around with the game over as a contest.

AFter the game the Brazilian players came into the stands and sat right next to me and they are really a bunch of small men. Youths around 17-21. Given the manner they handled our teams this is a worrying thing. The PFL locals should have done better given the opposition and considering the foreign based PFL were blown out this is not a good sign.

On to game two.

TT started with the same side as Fridays game. However starting in Goal was Shaka and he was given a round of applause.

Marvin Oliver may have read my comments and stepped up his game big time. He had a good game, supporting the play, making some good through passes, winning the ball and covering for other players. He has a football brain, he did some things that showed his knowledge and ability. He is worth a look. Only concern is that he was a bit weak and got “pongs” off the ball a few times, he is slender so he may need to beef up a bit but he put in a good shift. He was substituted and did not play in the 2nd half.

Toussaint played much better and looked more composed and played sensible.

Tinto had a real bad game,,,picking up the vibes from Toussaints last match.

The abortionist for the night was Devon Jorsling. Ball rolling across the goal and only a toe is needed but just not there to put it away. The few clear cut chances that came were squandered.

The only goal of the night was Conceded By Shaka Hislop. It was very funny…he came off to a standing ovation. Changed into his Dallas jersey and was back on the field again for Dallas FC.

Tinto gets a ball on the break has time and space to shoot but slows down and allows the defence to recover. he then does a bit of skill whips in a cross and it is tapped home. GOAL PFL…Shaka in no mans land and well…so it go.

Its a shame he didnt manage to keep a clean sheet while he was on the field regardless of the team he was playing for but it looked like fun and the game was played in a good spirit.

After that plenty subs were made and the game got scrappy. Both Dallas and the PFL team had opportunites, shots, some good runs but somehow the forward at the end of the final ball for both teams would contrive to miss the easiest of chances.

Cyd grey came on the second half late to shore up the defence but whoever was playing Left back for the PFL outfit will have nighmares as the Brazilian I think his name is Ricardinho in a blue boots beat that fella like a bad step chile. He get sex, belt, push past, fan,with consumate ease and what make it worse is the defender trying hard to pelt blade, pull jersey and recover and is just….whissshhhh leave out.

Trent Noel did not have a standout game as he did on friday. But he did his job.

Did not notice Keon Daniel

This game was not attractive and both teams had poor shape, formation tactics and no real constructive knocks or periods of possession. It was similar to the boring match played on Fri night.

At the end of it the TT Pro league locals won by 1-0. But I am not convinced by any of the players on show. I do not think they are ready to make the next step up and TT will have to rely on all their foreign based players to move to SA 2010.

No one has shown they could replace our old defence. Cyd, tallest sancho avery and Dog are still the best we have and I cant see anyone making the grade in time. Similarly besides Noel and to a lesser extent Oliver I not seeing anyone else who can make the grade. As for the fwd dept Kenwyne, Stern, Scotland, ROberts and Sealy is the strike force. The local players ent sharp or have the skill or experience to make it yet.

I am concerned. I not seeing suitable replacements and or bench players that can hack it. Our digicel team got better as they progressed but were not intl standard. We have to play some friendlies and get the foreign based to gel if we intend to go anywhere. The local core while well intentioned is not up to standard and does not really exist at this point in time.

Till Ash Wed vs Guadeloupe.

I went down in the HC yesterday to take in what was on paper a excellent double header between St. Anthonys/Compre and Fatima/Malick.

However, the product on display and the event was a total waste of time, effort and energy. In fact both games were so poor, I made up my mind to give schoolboy football a rest until intercol. I may be tempted to watch the second round of games between Fatima and St anthonys on wed, but that depends on the weather and what else I have on my schedule.

The 20$ I paid to watch them two games would have been better spent buying two stag and a nip of puncheon. In fact the only entertainment i got for the entire evening, was listening to a cuss out between a man asking for a Mackeson by the Bar and the attendant who tell him she cyar sell him that at this event.

Any advocate of the SSFL as a developing ground for players, as prep for players or as a form of big football or entertainment is far removed from Trinidad and has probably not seen a SSFL game over the past 5 yrs. In fact the standard on display was worse than last years set of matches. All them small arguement about past players and national team dis….if any of you watch a ssfl game today alyuh would feel shame . What I saw on display yesterday, those fellas on the field could not even make a class P.E. side in my time.

How to put this in perspective for you all…..For the male readers, imagine somebody holding on to yuh stones and not only pulling it, but swinging hard. That is the kinda torture I was subjected to watching these games yesterday.

Lemme give you the lowdown…

1) Crowd, rain was falling but it had about 300 people TOPS if so much to watch 4 schools play. Further, the majority of the crowd were past student like myself or parents, very few school children, with Malick having the largest presence. followed by fatima. This is another saddening thing, the tradition and rivalry is gone. When I was a small man is every game you going to see, the rope around the field had rows of 7-8 people deep. Now you could barely find enough crowd to line up along one side of the field.

2) It didn’t even have a speck of eye food to distract you from the game. Not one mommy, sister, teacher, friend or smallie for you think to yourself…”now that is a wall painting”, “ah boy if only I was 17 again” or “two more guava season and she good to go”

3) No noise, small talk, chanting, atmosphere etc……the only talk I get was a old man sitting next to me just as bored who said..I remember Dwarika hitting a man two step over fan and a drag, right dey…them was d days boy, now them fellas cyar even trap.

4) The few youths who were there were running wild, it had all kinda pseudo gangster some “taxing” others from the colleges for money or instructing them to buy food and drink for them. I was also entertained by a Youth who looked like a walking piece of cocoyea wrapped in cotton candy. Forumites, the youth have orn pink air force ones, pink socks, pants, pink jersey that long like a nighty and a pink hat that was two sizes too big under a pink bandana….and small man had NO GIRLS with all dat.

5) The refereeing was very questionable

6) The teams all four of them played with no shape, structure or plan. If you could get 5-6 passes in a row you were lucky. I made it a point to count the number of passes etc, and all you would get it a voom kick, a bad pass, a worse touch or a hard jam. Nuttin constructive.

St Anthonys will get the award as best dressed for another year…a long sleeve skin tight euro finish top, red black and white, team members also had polos and tracksuits all sponsored by subway.

Compre uniforms looked like they were all XXL and all Compre players were 14 yrs old. All the uniforms were too big and it was jokey seeing the players swimming in them. Compre is not the same team of old, all the players are small, no knock no shape no skill. Molino did not stand out. Neither did any other national team players why……..the level drop off so bad and is only a setta scrap and bad pass….so by extension their game fell off too.

St Anthonys had the breakaway game down pat, but their fwds ent good atall…especially a lil dougla number 7 who feel he good but ent ready. Anthonys had the better of exchanges in the game and used their size and strength to good advantage.
Anthonys have some big youths, tall, strong and clumsy. Muscling off the Compre players who all looked like their diet consisted of Burbon and Pepsi. You could nickname Compre the nashy XI.

Also for this entire game I see only two beat….Two…for the entire game….Where is the “entertainment” that colleges league is known for?

Molino when the game was 3-0 took a ball and waltzed past 3 players in the box to slap home and a St. Anthonys fwd took on two men on a breakway hitting a Compre youth a spanner tru he legs and after collecting it..belt the onrushing defender. Dais it for entertainment. Nuttin else, no fan, no push past, no inch beat, no drag, no cyap. Nuttin…like the youths now dont even know how to beat or run past a man.

I get so vex watching bad pass, mistimed tackle, cyar trap…I pull out my phone and start to play game yes. Is only after a while I ketch mehself and say…but you could play game anywhere for free…yuh pay money to watch this…at least try to get some value.

So I rock back and tried to watch the rest of the game.

When the second game started I say alright…My alma mater, lewwe see them do it.

Boy more of the same yes.

I first get worried bout Fatima when I saw the size of the keeper….the Youth might be good, but he is about the same height as the corner flag. It is the same fella who deputised when Foncette was out last season, but a whole yr pass and you ent grow. Other than that I see Knox, I see De Freitas, I see the Youth in the back I say right they go be safe….safe where?

Both Malick and Fatima were big in size,they had structure and they had a game plan. Both teams knocking the ball, trying one two etc. Fatima was living in Malick half but not doing anything with the possession. They come like arsenal third XI on a bad day. Knocking playing the ball reach in the area…cross to nobody, bad pass, a fall down or a mistrap and so it went whole game.

Not a beat pass in the first half..malick ent get a shot on goal, Knox and defreitas look ordinary but playing a brand of friend football in the corner.

0-0 at the half.

Second half Fatima all over Malick, but malick holding firm defending good and playing the ball long up the flank.

It was then the only beat I see of the game expertly done by the Malick right back a youth with a plaits who was the player of the game for me. Keeper rolls out the ball and the Fatima Fwd come biting in a full speed…”Plaits” fakes like he kicking it long
and then rolls the ball with the sole of his foot thru the Fatima player legs. The Fatima youth back dun twist and when Plaits collect it on the other side belt him and rest the man on he bumsee……What made it worse is that Plaits was at walking speed, calm and effortless.

Then Malick played a excellent long tru ball on the carpet and the Fatima last stopper jess couldnt ketch the Malick fwd. One V One with the keeper…who did the correct thing coming out and covering the angle but the shot is taken and the keeper gets it “tru his legs”…Malick 1, Fatima 0

It was about 65 minutes gorn and I say yuh see me…I had enough of this…friday evening after a hard week of work is to enjoy oneself not take torture.

I just couldnt see Fatima scoring any goal….certain players pulling stones,roast, begging for a sub and the coach pulling everybody except them off. I does just cyar understand, when a man having a bad game or clearly out of depth why you would not fix the problem….why hope that he go snap out of it and handle heself all of a sudden, when he done get blow past umpteen times.

Now dont be fooled eh…bad pass, poor trap, no beat, cross to nobody, voom kick was going on right tru in this game as well. But Malick didnt have nuttin going fwd, Fatima playing most of the ball in Malick half and I just was fed up from watching two pullstones games one after the other.

So I headed to the Hilton for a bram called “Cocktails” to relax and unwind.

It only when I there a man text me….yuh side get lix..ha ha. So I ent thinking nuttin……. I see when we collect a goal so I say the game is 1-0…. is only when I watch Kaiser post jest now I understand what he as talking bout.

Forumites, as I say..SSFL is a big disappointment and let down. I ent puttin no effort to watch no game in a hurry because it is not worth it, financially, time wise, emotionally or in terms of entertainment value. I may go and see the St. Anthonys match or the QRC one but I taking a rest till intercol.

On a serious note, SSFL cyar develop nobody to play football in the present state that it is in. Current players have said it and results on the intl scene is proof of that. We need to have something else in terms of youth development.

All good players should be affiliated with clubs and play in the junior club leagues, keeping the best talent together and competitive.

Till next time.

Well the Gold Cup is over but it ended on a relatively high note. The team fought well and played their best game of the tournament. Inexperience again counted as Dwayne Jack was sent off in the first half and left TnT with the tough task of putting 2 past Guatemala with a man disadvantage.

Despite the loss TnT looked good and Trent Noel hit the woodwork near the end of the first half. As TnT pressed more in the second half Guatemala had more opportunities on the break and after threatening twice with disallowed goals they finally scored with less than 10 minutes to go. TnT then came back with a late goal by Mc Farlane, who also had a chance to score a winner at the death.

That is the game, in a nutshell, as I saw it. I must admit that I didn?��Ǩ�Ѣt see the entire thing as there were several WN related things to be done on matchday.

The turnout was good with two sections of fans supporting the Soca Warriors on opposite ends of the Stadium dwarfed by a sea of Guatemalans. There were easily about 25 to 30 times as many Guatemalans as TnT fans present and they made themselves heard until Mc Farlane silenced them late on. It would be nice if one day we get that kind of support for a TnT match, that is not at the World Cup.

My thanks to all the fans and forum members that came out to make it a fun experience. Plenty forumites went a long way to get non-diehard supporters, many of whom knew nothing about the tournament, to come out to the game and have a good time. I also have to praise the management of Foxboro Stadium and the New England Revolution as they were very accommodating to the WN as hosts. They opened up a section for us, despite our small number and allowed instruments so that we had a decent rhythm section going in one of our sections.

After the game I was lucky enough to attend the press briefing by the coach. He didn?��Ǩ�Ѣt really say anything new. He was pleased with the improvement in the players?��Ǩ�Ѣ passing and positioning but acknowledges that we have far to go. He also believes that as much as you can coach a lot of the development and improvement lies with the players and he used the sending-off as an example of the lessons that we have to learn as individuals that will benefit the team.

As for tactics, we starting with three strikers but Wim conceded that our team cannot play football in the other half of the field. This was not a diss. He merely referred to the fact that we are not as good, as yet, at maintaining possession in attack. He used the breakdown of the play that led to the Guatemalan goal as an example. Although we took a lot of crosses in the 2nd half most of them were not good enough and we are just not there yet. Most importantly for me was the fact that is committed to 2010 and willing to work under trying circumstances.

We also got an update on Noreiga from Shaun Fuentes and that was appreciated. The details are similar to those in the recent press release. I wish the young Warrior the best with his recovery.

At the end of the tournament, as predicted, everybody wonders what would have been if we had Carlos, Jones, Sancho, Jack and company. In a tournament of upsets TnT would have been well-placed to make a splash but it was not to be.

Hopefully the TTFF could stop messing about and do what is best for the football and resolve this dispute and/or just select the best damn players.