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The Trinidad and Tobago national football team gave a decent account of itself this evening at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. But, predictably, it was not enough to earn a result against one of the world’s top teams as the “Soca Warriors” fell 3-0 to Argentina in an international friendly.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi, the first man to be named World Player of the Year on four occasions and still just 26 years old, played for the full 90 minutes but, despite one effort against the post, the Barcelona star failed to beat Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams.
(Copyright AFP 2014/ Juan Mabromata)
The Warriors held Argentina scoreless for the first 44 minutes of the match and twice threatened to take the lead themselves through captain Kenwyne Jones. But the host team eventually got the goals that their ball possession merited as striker Rodrigo Palacio scored a powerful header in the closing seconds of the first half and midfield hardman Javier Mascherano and substitute Maxi Rodriguez completed the score summary in the second half.
“I think there was a definite difference in the quality of the two teams,” said Warriors coach Stephen Hart, in the post-match press conference. “But certainly there were some aspects of our game that showed some positive signs and there are some things we can take from this game.
“The speed of which Argentina did everything, not just in how they possess the ball and how they took advantage of our errors but the speed in which the forced us to play. They forced us into making a lot of errors…
“It’s important for us as nation, for our footballers, at very level, from a youth level and not only when you reach senior, to play teams of this quality because they force you to concentrate for the full game and the intensity at which they do things creates a faster playing environment.”
In truth, neither team was near to its best in a match that looked similar to a pre-season fixture at times.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Argentina was wasteful in front of the opposing goal and misplaced several crosses from advanced areas. Although coach Alejandro Sabella, who is set to make his debut in a FIFA World Cup, might have reasonably pleased with his team’s mammoth share of ball possession—ESPN recorded it at 69 percent for the host team—and the timely offensive surges of Real Madrid midfielder Angel Di Maria, who was Argentina’s most dangerous attacking player.
At the other end, Hart was pleased with his team’s tactical discipline and effort although the tourists were erratic passers in the opposing end of the field and failed to take advantage of several set pieces.
“Quite frankly the ball was another opponent tonight as we were unable to possess it as we should,” said Hart. “I told the players that we kept our shape well. We didn’t make it easy for Argentina. That is something I was pleased with.
“But when we won the ball we did not possess it well and mount any serious attacks. We can do better than that.”
Argentina might have gone ahead in the ninth minute when Messi failed to hit the target from inside the area after good approach play from Di Maria and PSG attacker Ezequel Lavezzi. And, 12 minutes later, Lavezzi drove into the side netting following a long ball from central defender Federico Fernandez.
But Trinidad and Tobago tightened up thereafter and created some chances themselves through enterprising wing play from European-based players Lester Peltier and the tireless Sheldon Bateau.
(Copyright AFP 2014/ Juan Mabromata)
At the 22nd minute mark, the Warriors had registered two corners to one. And they could have made a more telling mark on the match as Central FC playmaker Ataullah Guerra, who set Twitter ablaze by bowing to Messi before kick off, twice undressed the Argentine defence with clever passes to Jones.
On both occasions, the Cardiff City striker was undone by well-timed lunges from Argentian defenders Hugo Campagnaro and Martin Dimichelis respectively.
Messi had taken over centre stage by then with his dazzling shimmies, bursts into space and clever passes and Trinidad and Tobago’s combative midfield pair of Andre Boucaud and Khaleem Hyland were both booked for challenges on the maestro. Although in Hyland’s case, the caution seemed a touch harsh.
Argentina was getting closer and Bateau inadvertently hit a cross against his own bar in the 41st minute and then watched Palacio head the rebound wide from six yards. And an outstanding piece of defending from Yohance Marshall, another Central player, in first half stoppage time gave the Warriors renewed hope of getting to the interval without conceding.
Di Maria tore away in the Trinidad and Tobago box and squared the box for Messi to tap home from two yards out. Marshall, an expert reader of the game, recovered to poke the ball away for a corner as the stunned Argentines covered their mouths in amazement.
Cruelly, Palacio scored from the resulting Di Maria corner kick with a powerful header that Williams got a hand to but could not keep out. Arguably, Bateau failed to get close enough to the 32-year-old Inter Milan attacker, who celebrated his third international goal in his 22nd outing for Argentina. All three of Palacio’s goals came at the Estadio Monumental.
(Copyright AFP 2014/ Juan Mabromata)
Five minutes into the second half, Argentina doubled its lead as Messi dusted himself off after being wrestled to the ground by Carlyle Mitchell and spanked a free kick off the upright, which Mascherano prodded home from close range.
Mascherano’s last goal for Argentina came seven years ago and he celebrated with genuine enthusiasm.
Argentina completed its score summary in the 64th minute as Palacio sprinted into space behind Marshall and rounded Williams before teeing up Rodriguez for a straightforward finish.
“We conceded two goals sloppily,” said Hart. “We should have attacked the ball for the first goal. The second one was a well-played free kick and there was not much you can do about that
“I would have liked to see them put under some more pressure with better ball possession and moving the ball shorter and quicker. We were not able to do that and that’s because of the quality of Argentina.
“When they got possession they knew how the slow the game down and then speed the play up and what was really impressive was their counter attack and their transition.”
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Hart made five second half changes including 23-year-old England born defender Gavin Hoyte who made his debut alongside 29-year-old brother Justin. It is the first time that brothers have played together for the Trinidad and Tobago senior team in this millennium.
But the Warriors could make no further mark on the game as Argentina completed a triumph that was comfortable without being leisurely.
(Teams)
Argentina (4-2-1-3): 1.Sergio Romero (GK); 3.Hugo Campagnaro, 15.Martin Dimichelis (23.Jose Basanta 46), 17.Federico Fernandez, 16.Marcos Rojas; 14.Javier Mascherano (19.Ricardo Alvarez 69), 5.Fernando Gago (6.Lucas Biglia 46); 7.Angel Di Maria (8.Enzo Perez 62); 18.Rodrigo Palacio (13.Augusto Fernandez 76), 10.Lionel Messi (captain), 22.Ezequiel Lavezzi (11.Maxi Rodriguez 55).
Unused substitutes: 21.Mariano Andujar, 12.Agustin Orion, 4.Pablo Zabaleta, 9.Gonzalo Higuain, 20.Sergio Agüero.
Coach: Alejandro Sabella
Trinidad and Tobago (4-4-1-1): 21.Jan-Michael Williams (GK); 2.Justin Hoyte, 19.Carlyle Mitchell (17.Gavin Hoyte 71), 12.Yohance Marshall, 4.Sheldon Bateau; 23.Lester Peltier, 8.Khaleem Hyland, 14.Andre Boucaud (5.Kevan George 70), 3.Joevin Jones (13.Rundell Winchester 85); 7.Ataullah Guerra (10.Kevin Molino 59); 9.Kenwyne Jones (captain) (11.Willis Plaza 76).
Unused substitutes: 21.Marvin Phillip, 6.Radanfah Abu Bakr, 15.Curtis Gonzales, 16.Marcus Joseph, 18.Densill Theobald, 20.Trevin Caesar.
Coach: Stephen Hart
International Friendly
(June 4)
Argentina 3 (Rodrigo Palacio 45, Javier Mascherano 50, Maxi Rodriguez 64), Trinidad and Tobago 0 at Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires
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All that you say is true. But remember the gulf in class here. I think there is still something to be pleased about when we can threaten a team of Argentine’s stature once or twice and make them work for their win, even though they were clearly better.
The match against Romania last year was embarrassing. I didn’t feel that way this time.
Would have liked to see a bit more of Kevin Molino
I thought Guerra’s passing was better than Gago’s and Bateau overlapped more effectively than his Argentine counterparts. We were outclassed. But I don’t think we harmed our chances of more big matches.
And players like Bateau, Hyland, Boucaud, Peltier, Guerra and Mitchell showed some individual flashes that might have caught someone’s attention.
i honestly felt in attack we could have offered more, Argentina are not renowned for their defending and also too I really felt our defending at times where kamikaze and if they were on their “A” game we easily could’ve shipped in 6 goals (5 at least) so I am not too sure how much we really have improved #justsaying
I saw the second half…I heard the first was better..but what I saw defensively was the same thing I’ve been seeing for years…not pro active, when it comes to marking. We are always 2 steps behind. The midfield not connecting with the defense and attack . now I don’t expect them to beat Argentina I wasnt even bothered a out the score but the way we play is what I was Interested in was mastering the basics.. Even the 3rd goal got me pissed. The defender could have stop the attacker from squaring back the ball , knowing your keeper was out…
We all knw wat wld happen
See Sheldon I thought they tried to keep it. The quality wasn’t there. And if you have a target man like Kenwin. Why not sometimes use him
tnt try their best
Yea the keeping of the ball must be better and not use the long ball as an escape all the time
You can see the class in younger Hoyte. Best technically. I think he can play in front if the back four. We have to be more clinical in front if Goal. Any chance produce never had an end product. For the most part the boys played well knowing we playing possibly the best player on the planet. Yes Argentina had goals to had but they didn’t score it. Our keeping must be better. He should have saved the first goal. This was a well respected result. Not now let’s get this level of concentration defensively in the Caribbean cup and win a spot in the Copa America in 2016
I still believe K Jones isn’t the man for that attacking position but we did well
Yohance Marshall will be telling his future genrations about that recovery run and clearance of Messi’s foot, haha !
Yeah. Normally we would have about six of those errors per game. We are tightening up I think. I felt we looked better than we did against Romania last year for instance.
Mark…are you joking or serious about this 20 days to full fitness ?
I find Boucaud and Hyland played relatively well in the midfield… questionable to leave out the most inform player Molino from the starting 11…
I thought it was a valiant performance. Just disappointed in that first goal.The timing of that goal made the game easier for Argentina. If any area we should have had at least a slight edge on Argentina may have been aerially but as Curtis said earlier, “marking”.
Yes. Bateau did well. I look forward to seeing him play in his true position in central defence. I think Peltier is so close. If he just improves his delivery, he can be a top flight player. Trinidad and Tobago’s best moments were when Guerra got on the ball though.
He had a very average season for Central. But good to see him show a glimpse of what he can do at that level. Remember who these guys were playing against too.
I thought Andre Boucaud was overplaying at times and Lester Peltier’s crossing still needs work. But then Argentina is a week away from the World Cup and we just got squad together for this game, so I didn’t expect T&T to be razor sharp.
I won’t say the boys were brilliant. But I thought they played well and even showed Argentina some things they need to work on at the flanks.
Remember Jan was instrumental in Trinidad and Tobago getting out of the group in the Gold Cup. Yes, you hope when your keeper gets a hand to the ball he will keep it out.
But at this level, when a man gets a free header from that distance you expect him to score.
Maybe Jan should have done better. But that goal was a defensive lapse for me more than a goalkeeping error.
To me Bateau was one of our better players tonight and see a bright future for him
Of course he did not get on the ball much.
The passing isn’t going to be razor sharp without match fitness. I thought Guerra’s passing was better than a lot of players on both teams. Those were two good passes for Kenwyne.
I back argentina and france for the world cup and I will tell you the argentine press is going to have a go at coach Sabella tomorrow for that shabby display..and T&T must be given some credit for that..but allyuh choose to see only the negative in T&T play
Lol if you say so!!!
The T&T team wouldn’t be in peak condition now. Especially with players who barely any games this year.
The only players who on the field that supposed to be fully match fit are Khaleem Hyland and Andre Boucaud and even they play on a lower level to the Argentines.
I thought T&T gave a good account but was outclassed by a much better team.
soldier just support the thing from the ground up..before allyuh jump to bad talk the coach and the players..is the same set of allyuh said we getting 5 and 6 from Sweden and England and Paraguay and then allyuh in d blasted street jumping up for a 0-0 draw and 1-0 loss
What was disappointing to me is the fact that we haven’t improve in marking and creativity …it was so dull ..I didn’t expect us to win but geez man… Where are the skillful players we claim to have?
Ok gr8 go see pro league games and any player would get better then.
I watched the match at a venue where two BIG ASS GRown men tell me that Gally Cummings is a BETTER Coach that LEO BEENHAKKER..I swear they had to be talking about ALpha Betta and Gamma yes
The score could have been worse. Yes. But that is football. Trinidad and Tobago had two good chances to take the lead as well.
Argentina was much better than Trinidad and Tobago. But there is no shame in that once you make them work for the result. And I don’t think it was gifted to them.
T&T made me proud they were quite discipline in most parts of the game… the eagerness got to them in some spells but they were defensively and organized good….
I thought we played very well in the first half and had it not been for the error maybe we would have had a better second half.
Allyuh have all the answers now and would not go watch a pro league match and see allyuh own local players…ALLYUH Please GIVE ME A FAT CHANCE…That’s as best as I can say it without being offensive
Of course we want our team to do well and there is room for improvement. Their passing was not good enough and their set pieces were substandard too.
But that does not mean they were rubbish. The reason why the match never really looked like a shooting gallery is because our positional play was good, for instance.
They did not fly into tackles. And although they were outplayed, I did not think they were overawed.
liburd u wasting time to answer Ignacio…my friend…whats he expects when the 7th ranked world team that is a world cup favourite and including the four-time player of the year plays a small time as we are considered…
Nigel That wouldn’t help Jan Michael Williams he hasn’t improved still making simple mistakes.
Lol
It takes 20 days to achieve full fitness as a footballer running on his own and training. Players looked tired in the 2nd half that was poor.
Philip Ignacio SC, did you think the team crumbled?
If not, then I think defiant is a fair assessment of a game in enemy territory against a side that is much higher up the FIFA ladder and halfway through its preparation for a World Cup.
In fact the possession was reported at 69 percent against 31 so the 80 versus 20 assessment is quite generous to Argentina.
Heard when the game was over soca warriors fought over who would get the number 10 t-shirt. They took his boxers, down to his shoe lace. When they were finished with poor Messi he was naked.
Good fete match T&T. Good training ground scrimmage Argentina.
all d critics here should go and support the T&T pro league when the players are in action and then judge
Jan Michael Williams for me has always been suspect!! If he is our only hope well sad to say we’ve loads of problems in our last man in defense.
Honestly – the performance by TNT was better than I anticipated. I saw some promise – some intent – potential. A few players were a bit sloppy with the ball, but we did not look out of place. We even had a couple solid chances. I think Hart is doing a good job instilling some structure, organization, and confidence in the team. I like what I’m seeing. We need to start scorching the earth for a few more talented players with Trini linkages. I think we’re on the rise after hitting rock bottom a few years ago.
Come of guys and gals, this was a friendly. However, we have a LOT of work to do. The Argentinians, I agree, were graceful and I believe the score could have been higher, probably 6-0! Secondly, we have to be careful when we provide feedback! Our feedback must be constructive criticism NOT flamboyant descriptors just to make our players feel good about themselves. Nothing helps performance improvement more than genuine honest constructive feedback… We have to learn to call a spade a spade, or else our sportsmen and women will be forever chasing the champions.
Any reports on the rhythm section though?
#toughluck
I think that the Argies were graceful in the second half. We were ok. We still don’t understand hustle though.
That was the score line I predicted. The gulf in class showed and we did make some mistakes, but for a team with with a ranking as low as ours we did hold our own against a top ten side.
We could have done better but I would take this score line and move on. Hats of TT much to build on.
Lasana you are my friend, did you say defiant! Sorry friend they were outplayed outmanned, out coached yes they were outed my friend 3 – zip did not even come close! What was the possession percentage I would say Argentina 80% T&T Maybe 20% and I am being generous I guess Mangos bribe of $1000 US a goal is safe. So we need to get back to the drawing board my friend! Oh by the way if that is the Argentina team that they are taking to the World Cup they are in trouble with their suspect back line. Ah done talk. Comments anyone! Earl Mango Pierre you there?