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In the build-up to last night’s international friendly, Trinidad and Tobago National Senior Team coach Stephen Hart challenged his players to assert themselves at home and set a standard for football visitors at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
But, in the end, it was the stretcher bearers who saw the most action as the “Soca Warriors” and Nicaragua played to a largely dull goalless draw in Port of Spain.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Hart, who extended his unbeaten run in regulation time to seven games, was happy to look for the positives, though.
“I thought in the first half we were a little bit lethargic,” said Hart, in the post-game press conference. “(But) I was really, really pleased with the second half. I thought we just took over the game and Nicaragua realised that and started to kill the whole rhythm of the game.”
Only Hart would know how much of his positivity was genuine.
In truth, the Warriors had a wonderful opportunity to show their offensive capabilities against organised but limited opponents. And, at best, Nicaragua goalkeeper Justo Lorente looked to be in trouble just twice.
Warrior fans with long memories know what it means to dominate opponents and that was not it.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
There was no doubting the sincerity of Nicaragua coach Henry Duarte’s pleasure with the result, though.
“Four days ago, Trinidad won a very difficult game against Panama,” said Duarte, via a translator. “And they were playing at home…”
Last night was Nicaragua’s ninth game under Duarte, a Costa Rican native, and they have lost just once with six wins against Anguilla (twice), Suriname (twice), Jamaica and Cuba.
“Within a couple of years, Nicaragua will be a team to be reckoned with,” said Duarte.
The Warriors do not have the luxury of time, not where their Russia 2018 World Cup dreams are concerned.
Ironically, if there were disappointed supporters yesterday, it was because the Warriors have made a habit of overachieving when it mattered.
(Courtesy MexSport/CONCACAF)
Yesterday was a reality check. Hart’s troops are still a work in progress. They are spiky, defiant and athletic. But they are not expressive, creative and domineering.
Not yet anyway.
The first blow to the squad’s ego might have been delivered at 7 pm as roughly 2,500 people came out to see the Warriors kick off against Nicaragua. The number of supporters doubled by halftime but, in a venue built to accommodate 22,000 supporters, the attendance still seemed scant respect for the efforts of the young men.
Regardless, the Warriors started brightly and should have scored after just three minutes as playmaker Keron “Ball Pest” Cummings crossed from the left flank for full back Aubrey David whose close range shot was denied by Lorente while Khaleem Hyland and Trevin Caesar both failed to bury the rebound.
But it was a false dawn.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Joevin Jones whistled a free kick narrowly wide, three minutes later, but, largely, the Warriors struggled to get their rhythm against Central American opponents who closed passing lanes quickly.
The boys in red shirts dished out more turnovers than a server at Linda’s Bakery. But Nicaragua had neither the guile nor the explosiveness to capitalise.
Credit is due here to the composure and athleticism of the Trinidad and Tobago back four, which was superbly shielded by midfield ball winner Kevan George. But the football fans had hoped for more against a team that was already eliminated from the World Cup qualifying series, albeit by the most slender of margins against 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup finalists, Jamaica.
Trinidad and Tobago were better in the second half, although it was near impossible to be worse.
“In the second half, when we put the ball on the ground and moved it with a shorter quicker speed and got the wide players involved,” said Hart, “I thought that made all the difference.”
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Yet, chances remained at a premium.
Cummings, who had one of his quietest showings in “Red, Black and White”, hit one presentable chance off the body of captain Kenwyne Jones in the 59th minute. And Cummings opted to go alone in the 62nd minute but only gave Lorente catching practice while the Joneses pleaded for a cross inside the area.
The Nicaraguans were beginning to tire by then and the flow of the game was repeatedly broken by substitutions or players seeking medical attention.
“The amount of times they went down and every time (Trinidad and Tobago referee Keon Yorke) called for the stretcher,” said Hart. “They just killed the second half because they realised it was only a matter of time before we probably scored.”
There was no doubting the seriousness of the Warrior captain’s injury in the 73rd minute, though, as he was stretchered straight into the dressing room after a collision with the opposing goalkeeper. Hart said there will be x-rays on the giant forward’s shinbone to assess the damage.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
“The medical staff is still working on him,” said Hart. “It doesn’t look good… But I don’t want to speculate.”
Jones (K) has scored 33 percent of the Warriors’ goals over the past two years. And, almost certainly, Guatemala would breathe easier if the Cardiff City forward does not travel to Guatemala City for their qualifier on November 13.
Radanfah Abu Bakr got the ball in the back of the net in the 88th minute but his item was immediately ruled out for a foul by defensive partner, Sheldon Bateau, on the opposing goalkeeper, after lively teenaged substitute, Aikim Andrews, had sent a looping header towards the far post.
Andrews created two good shooting opportunities for himself too but failed to hit the target while fellow substitute, Jonathan Glenn, could not reach his incisive low cross in stoppage time.
“It was just one of those games,” said Hart. “I am very pleased with the second half and if we put two halves together the way we played the second half, we will be a difficult team to play against.”
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
It sounded like a generous assessment of a largely uninspiring affair.
“The most important 30 minutes of a manager’s week is his press conference,” former Liverpool manager Gerald Houllier once said, “because it is watched, listened to and read by supporters, directors and players.
“A manager could use it to set a tone that resonated throughout his club.”
The next time Hart sees his players, there will be three World Cup qualifying points at stake. In the interim, supporters and potential sponsors still need to be wooed.
Was Hart reporting what he saw? Or what he wants us to see?
Thus far, Trinidad and Tobago’s competitive record under Hart—eight wins and just one regulation time defeat from 15 outings—suggests a man who knows what he is doing.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Just over a decade ago, the Warriors were stacked with shifty little ball players and swaggering conductors like Russell Latapy, Dwight Yorke, David Nakhid, Arnold Dwarika, Kerwin Jemmott and Aurtis Whitley.
These days, it is the gladiators like Jones (K), Bateau, Hyland, Abu Bakr and Andre Boucaud who set the pace for the Trinidad and Tobago football team.
“For me, pressing is the new number 10,” said Hart, as he explained part of his football philosophy. “If you can press high up the pitch and win the ball, then you don’t have to go far to get chances. And I thought our press was extremely effective (in the second half).”
Movie Towne is just a stone’s throw from the Hasely Crawford Stadium but they might as well exist in parallel universes.
For much of last night, Trinidad and Tobago’s play was as entertaining as watching a construction crew smash rocks. Yet, many impressive buildings started that way.
(Copyright AFP 2014)
Warrior fans will have to trust Hart’s blueprint a bit longer.
(Teams)
Trinidad and Tobago (4-2-3-1): 21.Jan-Michael Williams (GK); 23.Daneil Cyrus, 18.Yohance Marshall (6.Radanfah Abu Bakr 57), 4.Sheldon Bateau, 2.Aubrey David (17.Mekeil Williams 68); 19.Kevan George, 8.Khaleem Hyland; 11.Trevin Caesar (13.Aikim Andrews 78), 20.Keron Cummings (14.Andre Boucaud 67), 3.Joevin Jones; 9.Kenwyne Jones (captain) (7.Jonathan Glenn 73).
Unused substitutes: 1.Marvin Phillip (GK), 10.Willis Plaza, 15.Neveal Hackshaw.
Coach: Stephen Hart
Nicaragua (4-2-3-1): 1.Justo Lorente (GK); 2.Joseue Quijana, 4.Oscar Lopez, 6.Luis Copete (20.Axel Silva 81), 3.Manuel Rosas; 5.Luis Peralta, 8.Marlon Lopez (14.Jason Coronel 86); 7.Carlos Chavarria (15.Carlos Membreno 90), 11.Juan Barrera (captain), 10.Elvis Figueroa (13.Bryan Garcia 68); 9.Raul Legias (18.Eulises Pavon 77).
Unused substitutes: 12.Diedrich Tellez (GK), 16.Daniel Reyes, 17.Erick Javier, 19.Jessie Lopez.
Coach: Henry Duarte
Referee: Keon Yorke
Man of the Match: Kevan George (Trinidad and Tobago)
(Courtesy CONCACAF)
International friendly
(Tuesday October 13)
Trinidad and Tobago 0, Nicaragua 0 at Hasely Crawford Stadium.
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Lasana Liburd is the managing director and chief editor at Wired868.com and a journalist with over 20 years experience at several Trinidad and Tobago and international publications including Play the Game, World Soccer, UK Guardian and the Trinidad Express.
Not yet. Sometimes there is protocol to follow in these matters as some clubs don’t appreciate the health of their players being broadcasted either. But will see what the word is later today.
Concerned about Kenwyn…..any new updates Lassana?
Decent result. Liked hustle up front. Hoping for more sustained ball possession and midfield creativity going forward.
Should we be worried, a lot of us are kenwin biggest critics but with him and hart we have been getting results. That’s sign of a good leader.
With Hart we have been getting the results…..
The performance was spirited we did not concede any goal we looked good at times in transition from defence to attack would have love to see more shots on goal with a wet ball i have faith in our coach who h as been doing a brilliant job so far taught the support could have been better from the crowd as it was to small and as usual we were silent waiting for something to happen not woing on the team like real football fans do i expect all the banwagonist to jump on board full the stadium when the quallifiers start next month all are welcome we need the support so alluh come
We will, but I still glad I din drive all the way to POS last night
I find the team played better wen Kenwyne came off…..
I think the team is almost built to play with Kenwyne. So I don’t think they are better off without him at all.
Help me to appreciate what you mean by “almost built to play with Ken”
Direct and long whenever possible with particular attention to crosses and set pieces.
Ihu on that, but that game plan lacks….he is so dam big and lazy, his ball controll and first touch is poor, his decision makin wen he has the ball lacks….but I agree he is a beast in the air….but is that sufficient to demand a starting place ? The game quickens up when he not on…
Kenwyne has 14 goals in his last 25 games for Trinidad and Tobago. If that doesn’t justify his starting position, then I don’t know what will.
You have to take those 14 goals in context….for eg. Stern had an impressive strike rate fir TnT as oppose to Dwight as well as many other int’l for their country….but if his overall game is satisfactory for Lasana Liburd, I take note….
His goal scoring ratio is not truly reflective of his performances!
I agree that your scoring rate isn’t always reflective of your performances. But it reflects your effectiveness where it counts though.
Trinidad and Tobago just doesn’t have many offensive weapons to scare opposing teams anymore. Kenwyne Jones with his gigantic frame is one.
I wish he did more. But what he does helps.
I thought the game wasn’t of the best quality. Nicaragua looked horrible they have work to do on the free kicks. The official seemed to be fooled by the Nicaraguans more often than not. T&T isn’t a bad team. I like J. Jones and Kevan George.
It’s a credit to Kevan George that he can give consistent quality performances for the national team despite the lack of playing time at his club. On that note, I wonder what Jonathan Glenn and Trevin Caesar will be doing over the next month since their leagues have ended?
Very good question. God forbid we have Kenwyne injured too. But chances are he would have recovered by then.
Kevan really brings one thing only to the team though. He isn’t very good with the ball on his feet. But he breaks things up for fun.
Breaking up plays is definitely needed. See how our wing backs were heavily exposed by Panama in the second half?
I thought Gavin Hoyte was badly exposed in the first half too. Thankfully we have central defenders with some aerial ability and solid goalkeepers.
Joevin is sometimes slow to help out too. That’s one thing I appreciate Cato for because he works hard.
Also we need the clock to do a bit more than show the score and the flag. It needs to be updated with substitutions and injury time.
Last night I swore the visitors watch the grass and saw a pool. Smh. However, while we had greater ball possession and played better than the visitors, we have work to do. We need tighter ball possession and passing, more creativity and we need that killer instinct to finish. I saw times when the person with the ball could have taken a shot. Instead they turning around looking to pass. I saw the ball cross the face of the goal and nobody was there to lend a head, chest or foot to tip it into the net. Maybe I watch too much BPL or UEFA football but I expect the Soca Warriors to do better. Nicaragua looked like the lesser team last night yet we couldn’t finish. The one goal in the 88th felt like we pull real teeth to get it then it was disallowed. I also felt like we only woke up at the 90th minute.
Any updates on Kenwyne?
Shin injury…not broken but he’s in a lot of pain!
Thanks Cherisse Moe. Good thing it isn’t broken. And that is definitely a painful area.
Yh…he said he was kicked when he fell which made it worse. He went hospital last night. Got a morphine shot..His shin is banded up. He’s on crutches n in real pain..
I was looking forward to this article to hear your thoughts on the game lol
Did you watch it?
I went…I wanted to hear your take on things
I still think d team need a goal scoring player other than Cummings and jones…Joevin and Caesar can do damage but there is no one on the penalty spot to apply that clinical touch
I though that Abu Bakr and Aikim brought good energy in the 2nd half but the opposition kept breaking up the play with some questionable injuries and cramping
Not a good result from the standpoint that 1. Nicaragua is ranked 95th, 2. We were at home, needing to give the local fans a taste of the rhythm and momentum that we have shown in our play abroad and, 3. We failed to grip into what Hart had summoned when he addressed the need to establish and communicate home-ground Warrior resolve and vanguard mentality to all up-coming not, “visitors” but, eager and calculating predators. There might be a very small positive-takeaway in that we have some reality checking to do based on this “fall” – as we have come to know, we learn more and best from the disappointments of not achieving what we expect, especially the ones that seem more ready to accomplish. A small other positive is, Nicaragua has had substantial results undefeated in six of seven immediately preceding games that included Jamaica in Jamaica, and, Cuba, two formidable T&T rivals. My closing thought is that given our away performances and results, we could take some solace in the up-coming Qualifying game at Guatemala on November 13 – even when we know they are going to be positively charged. Further, we must pay gripping attention to the fact that our next game, 4 days thereafter, is against our nemesis, the US, in T&T (not proven to be an advantage as it is with formidable teams) and who, themselves, are needing to reestablish their “supremacy” under a near-narcissist coach. The US needs to play better, get better results and, an opening home game to their 2018 Qualification campaign against, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and away to somewhat-struggling, home-playing T&T, may be seen as providing the best start to their Qualification bid.
Thanks for the write-up. Wow, look how much KJ change from the Bahrain game to last night. His legs alone look like they double in size.