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The Trinidad and Tobago National Senior Team began life under new coach Dennis Lawrence with a 2-0 win over Barbados tonight, after a double by substitute Jamille Boatswain at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.
The result snapped a run of three successive defeats on home soil by the Soca Warriors, who lost 2-0 to Costa Rica in World Cup qualifying action last November under Stephen Hart and then suffered back-to-back losses to Suriname and Haiti in the Caribbean Cup in January.
Boatswain scored both goals in a 2-0 win for T&T.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
Boatswain, a Defence Force striker, was the biggest winner on the night although he ended with a rare statistical anomaly. He came off the bench to score twice before he was also replaced, midway through the second half.
Since he did not remain on the field as a substitute, FIFA rules do not credit him with a cap. So, he might be the only player in international football with two goals to his name despite not being credited with a single appearance!
Lawrence explained afterwards that he decided on sharing the 90 minutes evenly between Jameel Perry, Boatswain and Roach. So the shortened run-outs for the trio were not an indictment of the performance of any of them.
If this unnecessarily complicated the matter of Boatswain’s first international outing, there was little else to worry the rookie Trinidad and Tobago head coach.
The “Bajan Tridents” are ranked 156th in the world by FIFA—some 72 places lower than Trinidad and Tobago. They hustled and gave as good a showing as could be expected. But Warriors goalkeeper Marvin Phillip, who wore the captain’s armband, had just one save to make over the 90 minutes and it was a regulation catch.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
Almost certainly, tonight’s workout would barely register as a test for a backline that faces Panama and Mexico next in World Cup qualifying action on 24 and 28 March respectively.
Still, there were encouraging signs for football fans as Lawrence’s team gave an early indication of their ethos with their efforts to keep the ball and attack in numbers, which was chalk and cheese from the timid, reactionary approach of his predecessor, Tom Saintfiet.
The Warriors played a 4-2-3-1 formation, which saw the full backs hug the touchline and the central defenders play as wide as the width of the penalty area while either of two holding central midfielders dropped into the space on occasion.
It was a near replication of W Connection’s system and certainly made sense of Lawrence’s decision to name Stuart Charles-Fevrier among his assistants. It was hard, though, to spot Fevrier on the bench, which could not hold the 11 technical staff members plus players—and there were five additional chairs for the spillover.
“Like Lawrence need to buy a bigger bench, boi!” shouted one member of the crowd.
Lawrence was without assistant coach Stern John, who lost his daughter, Nikela, to a tragic mishap on the eve of the game.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
Gone are the days when former head coach Stephen Hart had to choose between a masseuse and a team manager for overseas trips. And Lawrence’s bench was not even at full strength as an assistant coach, Stern John, was given the night off after the untimely death of his 19-year-old daughter, Nikela, roughly 24 hours earlier.
There was a moment’s silence for Nikela before the opening whistle.
On the field, the shackles appeared to be off as the Warriors were far more adventurous in their approach. And Lawrence certainly asked a lot of his full backs who were expected to be as comfortable on the ball as wingers.
Apart from Boatswain, midfield maestro Hughtun Hector and versatile defender Triston Hodge—who switched from left back to central defender without skipping a beat—looked the most comfortable with their new job descriptions.
Elsewhere, there was plenty of application and a few flashes of endeavour as the likes of Hashim Arcia, Darren Mitchell and Sean De Silva battled manfully.
Time will tell if having a midfielder drop between his two central defenders to collect the ball is a feasible plan under a typical Mexican full press. But against Barbados, there was little cause for concern.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
By the 10th minute, the Warriors were already in control and it was a surprise that they had to wait as long as the 36th minute for the opening goal.
Off a De Silva corner kick, Daneil Cyrus, restored to his favored role in central defence, almost got the first item in the 22nd minute with a header that clipped the top of the bar. And then Perry missed the first clear opportunity as he hit agonisingly wide after being sent clear by Arcia.
It spoiled a decent debut for Perry, who got around the pitch and held up the ball fairly well.
Boatswain is a more natural goalscorer, though, and boy did he prove it. Within seconds of his introduction, the bustling forward ran on to a diagonal ball from Mitchell, stepped inside off the left flank, stumbled and recovered his poise to blast into the far corner off the underside of the bar.
It was a replay of his sensational Pro Bowl strike against Central FC just last month.
As if that was not enough, Boatswain gave an encore in the first-half stoppage time. This time, Arcia released him down the other channel.
T&T won 2-0 on two goals from substitute forward Jamille Boatswain.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
Bang! He spanked the ball low across the body of the Barbadian goalkeeper and into the far corner off the inside of the post.
At halftime, the crowd rose to its feet to offer a standing ovation to the striker whose knack of scoring goals earned him promotion from table-proppers Point Fortin Civic to the Warriors—via Defence Force—in a matter of two and a half months.
Leston Paul gave a decent showing off the bench in the second half while De Silva struck an upright and Jomoul Francois nearly got a late debut goal. But it was job done for the Warriors at the final whistle.
A two-goal win over Barbados might be two or three items under par. And the jury is still out on whether Trinidad and Tobago have the players with the necessary technique to implement Lawrence’s tactics against more accomplished opponents.
But, for the 3,000 supporters who turned out, it was the most fun they have had at a Warriors game in some time.
(Teams)
Trinidad and Tobago (4-2-3-1): 1.Marvin Phillip (GK) (captain); 2.Alvin Jones, 5.Daneil Cyrus (16.Jesus Perez 51), 4.Curtis Gonzales, 3.Tristan Hodge, 8.Jared London (12.Leston Paul 46), 6.Hughtun Hector, 11.Darren Mitchell (17.Jomoul Francois 83), 10.Hashim Arcia (15.Keron Cummings 71), 7.Sean De Silva (20.Carlos Edwards 76), 9.Jameel Perry (13.Jamille Boatswain 33 [14.Akeem Roach 62).
Unused substitutes: 21.Glenroy Samuel (GK), 18.Maurice Ford, 19.Taryk Sampson.
Coach: Dennis Lawrence
Barbados (4-2-2-2): 22.Dario Weir (GK) (1.Kishmar Primus 75); 4.Akeene Browne, 2.Ranaldo Bailey, 3.Teriq Highland, 5.Alvin Chapman; 6.Mario Williams (14.Sheran Hoyte 75), 9.Omani Leacock (15.Raheim Sarjaent 46); 7.Haydan Holligan (13.Darico King 78), 11.Shaquille Boyce (16.Jomo Harris 46), 8.Romario Harewood (12.Armando Lashley 65), 10.Arantees Lawrence (captain).
Unused substitute: 17.Akeene Hill.
Coach: Collin Harewood
Referee: Crystal Sobers
Trinidad and Tobago won 2-0.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
International friendly
(Friday 10 March 2017)
Trinidad and Tobago 2 (Jamille Boatswain 36, 45), Barbados 0 at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva.
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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.
Tickets for the 2018 World Cup ??⚽️qualifiers T&T Soca Warriors ?? vs Panama ?? (24th March) and Mexico ?? (28th March) available at all Lotto outlets nationwide . Early bird sale ends March 17th – Covered stands $300. Uncovered stands $160.
March 18th to match day – Cov $350 Uncov $200.
Support YOUR Warriors and new coach and national hero Dennis Lawrence.
#warriorstimeisnow #Russia2018
I tell yuh d man bad
Patricia, clearly the referee’s mind was somewhere else there. No other explanation.
Lasana, help mih out. What really happened with the referee at min 3:56 – 3:57? That’s when the keeper appears to have brought down the player. I’m just wondering if I missed something and that’s why he wasn’t carded or a free kick awarded. That one real confused me Friday night and watching the footage now, I’m even more confused……
Well Done Guys!!!! 🙂 Dennis Lawrence off to a great beginning, hope this will continue.
Shaquille Ferrier yuh boi getting bad for club and country boi
Grateful for the win, but we still look sloppy with our ball control and passing, still playing like it’s a fete match.
This was a good showing. The team played with structure and more purpose when compared to early January. I wish we can get another friendly before the 24th against an opposition like Venezuela or El Salvador
Looked good in general .. agree that we seemed to be trying to definitely execute the coach’s philosophy of playing out from the back and passing the ball in tight triangles … with supporting runs of the ball… I think this augurs well for the future, if the coach is given a fair run, even if the immediate agenda is not achieved… !
Only now commenting as FLOW cable/internet has been down since yesterday ? thank God for wi-fi at office…I have to say even taking the opposition into account I was impressed by last night’s performance. As Lasana said it’s whether we can play this way vs Panama and Mexico. To me Boatswain is the real deal an out and out goal scorer and I’m excited to see him link up with Levi with service from Molino…In the back my main concern is right-back Cyrus is definitely better suited at Central defence but if Hoyte isn’t available who do we put? My one complaint is Marvin Phillips could have been rested in this game or at least subbed at the half and let Glenroy get his chance….I heard that there may be another warm-up next week which is an excellent idea…Why don’t we play Venezuela more often? They are close by and their style is similar to our Central American opponents and they have so many of them living here now we might even be outnumbered at home if we do play them ☺
Cyrus played central defence last night though Brian. I don’t know if he will be moved back to right back. I don’t think so. I agree on Glenroy. But maybe he didn’t show enough in training.
As for Venezuela, serious teams aren’t available to play with two weeks notice. Lol.
I would settle for the top Venezuela CLUB team Lasana the MORE often we play vs that style the better.
El Salvador was on the hunt for friendlies. Saw they are playing Curacao.
If El Salvador was available that would have been a good catch. Must saw I’m not a fan of games against club teams Brian. Although I take your point.
I like ur point on jameel, he is a real poacher and has good pace. He brings something we have been lacking up front. A striker to run at the defense.
Interestingly enough in El Salvador they are all pissed off cause they scheduled a friendly here in Houston El Salvador vs Olympia of Honduras
That would be Jamille and not Jameel, Lucas. Jameel’s qualities are different.
I stand corrected. Lol. But i glad for him. But i hope lawrence introduce competition for places. Thats also something been lacking
Boatswain main striker fuh t&t
TT suppose to beat Barbados… no news there
To me the team had a good showing what I notice they were passing the ball the center defenders were passing the ball out from the back rarely hey played a long ball even the keeper was throwing the ball short to one of the stoppers only problem was in second half they jus passed and passed and. BAck to the keeper when they clda attack Barbados more and jus to speed up their play but as I’ve seen I can see Dennis have some quality
Yeah. We will have to play faster for one. But I suppose it is early days.
The other thing is that we have to see how our new defensive shape holds up to rigorous pressure. But we definitely look better on the ball.
Although it might be a risk for our two central defenders to spend so much time on the ball. Hope they are more like Pique and less like Jon Stones.
Yea lol he also had hector dropping deep to collect the ball and distribute so I guess Boucard might take that role
Yeah. But unless it is Dwight Yorke, Pirlo or Busquets, I’m afraid to see our playmaker drop so deep to be honest. Lol.
Curious to see how we adjust for the bigger teams.
Yip awaiting that squad for the 24 and 28 when will that be name shld be by this weekend coming here right
Time will tell and against the likes of Mexico and Panama we will truly see a true test of the team’s capabilities. But all for now i credit Lawrence with trying to change our playing style. For years i thought our football was to one dimensional. I hope he finds a good mix in local and foreign based.
I’d agree that we have been one dimensional for some time. But another description of our previous style would be “pragmatic”.
So we would have to see the defensive shape of Lawrence’s team to have a better idea of its potential. Definitely looks more expansive going forward.
Going forward wasnt always our problem, i think our midfield’s ability to retain and keep possession was always a root cause. So u find most of the time out of the 90 mins we spend 80 defending. So until we get a midfield to hold it and relieve some pressure on our defenders we’re forever gonna play one way. But going foward we have some enterprising players. Better we play like barca, when u aint have a top defense outscore ur opponents. Lol.
Hahaha. But where is our Suarez or Messi that can sniff out goals at this level? Or Stern John?
I think we have a solid defensive sharp largely and threatened on set pieces or on the break. That worked more times than not.
Our true test of ball retention comes when we are actually playing under pressure though. Not against Barbados. We kept the ball just fine last year when we were whipping Dominican Republic, for instance.
If we CAN keep the ball better at Hex level, then that would definitely be a very positive step once we don’t lose our defensive organisation.
If it was up to me I’d try this trio up top built on speed: Molino, Britto, Garcia (also have Winchester and Jomal)
Lol. Something will take place. With an average striker and a good midfield things could happen. But as u said, once we can keep our defensive shape and stay disciplined we can play some good football. But all for now we can only hope.
Simone Ghirlanda what about if we use molino as a false 9 and garcia and Jones (joevin) out on d wings?
I think Britto is a good box player and he is in excellent form and he is playing in Central America, that is the competition for the most part in the Hex. He is the Trini Carlos Bacca. 🙂 Form matters a lot. I think Joevin can be used to fill as left back since there is not many offensive capable options and he is playing there for Seattle so let’s use him consistently. The players below can play possession.
If it was up to me 4-3-3.Becomes a 4-5-1 when defending.
Rajitsingh
Mekeil Marshall Bateau Joevin
Paul (Dwane)
Hyland Jomal
Molino Britto Garcia
Who dwane u talking about there, muckette? If so thats a really good midfielder there. Lol
Dwane James who is playing stopper in El Salvador
The USL based guys are in preseason still so no point except the GK which is a must
We have some talent. Is how to utilize them.
I think form and match fitness is very important. One thing I couldn’t understand is why USL based players were called up in crucial games during November and January when they had been off season since October…
Hmmmmm. Ask d coach. Lol
This reminds me of when we used to beat up on Guyana plenty in warm up games during the Maturana era. And then lost 2 – 1 to Bermuda in the WCQ’s.
Panama and Mexico are not Bermuda….just saying….
#2cents
Scoring a double on International debut and then being substituted is definitely going to be an emotional roller coaster…..i hope the Coach had a one v one chat with him after….explained that it definitely wasnt based on his performance he was substituted…..and to be humble and keep working hard…..he now start…..there aremany more goals to come……quality in football must be paired with consistency
Before the game he told each of the three strikers that they would play 30 mins each so his substitution wasn’t based on performance.
The explanation is in the story as well.
Good start, now on to bigger fish. Congratulations.
It was a step in the right direction. There would be different opinions about the length of the stride. But there was still some progress.
It’s going to get very competitive at centre back. For years, we have been using central defenders to play as full backs. That can’t happen anymore. It’s impossible for a central defender to pull that off when you have to get practically straight to the other end of the touchline.
So now, the search begins to find full backs with lungs and attacking attributes. Keston Julien will get a look sooner or later. Maybe Noel Powder too. I think Aubrey David can do it.
But I do feel Alvin Jones’ best role is at central defender. But one asset he has at full back is he can really cross the ball.
I believe Mekeil does well at either side as full back.
Mekeil can compete for a role at centre back. But the full back has to contribute more to offence than I might have ever seen for a national team. I don’t think bombing forward and taking on opposing full backs are his strength.
I think defending is more important always for a full back. Anyway he had several assists in Guatemala and for the Rapids
The likes of Jameel Neptune and Darren Mitchell could be candidates for the full back positions then?
Maybe Roneil. As far as going forward at least. But for the defensive bit? Not so sure. For sure the hardest position to fill is going to be at full back.
Thoroughly agree with Keston Julien getting a try
Cheyenne Hector, Jamille Boatswain was in the pool of players for the last Olympic team. So he would have to be between 22 to 24 years old.
?????
Simone, what position is Dwane James playing now? I think his attributes would probably suit Dennis Lawrence.
Stopper. I have here his full game from Wednesday vs Alianza who is top of the table.
Well, you should get that to the technical staff. His passing range, ability on the ball and height will be assets now that the coach wants his central defenders to be as comfortable on the ball as midfielders.
There was no place to hide today for the boys who aren’t as technically sound.
Even the goalkeepers are going to need to get more nimble with the number of backpasses they received under pressure.
I have no contact with the coach. Will post it here. He is a technical player. Needs to work on a few things but definitely a good player to have in the 23.
First half: https://www.facebook.com/elsalvadorfutbolenvivo/videos/273489793063618/
Second half: https://www.facebook.com/elsalvadorfutbolenvivo/videos/273509039728360/
Not impressed at all.
How so? Sadly I missed the match
Shivaughn thts a brand new team. Minus regulars. New coach and style. Don’t expect fireworks.
How you going ?
Look leh me go and watch meh movie Tripple X eh, good night wired members, until we chat again when our Soca Worries meets Panama and Mexico in the Hex eh. Them really good yes.
We need more games against real professional teams, even professional top of line club teams in the South American league Them really good yes.
Boom Bang!
Not ba d attendance but late as usual will give that team 41/2 out of 10 yes Bajans gave us a good sweat we defenitely need more games
Not s bad showing
Another player from Point Fortin Mango.. wasn’t really getting support playing for Civic..
As far as I’m concerned, this match was strictly for Lawrence to see the players in a somewhat competitive situation. To see if they could carry out his instructions. After all, Barbados hasn’t been active for a year, and probably only had a week to prepare for this match. A win is a win is a win, but not much can be read into the result.
And most importantly Barbados couldnt field the handful of foreign based players. Which means it was all amateur players of the local league.
Yeah and players that also have a 9-5 job to eh. Them really good yes.
It’s an interesting strategy from Lawrence. I think he might need to use Joevin and Cato as full backs to get the most out of it though. Because they have to be proper wingers.
It is very attractive football for sure. Time will tell if it is practical enough when you’re playing the likes of Mexico and Costa Rica.
OK thanks Gary
Lawrence said he told each striker they would get 30 mins playing time
Leston Paul stood out ( my opinion…but i play electric guitar )
He is a good player
Good with time and space. Limit that (what good teams do) and he becomes average
That is true for every one in the TT Pro league. But Paul deserves a shot to play abroad and a chance to improve his game.
4-2-3-1
You all realize Barbados NT given it was non Fifa date, fielded a team of local players from their extremely amateur league. Those leagues in those smaller islands are less competitive than city leagues in US cities. Think about it, here Houston has 6 million people and a city league of several divisions. Barbados has a population of 300,000 people. Earl Mango Pierre
Boatswain is very very promising . Apart from his two quality goals I thought his work rate and willingness to run the channels were very impressive and his hold up play was quite good as well . Brilliant 35 mins on the pitch for him.
Guy had two chances and buried them . Clinical !
Anyone know his age (please say 20-24) lol
I am sure he is promising but you realize Barbados NT fielded a team
of local players from their extremely amateur league. Those leagues in those smaller islands are less competitive than city leagues in US cities. Think about it, here Houston has 6 million people and a city league of several divisions. Barbados has a population of 300,000 people.
he still have to do what he did…even against an U 20 team…
Lord boy you have patience to even reply ? Lol
It’s true. Any top 2 divisions in a city league in medium size city in the US or larger, is more competitive than Barbados or St Kitts league. It’s a fact.
I am talking city leagues like Austin, TX. If you are talking NY well the 4th and 5th divisions are more competitive than Barbados League.
Thanks Simone ….
hahahahaha Not only that the Barbados team have a postman, a garbage truck man, a mechanic, a gardener, and some other fellas who have normal jobs eh, and our professional players only score 2 goals on them eh, Them really good yes
Earl Mango Pierre do you agree the Cosmopolitan League in NYC is more competitive than Barbados League?
It’s probably the strongest game we could have gotten after failing in the Gold Cup qualifier
El Salvador is playing Curacao
Set low standards you will achieve low results this game is just a another tool to give these players a false hope of confidence that everything is OK again
Well said Dion Sosa
Them really good yes. Steeuupss
You people serious playing against a team ranked 156 th in the world is like playing a fete match
Barbados population 300,000. My city Houston 6 million. I infer a selection of purely amateur players in Houston would be a lot more competitive.