Wired868 Wired868 for smart sport news and opinion
The Trinidad and Tobago National Senior Team players must feel sick at the sight of United States teenager Christian Pulisic. On their last visit to USA on 6 September 2016, Pulisic made his first competitive start for the “Stars and Stripes” and tormented the Soca Warriors backline in a 4-0 romp at Jacksonville, Florida.
The hosts were not as emphatic tonight—but Pulisic was, as his two second half goals secured three points for USA in an entertaining Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier.
USA won 2-0.
(Copyright AFP 2017/Matthew Stockman)
More to the point, Trinidad and Tobago remain bottom of the CONCACAF Hex and are in danger of dropping five points behind the fourth placed FIFA Play Off spot; if, as expected, Panama defeat Honduras in Panama City next Tuesday.
The Warriors have three points from five matches so far and must get to 13 points for a FIFA Play Off showdown with the fifth placed nation in Asia, which is likely to be Australia on current form. It is a point more than they would have hoped to be aiming for, as Panama pulled off an unprecedented draw away to a 10-man Costa Rica team tonight.
There are two home games against United States and Honduras to come as well as trips to Costa Rica, Panama and Mexico. Next Tuesday, Trinidad an Tobago coach Dennis Lawrence takes his troops to Costa Rica for what has traditionally been an even tricker away assignment than the one they faced tonight.
A point would do. But another loss, which would be the third straight qualifying defeat under his watch, would leave Trinidad and Tobago needing a point in Mexico City to have a decent shot at the Russia World Cup—once the Warriors win their remaining home games and, crucially, defeat Panama in Panama City.
Can Trinidad and Tobago turn those games in hand into points?
In Commerce City tonight, roughly 5,233 feet above sea level, the Warriors were ultimately outclassed but there were encouraging signs too.
USA won 2-0.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/CA Images/Wired868)
Captain Kenwyne Jones could have put the two island republic ahead with an imperious leap in the first half, only to head his effort against the bar off a Khaleem Hyland cross.
And Nathan Lewis, on his World Cup qualifying debut, was harshly adjudged offside when he converted within seconds of Pulisic’s first item.
Hyland worried opposing goalkeeper Tim Howard on a few occasions while, for the first hour at least, Kevin Molino was the most involved of the attacking players on the field for either team.
Lawrence vowed to go toe to toe with USA and it was no vain threat. Almost inevitably, it did not work. But then nothing has worked since coach Everald Gally Cummings and the Strike Squad got a draw in Torance, California, some 27 years ago. And the rookie coach, a former World Cup 2006 hero, can reasonably suggest that his boys were not disgraced either.
It was all pretty exciting in the first half actually, although it would be a stretch to say Trinidad and Tobago were ever really in control.
Fabian Johnson, a versatile Germany-based midfielder, miskicked from eight yards out in the 10th minute while veteran attacker Clint Dempsey shot over from the edge of the area, four minutes later, and defender John Brooks and forward Jozy Altidore both stung the palms of Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams.
Looking on (from right to left) are Sheldon Bateau, Daneil Cyrus and Christian Pulisic.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/CA Images/Wired868)
Yet Hyland twice had Howard scampering with efforts from outside the penalty area—as the ball zipped through the thin air—while Kenwyne and Molino threatened with headers.
Lawrence, who surprised observers with a 3-4-2-1 line-up that saw Joevin Jones and Carlos Edwards at wing back, would have been the happier coach at that stage.
“We need to play a little quicker,” said USA coach Bruce Arena, at the interval. “There has to be a greater sense of urgency in the final third.”
Molino gave the hosts a scare in the 50th minute as he stripped Johnson and delivered an incisive cross that Lewis could not get on the end off at the far post. But, despite a sterling performance from Jan-Michael, it was little surprise that it was USA who struck first.
Hyland conceded possession in his own half and then failed to stop tricky attacking midfielder Darlington Nagbe. Nagbe found right back DeAndre Yedlin whose low cross was turned in by Pulisic for the opener.
Pulisic scored twice as USA won 2-0.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/CA Images/Wired868)
Lewis, who generally struggled in his biggest challenge as a professional so far—and he owed his opportunity to the wayward Cordell Cato, who was axed for indiscipline—momentarily silenced the crowd as he produced a neat finish off a fine Molino cross.
However, the flag of the referee’s assistant was up and the effort did not stand. Lewis appeared to be in line with his marker at the time the ball was delivered and attackers really should get the benefit of the doubt there.
Pulisic was quickly back in the hunt as he struck the outside of the upright in the 56th minute while Jan-Michael produced a brilliant double save from Jozy Altidore and Pulisic in the 57th minute.
On the hour mark, Arena made the first change of the night as he replaced Dempsey—who is one goal away from becoming the USA’s all-time record international scorer—with Kellyn Acosta.
Dempsey’s scowling response, capped off with some terse words aimed at his coach, suggested that it was not a pre-arranged change and certainly not a welcomed one by the attacker.
Arena, it appeared, was already thinking about their clash with Mexico at the dreaded Azteca Stadium on Sunday.
USA won 2-0.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/CA Images/Wired868)
Two minutes later, his gamble was justified as Pulisic finished off a flowing move, after another Trinidad and Tobago turnover, as he ran on to an Altidore through pass to beat Jan-Michael at his near post.
Maybe Lawrence also decided to save the legs of some key players, as he replaced Joevin, Hyland and Kenwyne at various stages in the second half.
Acosta forced another fine save from Jan-Michael off a 77th minute free kick while another American substitute, Bobby Wood, his the upright in the 83rd minute. And, at the final whistle, the 2-0 deficit seemed a fair result.
The Warriors are not down yet. Although Panama’s point in San Jose tonight raises the stakes for Trinidad and Tobago and would ensure that Costa Rica are highly motivated too next Tuesday.
The situation is even more dire if Lawrence cannot count on his players to keep their eyes on the prize and it is hard to picture Cato storming out of the team hotel if he truly believed that Trinidad and Tobago could be sharing the field with Brazil or Argentina at the Russia World Cup in 12 months’ time.
T&T defender Mekeil Williams had a personal wager on tonight’s match with his Colorado Rapids teammate, Howard, and will now have to spend the rest of the MLS season seated near to the restroom of his club’s dressing room.
But the Warriors’ World Cup chances are not quite in the toilet just yet.
Looking on (at least) is Trinidad and Tobago wing back Joevin Jones.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/CA Images/Wired868)
(Teams)
Trinidad and Tobago (3-4-2-1): 21.Jan-Michael Williams (GK); 5.Daneil Cyrus, 4.Sheldon Bateau, 17.Mekeil Williams; 11.Carlos Edwards, 19.Kevan George, 8.Khaleem Hyland (23.Leston Paul 75), 3.Joevin Jones (12.Shahdon Winchester 67); 10.Kevin Molino, 7.Nathan Lewis; 9.Kenwyne Jones (captain) (20.Jamille Boatswain 81).
Unused substitutes: 1.Marvin Phillip (GK), 22.Adrian Foncette (GK), 2.Aubrey David, 6.Radanfah Abu Bakr, 13.Hughtun Hector, 14.Andre Boucaud, 15.Curtis Gonzales, 16.Alvin Jones, 18.Hashim Arcia.
Coach: Dennis Lawrence
United States (4-1-3-2): 1.Tim Howard (GK); 2.DeAndre Yedlin, 20.Geoff Cameron, 6.John Brooks, 21.Jorge Villafana; 4.Michael Bradley (captain); 15.Darlington Nagbe, 10.Christian Pulisic, 23.Fabian Johnson (11.Alejandro Bedoya 73); 8.Clint Dempsey (16.Kellyn Acosta 60), 17.Jozy Altidore (9.Bobby Wood 82).
Unused substitutes: 12.Brad Guzan (GK), 22.Nick Ramando (GK), 3.Omar Gonzales, 5.Tim Ream, 7.DaMarcus Beasley, 13.Dax McCarty, 14.Paul Arriola, 18.Jordan Morris, 19.Graham Zusi.
Coach: Bruce Arena
Referee: Oscar Moncada (Honduras)
USA won 2-0.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/CA Images/Wired868)
CONCACAF Hex
(Thursday 8 June)
United States 2 (Christian Pulisic 52, 62), Trinidad and Tobago 0 at Commerce City;
Costa Rica 0, Panama 0 at San Jose;
Mexico 3 (Alanis Oswaldo 35, Hirving Lozano 63, Raul Jiminez 66), Honduras 0 at Mexico City.
CONCACAF Standings (Played-Won-Drawn-Lost-Goals For-Goals Against-Points)
Mexico 5-4-1-0-8-1-13
Costa Rica 5-2-2-1-7-3-8
USA 5-2-1-2-10-7-7
Panama 5-1-3-1-2-2-6
Honduras 5-1-1-3-4-12-4
T&T 5-1-0-4-2-8-3
“[…] We saw an array of talent across the board and not with just 20 players. I’ve said it before Read more
The Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Team’s bid for an unprecedented place in the Copa America tournament stalled this Read more
Angus Eve, coach of the Trinidad and Tobago men’s football team, accepts that his squad will be the underdogs against Read more
Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Team head coach Angus Eve hopes an organised defence will give his team the Read more
Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Team head coach Angus Eve announced his 23-man squad to face Canada in next Read more
Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica played to a goalless draw at the Larry Gomes Stadium today, in the second and Read more
Well you shudda also looked at the second half eh before making your comments my baller and coach for life so go and watch it and come again nah man and the Coaches really needs to stop always talking a good game and about going toe to toe with my second sweetest country eh because the score is always the same, licks like peas Them really good yes hahaha
I really don’t need to watch a whole game if I have already seen these players play multiple games D Boss and nothing changes since Mr Hart tenure and the Gold Cup run ,where we still look back on,similar to the 89 World Cup and the 2003 World Cup so do I still need to watch when all comments was how good we played especially in the 1st half
Ok then the boss I know that you is full of plenty football wisdom ah just wanted you to see my second sweetest country prolific goalscorer in action nah man lol
I listened to Bruce Arena on his 1st half of play which he said they need to use more quality in the final third of the field, he never seem worried of T+T players abilities to score goals
And he didn’t lie because Mr Bound not to score got an open goal to score the header and it seems that he got frightened yes and missed the goal steeuuppss Them really good yes
Our players are not well coached and are really weak on attacking principles in the final third. Them really good yes.
I read all the comments,my opinion is that we were never in this game,we fought hard to follow the instructions of the coach but we were out of our level in all 1v1situations.
Good Job by the coaching staff with the tools they have to work with,and the players fought but to a trained eye our players would have lost 10 out 10 times.
My opinion against that US team 8-10 technically they are better,physically 8-10,psychologically 10-10,Tactically 4-10.
I don’t blame the coaching anymore but the lack of a proper developmental program at the youth level against high quality oppositions consistently.
I only looked at the 1st half 0-0 score
Both the Coach Lawrence and the entire team tried their best, but it simply was not good enough certainly not at this level. It all comes down to the standard (sub) of all or local competitions, the seeming inability of successive TTFA Administrations for decades, to (a) Improve the overall standard of the local game and (b) Inability to spread the gospel of Football throughout our tiny twin Island State, which if in place, would ensure that we have a wider resource pool to choose from. Instead of excuses and explanations, Football in Trinidad and Tobago is in dire need of TRUE LEADERSHIP which is committed, thoughtful, HONEST and most of all VISIONARY. It is sheer madness to keep doing things the same way over the years and expect different and positive results. YOU CANNOT MAKE A SILK PURSE OF A SOWS EAR.
Amen.
dawg
Onto costa rica we roll…lets hope that saving some legs (jones etc) will pay dividends…
“Lawrence vowed to go toe to toe with USA and it was no vain threat.” Toe to toe means launching an all out onslaught. The only time we did so was after we were down 2-0 and even then we still didn’t send enough players into the box..
“And, at the final whistle, the 2-0 deficit seemed a fair result.” What game did you watch? Thank God for Jan Michael Williams.
You think we wouldn’t bother to defend and just attack for 90 minutes? I never interpreted his statement that way Gerard. I saw it as Lawrence putting out a positive team which he did.
Jan-Michael had a good game. There is no shame in our goalie having a good game.
I’d think 2-0 is a comfortable win but not an embarrassing one. I’d say that was fair.
What do you think would be a fair result Gerard Johnson?
Lasana Liburd I can only comment on what he said and what it means in football parlance. When you say it’s a fair result I assume you mean based on the run of play and scoring chances. I think if you put that question to the USA with all the miraculous saves Williams had to make, they would not agree. I thought his strategy was right but that’s not going toe to toe. When I heard he said that I thought he was mad. Now I know he just doesn’t know the meaning of the phrase. I was pleased with the team. We could have been helped by speed on the wings but that was not to be. Overall I thought we moved the ball forward too slowly when we won possession but that might have been because of the lack of genuine speed on the flanks. Again our propensity to lose possession in midfield is cause for concern. That’s why I thought it would have been madness to go toe to toe.
Fair enough Gerard. Nathan Lewis is as fast as they came though. He is not a technical or crafty player so you won’t get much value from him when the other team has numbers behind the ball. So I thought we would try to use him as a quick outlet.
Having said that, Nathan clearly struggled in a big test.
I thought we were slow in transition too and that actually used to be our strength.
At the end of the first half, we could have been down a few goals. But then we could actually have been ahead too. It might be stretching it to say that was toe to toe. Admittedly. But we threw some punches ourselves.
Lasana Liburd LoL! Lewis has to understand effective dribbling. You take the ball to the defender, you shake left, you shake right and you are gone. All night he waited so long until the double team came. That’s why when so called football aficionados try to malign Christiano, maybe they should observe how quickly he dribbles and gets his shot off. Nobody does it better.
Jan stopped the shots he was supposed to stop. A goal scored on his near post we forgetting that or wuh?
KJ,what’s this FELLA,really doing on the ,SIDE,as soon as he loses the ball he stands up that’s it!!!! Still BUDDY BUDDY football!!!! “SAD”!!!!!
Better display than previous outings! Excellent job between de sticks by JMW! Finishing & Fitness are areas of concern
Two players one 32 an the next one 38 that’s like 70 years old playing football
Why we c age look Snijder and Robben are both 33 and still playing with d Dutch
Doh worry, we still have Kenwyne and Carlos to rely on.
Not just creative midfielders creative minds our buggest error was replacing Heart . He did well geting us to the hex however the change came at a worng timing presently our problem is selection of coaches we forcing past players into coaching an the results speakes for itself they cannot get the job bone latapy not ready Denis not ready as past players they have experience and a bit of knowledge however coaching is much more than tatical jagons you are naturally a born leader it goes beyond the system of play style of play there are alot of components that a real coach has look after we conceeded the 2 goals Denis was seated after .
They will never in history beat USA
Richard ramkumar why in history they cannot beat USA, did kamla think in history that she would of ever been de prime minister after panday? Stop talking shit….
It is oftern said a coach personality reflect on his team Denis was a defender i expected to see better defending we played in a defensive system 1–4-5-1 however we lost 2-0 we started off orgenise holding the shape a bit however the moment we went foward we got hit off the counter .the tatical move was strange since the coach said he taking the game to them an will go toe to toe with them . His formation said differently a more defencive approach.
Also Carlos Lee, we need creative midfielders. We have ball winners but whenever we get the ball there is no creativity whatsoever. No one is taking the initiative to do something, make something happen. Just look at 17yr old pulisic, he dribbles he creates but we have no one attempting to do that.
I have been saying on this link for a long time that , in the field is a result of …… In our case we will always be playing against 13, the poor administration and leadership of our football is usa and Mexico’s 12th player and our player indiscipline is their 13th player. The 12th man won’t be fixed in a long time because we like it so. For example players unhappy about pay 1-2 days before a big game. And further the 13th man requires a national culture change and approach. Who can guide Cato for example?
We will not beat anybody who’s serious in a long time
We need better coaches to play to our culture our style of play a system that best suits our style wich was first well excuited by Heart 1-4-3-3
Curtis Charles historically we’ve always had a number 10 but I have no idea why those players have dried up. US feared our attack years away, but nowadays we are pedestrian
Yes Bennett , I believe there are players with this ability but we believe in foreign base stupidness. You can’t tell me we cannot find some creative midfielders in Trinidad , we grew up playing like this , it was second nature . I don’t believe they have dried up , I believe that we are to bias and we won’t give opportunities to “no name ” players. You cannot tell me we can’t get anyone better than Kenwyn Jones , I doh want to here that BS at all
I don’t literally me you eh lol
I think Molino had a good game and is a good 10. Otherwise Joevin Jones and Ataulla Guerra are creative. But Guerra is inconsistent. Sean De Silva is a clever passer too. Keron Cummings hasn’t regained his form yet.
After that, the cupboard is bare and we have to wait for the youngsters like Duane Muckette and Jabari Mitchell and Kadeem Corbin and Che Benny to develop.
Honestly though, football kinda eradicting pure 10s though eh. Just like pure scorers. Ever since Real Madrid put Zidane on the flank, it was the beginning of the end.
How many pure central playmakers are there anymore? The old 10 role too and not playing in front of the defence like Modric, which is more like an 8.
Dybala and Messi are more like false 9s than 10s. I’d say you have James Rodriguez, Isco, Ozil, Fabregas… Not many names come to mind. And most of those not starting or failed to catch fire at big teams.
Help me nah. Who is a pure 10 anymore?
Makelele almost single handedly killed that position. Lol.
Good point. But there are teams with many creative players but we don’t seem to feature or display them….
Yeah. Men who can probably do a bit of both. We don’t quite have that. Clearly several coaches feel the closest thing we have to that is Hyland.
Don’t sound like Dennis was too happy with Hyland. He lost possession easily which caused a goal. Kevon George fell asleep at the wheel on the second too… regardless of our offensive limitations, the goals we give up a lack of mental strength
Brent Bennett – Hyland didn’t boss the game last night, but he’s probably our best midfielder. I think the altitude got to him last night.
Hyland usually gives us his all. He even cheat his wife out of a honeymoon to represent us. I’m disappointed at the error but he always gives us everything.
I think the fact that his season ended almost two months ago also meant he wasn’t at his best.
Yeah – he’s my favorite player in the squad. Usually very consistent and very stable in the midfield. Just need to start scoring a few goals for us. I honestly think he should be plying his trade in one of the top European leagues.
Agreed. I listened to Dennis’ press conference and he called out Dennis and KJ… I like the fact that he did that… but I was stating that our defensive breakdowns cause our problems
I think he doesn’t have enough in his locker for a real big team Carlos. Sad to say.
For me, I remain a Joevin fan. I think he is closest thing we have to a game changer.
In that when Joevin is on his game, he is unplayable. Can’t really say that about many other players in the squad.
Possible Kenwyne but he hasn’t had a game like that since 2015!
I’d agree with that. Joevin is far and away the most talented player on this team..
This formation limited Joevin . He had to play to wide and not had the option to run at goal… He should be playing in a position that would afford him this option…
Curtis I agree but then he is also out best left wing back. That’s the thing.
Also he has been so inconsistent. It is easy to forget that he is actually our leading goal scorer in the campaign.
Joevin is good, but seems to lack that extra passion / hunger to raise his game to the next level. But the potential is there. I was actually surprised Dennis pulled two of our three best players last night. I would have kept both Hyland and Joevin in the game.
Dennis said Joevin was gassed… said he didn’t come in until Monday so he struggled with the altitude… saving him for Sunday
Ahh – makes sense.
Carlos, I’d agree with that assessment of Joevin too. Sometimes I wonder if he even realises how talented he is.
Yup – that might be his problem. Could be all mental.
Listen nah, under all the old talk we still in this. Very few people would have had us in the top 3 prior to the start of the Hex. We were always battling for 4th. As we stand right now, we are 3 points behind Panama for 4th. We have Honduras at home and US at home for the last game. If we could get those 6 points and get another point or two, we inside…. keep the faith…
True dat. I wasn’t an early fan, but I think Dennis is doing a decent job with the team.
Lasana Liburd Joevin is a left back at his club . But he reminds me of what bale was and how he has evolved. Bake started as a left back but had a directness that caused coaches to convert him to more of an attacking midfielder. Joevin is the best thing on that team . So we need to get a left back and give him that same option.
Brent that Panama draw last night killed us. It means we have to win our two home games and beat Panama away AND get a draw away to either Costa Rica or Mexico.
I’m praying that Honduras can get something in Panama next Tuesday and open things up for us.
Or maybe the US can have a few blips.
And Lasana Liburd Joevin has been the most consistent performer on that team , almost everyone he was the man of the match for us
Panama beatable at home though. No guarantee but we can do it. It may come down to beating the USA at home. Wouldn’t that be something?
Brent we already have to beat Panama away and USA at home. We won’t even get close to fourth without doing that.
But now we need a point in either San Jose or Mexico City as well. That’s the biggest issue.
Ok… We have no choice but to get points on the road. Until we mathematically eliminated, I have hope
T&T needs better goal keepers. period.
Also Carlos Lee, we need creative midfielders. We have ball winners but whenever we get the ball there is no creativity whatsoever. No one is taking the initiative to do something, make something happen. Just look at 17yr old pulisic, he dribbles he creates but we have no one attempting to do that.
Well said Curtis Charles – we need a couple players who can run at men and unbalance the opposing team. Molino might be the closest we have to that type of player or maybe young Levi. But you’re right, we need one or two Eden Hazard type players on our team.
I guess that the altitude had no effect on my second sweetest country # 10 prolific goal scorer at all eh, so our Soca Worries youth coaches needs to develope some prolific goal scorers the same like him eh. Them really good yes.
BOOM
Admittedly the altitude has effects but until we increase our speed of play, we will lag behind in the football world. Our buildup is so slow and methodical it is mystifying… We are so pragmatic in our approach that 15 year olds could adapt to our speed of play….
And you didn’t notice how he was trying to hold up the ball and even dribble with it and of course loosing it as usual fuss that he will never get the touches right eh and I really doesn’r understand why they just don’t put him back in the defense to head out the balls nah, or bring him of the bench in the last ten minutes and always start with some of our future real strickers nah steeuuppss. Them really good yes.
I have been saying this about Kenwyn Jones. and Lasana Liburd defending this man . He is horrible… Since the last game I keep saying what sense we have Kenwyn Jones jumping all over the midfield , I kept saying that his headers are only helping us defensively but he is a forward. Why is Kenwyn Jones finding himself in the midfield and trying to dribble which he can’t do to save his life. The second started with him. He is clueless … Better you let molino strike , he is intelligent. And would provide much more than Kenwyn. This dam friend friend thing is killing us in this day and age. He was dropped by the previous coach which I fully endorse. Even Hart use to piss me off with having faith in this man. I am sick of this.
And as I said long time before, our sweet country is the only country to ever have a shit hound captain eh, I thought when picking a captain he must be a leader by example eh, not because he is the oldest player on the team steeeuuppss. Them really good yes.
But then if Kenwyne had scored that header, everybody would have been jumping off their couch eh? Lol. He can’t dribble but we can play long balls or crosses into him.
We need a striker to offer us more than that before we can drop him to me.
Exactly , like this is the police service? So because the man dey long long he must be the leader?
Definitely his failure to get a goal is an issue though. Of course. But we don’t have many options who are ready for this level.
Lol. Good one
No Lasana Liburd I don’t blame him for missing a goal. It was a good header…his overall game play is useless .
We as I said the youth coaches needs to develop players like these in order to be reckon with again eh Timothy Haynes (Arima), Russel Sutton, Roderick “Rambo” Gibbs” Fleary, Neil Williams my prolific goal scorers, Berthand “OB” O’Brien *San Juan” the mid field general Reynold Carrington and of course my defenders and goal keeper Hayden Thomas.
I think I’d give him a 5/10. He made a clever ball to Carlos Edwards to set up a chance and he held up a few. But he also drifted into midfield a few times too many and misplaced a few passes.
I feel his errors get magnified sometimes.
Way boy Lasana Liburd ..yuh really believe in this man boy…hahahahaha..yuh married he sister ah wah? Hahahhaha
And all the want to be coaches that was on the 2006 World Cup team , should be youth coaches in our sweet country because they are just not ready for the big times as yet eh, especially Coach Dennis Lawrence and Stern John I done talk. Them really good yes.
???
I am not a member of the Kenwyne Jones fan club Curtis. I just understand what he can bring and what he doesn’t bring. And I understand what most of the alternatives can bring and cannot bring.
Or at least I think I do! ?
Yuh is the man bredda in law..full stop ??????????
Well the only two ex army coaches are Coach Dennis and the goal keeping coach ah forget his name to eh hahahaha
Yeah Ross Russell eh lol
I was at de game, and for me Kenwyne was one of our better players. Most of the times when he lost possession or made errant passes was because no one was providing with options for him to play the ball. In a lot of instances we were very static.
I in the airport now with plenty time to read through some of the drivel I glanced at earlier lol
To me Nigel Myers , I want to see Kenwyn being better in the final third because he is a forward. Your high work rate in the midfield is not required because you’re not a midfielder , you’re a striker. He have been doing everything except the job of a striker. He jumps and head the ball in the midfield, he is collecting the ball in the midfield he is pressuring in the middle. Maybe he should be playing in the midfield then?
The problem is Kenwyn cannot find himself in the box when it is required and the wingers have no outlet and that’s because he is in the midfield. This was my observation in our last game vs Mexico and the same thing I saw again…looked what happened when he head the ball on the crossbar …
How old is Stern John? If Edwards can play we might as well have the assistant coach put on his boots and get on the field. We could use his scoring touch. And when with K. Jones stop flopping and stop wasting time gesticulating and remonstrating on the field? Lots of wasted energy.
Stern is actually 40. Lol. 41 later this year. Of course he hasn’t played competitive football in years and Carlos was always fit like a fiddle. Obviously he can’t accelerate like he used to though.
BOOM
Carlos Lee Doh say that nah man about Carlos Edwards nah, some people in our sweet country really feels that he still have it yes, and it was said that he can still play when he reaches 40 yrs old eh, and what game that you is speaking about that the Soca Worries was in for 90 minutes eh, certainly not the game last night and they couldn’tt even score one goal as usual eh, even my second sweetest country goal keeper is looking like he is ready for the pasture eh. Them really good yes. hahahaha
The fellas actually exceeded my expectations last night. Tough conditions to play under and they were in the game pretty much for the entire 90 minutes. Playing at high altitude is tough, even some of the US players were struggling. We are in need of a potent striker and a more appropriate right midfielder. Carlos Edwards’ days have passed. A decent squad player, but not a starter.
We should forget about the world cup football and just play fete match football eh hahahahaha
https://www.facebook.com/GossipTT/videos/10154520904509049/?autoplay_reason=gatekeeper&video_container_type=0&video_creator_product_type=0&app_id=165907476854626&live_video_guests=0
I agree with you Mel Lissa if Mr. Bound not to score had scored his goal the game might have been very different, the late “Shaky” Henry (R.I.P.) who use to coach San Juan school use to tell his players when heading the ball to score the goals they must always say “Good morning” meaning the ball must always be headed downwards, and as a coach mehself back in the days I always use to tell my defenders that they must always be aware of where their opponent goal scorers are at all times, just look at the goal the # 10 scored right in the middle of the six yard box and not one defender was there to challenge him eh, and as I said before that our goal keeper sometimes let’s easy goals score on him while making other good saves, and he was very lucky when the # 10 shot hit the post eh because he wudda surely got his hat trick and If my second sweetest country goes to Mexico in the mountains on Sunday with that same ta ta that they played against our Soca Worries, it will be plenty licks for them eh. Them really good yes.
To me, even the USA played a bad game last night. Mango probably won’t agree though 🙂
That type of football do not work typical English style try to hold out Defensively and hit on the counter ofter time the one stricker .Take the game to the people the best system of play that suits us is the 4-3-3 with the pase we got we sat to deep an then try to hit on the counter with jones up front we has pase use it both keft and right an through the center .
why allyuh trinis like to cry when you lost….blaming ALTITUDE????? 22 men played the game…ent….
We have to gain at least a tie vs Costa Rica and hope Honduras vs Panama is a tie as well. 3 points vs Honduras and Panama (again) isn’t impossible.
Let me ask a question, yes the team’s performance could have been better but they have been subjected to changing coaches at least 3 times in the last few months it’s bound to affect them mentally, not so? Get rid of that fool at the helm of TTFA. Just like WICB all over again steupsssss
With some of the off the field stuff our players got up to in this campaign, I was skeptical of their mental strength even before they started changing coaches.
But, yeah, I don’t think the TTFA covered itself in glory at all with some of the decisions made either.
This USA team is average at best I wonder what that says about us.
UK Guardian newspaper: “If the Hexagonal group’s bottom team was capable of exposing vulnerabilities in the Americans’ back line and midfield here in the Denver suburbs on Thursday, what might Mexico do to the US at home on Sunday?”
RIP them to shreds?
Lol. They might have been a little distracted by that upcoming trip to the Azteca too. Maybe. Or maybe we are just improved as an attacking force.
Attacking has been the least of our problems for a long time Lasana. U know that.
An overweight Hyland gives up possession in centre field with passive pressure on but it is rifled away to left field in Joevin’s direction. It was wonderful by the US but Joevin nonchalantly trots back while the US right back goes by him with a 60 metre sprint into our box to play a pass into the box for the 1st goal.
We outnumbered them in the box on that goal too eh so there were people who weren’t doing their jobs.
Yes, it’s true Kester. And we did not press well enough in the contest either. I think that might be why Jan-Michael had so many shots from on the top of his box to deal with.
But then he lets one in on his near post. Wth.
That used to be a cardinal sin in the past for goalkeepers to be scored on there.
Ah Cde Liburd…One admires yr. patriotism and love of football but your ‘cricket genes” are showing in your coverage..”There were encouraging signs”….aka..’we came away with positives”…a well known cricketing term in the Caribbean…The report carries a familiar ring but an objective truth..Half way down the road, once again, the outlook is bleak..Winners at major tournaments have to be fully organised looooooong before they take the field..Unless and until our sport is organised on a long term developmental basis, we will stymie..e.g.. A brand new coach in charge at such a high level I do not fully understand..Please assist.
If we were to liken it cricket, I’d say we carried the game into the fifth day at least… Even if it was then over before lunch 😉
Well, our practice games before facing the US were against Grenada and an amateur American club named FC Boulder. There’s your preparation right there.
It could have been worse. Because they did get two weeks at altitude. But it damn sure could have been better two.
And while everyone is competing in the Gold Cup this July, we are out thanks to the brilliant Tom Saintfiet et co. So we have to rely on some shrewd organising by the TTFA to be well prepared for vital September matches.
Shrewd organising and TTFA are rarely written together so close for obvious reasons.
Your last sentence sums it up perfectly…TTFA is like Theresa May..No vision, no plan , no inspiration yet she calls an election and ends up a virtual loser..She is like Clarence Rambarath who lost the Mayaro seat on Monday but held a victory motorcade a week later because he was appointed Min of agriculture..Let us all pray that Theresa may is NOT a football coach because if John Williams…..
The qualify and intensity of our ‘preparation’ were so super-substandard that we were whipped by an eighteen year old! We played only two preparatory games…. two insignificant friendlies that provided no new learning and no real high level World Cup class challenges. I agree THAT OUR TEAM has no vision, no mission, and no leadership that would motivate our players into a grand frenzied desire to win at all costs. Instead we were whipped by a 18 year old.
And Sweden was whipped by a 17 year old in a world cup final.
Back on Pele were Didi ,Va va. Garrincha..veterans of the 1954 World Cup. .
And the population of Brazil and the US is what again?
Football population?
Systems are based on the players yiu have. Talking conceptually about formations without consideration of the player capabilities doesn’t work
I’m specifically talking about a system to get the best out of the players that we have though lol
Cheyenne Hector players before systems. Can’t squeeze blood from a turnip
Cato plays RB for his club but RW for us . Joevin plays LB for his club but LW for us . They can combine their roles to be a modern attacking wingback . Cyrus I trust more alongside 2 other CBS . Boucaud and Hyland , George and Paul all play CM mostly as a pair . Molino plays any of the attacking positions , Levi’s issue is his defensive work rate . Allow him and Molino to have relatively free roles behind a CF to lead the line , Kenwyne currently who will also profit from wingbacks providing crosses then you would see why it makes sense .
I’m not pulling this out from fantasy . It provides balance .
Lewis issue is that he just isnt ready. He lost the ball on countless occasions. He never beat his man 1v1. He was woeful defensively.
Not sure how no one ran at USA left back who looked slow and suspect
With no Cato and Levi, we were short on pace. It would have been for Guerra and Glen to have been available too.
The same chance Santa Claus will deliver toys in August
Do we realistically still have a chance?..I hope!
I would like to see more of the 3-4-2-1 . Tonight it was largely 5-4-1 off the ball but I think with this group of players it’s the way forward as it can allow us to play our best players and provide balance .
I think we were 4 players short of our best 11 . Yohance Marshall is better than both Cyrus and Mikel . I would pick Cyrus ahead of Mikel and go with a back 3 of Cyrus Bateau Marshall . Athletic aggressive and quick CBS .
Boucaud is a must start . Kevan George offers little to nothing . I don’t get it , Boucaud brings so much composure and tempo when he’s on the pitch . He HAS to play . He and Hyland would be my 2 CMs . Cato and Joevin to play the wide wing back roles and Levi would thrive as a LF with Molino as RF with Kenwyne through the center .
Imagine Levi with a free role and defensive cover through the LWB , LCM and LCB .
Neither Hyland nor Boccuhad is a true DM who protects their defense and wins tackles as much as Kevan George does.. he migh not provide much going foward and/or in possession but if you looked at him off the ball he does alot of covering and closing down of passing lanes…Hyland’s lack of defensive work rate often left Kevan George exposed…with players like Hyland, Kenwyne, Molino and Nathan Lewis who may not have the highest defensive work rate a player whonis comitted to shielding the defence and breaking up play to launch the counter attact as he did last night is essential (especially becuz we are counter attacking team)
Much like Casemiro and Kante…their work off the ball is where he should be judged.
Kevan gives the team Balance.
Agree with basic idea of deploying this formation long term – although I might play a few players differently
The changes tonight were baffling . I don’t understand how Lewis and George got 90 minutes honestly .
I think the coach is still learning about his team, but I get your drift. Kenwyne til 82nd minute was a bit much for me..
Costa away loss Mexico away loss USA home loss Panama away loss Honduras home maybe draw or win
Well that Panama draw in San Jose means we need 13 points now. So we need a point in either Costa Rica or Mexico AND three wins to get to Russia.
Russia 2426
What 12 points you referring to
Mexico just beat up Honduras 3-0 so how will the Soca Worries will ever draw with them eh Mr. Live Wire, especially in the mountains in Mexico hahahahhaha
That draw for Panama away is a bad result for us. It means 12 points may not be enough for us to qualify. And it means we might need a draw away to either Costa Rica or Mexico!
Yep! We in a deep hole for sure…But still mathematically Possible so hope springs eternal…CR will be out for blood Tuesday night.
Lasana you are raising my blood pressure with that comment.
Brian, we always doing maths instead of playing football.
God don’t like ugly when you have a crook running things firing a good coach and a great man also after all what the man did for the country. What you expected would happen plus a set of ungrateful dogs on the team no blessing could ever flow this team way
I wudda fire the Coach Dennis and bring back the real professional Coach Hart that should have been given his chance to finish the qualifications. Them really good yes.
Lol while I too miss Hart that ship has sailed
I would bench Joevin bring in Boucaud and push Hyland higher up the field in place of Molino who could play wide vs Costa Rica.
Maybe Boucaud for Lewis for me with Molino starting wide and cutting inside for the ball.
I would retain Lewis While inexperienced at least he TRIED…Joevin was MIA most of the game…Kept passing the ball back and had one shot just before being subbed…As the saying goes it matters not what you can do if you can’t do it when it matters most.
#Truetalk Brian Springer ?
They put two men on Joevin. He didn’t have nearly as much freedom as usual.
Joevin never really tried to get in the game. His body language was not of someone who was ready to kick ass.
Joevin was playing left wing-back after all. And Nagbe and Yedlin were able to nullify any threats he could have posed.
From a preparation perspective, we need to understand what happened with the second practice game in Colorado. The altitude seemed to take a toll in this one but defensively there were some issues..
Neither game with Colorado Rapids came off. They supposedly pulled out because of injury first and a storm interrupted our meeting with them the other time.
So amateur club, FC Boulder, was our only warm-up game over there.
Always a hickup in preparation. Why?
Brian, I don’t know. From what I have heard so far they seem to think it was just bad luck.
K. Are we thoroughly cross checking and making backup plans? They must know we have a slim to zero margin to qualify.
Fail to prepare,prepare to fail!!