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The final round of Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying games have begun and it’s obvious that our start has been poor. But the question is: Why?
There is a very simple answer. These teams in the Hex are better than us technically and we haven’t been tactically astute enough to combat our technical deficiencies.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
First, Costa Rica. They are undoubtedly a quality team but I would have expected us to be more assertive in the way we approached the game. Reviewing the game I’m not sure what our approach was.
Costa Rica had 54% possession away from home and it was far too easy for them in my opinion. Costa Rica were in control of the game without being overly dangerous but, as the game went on, one had the feeling that their extra quality would come through.
The Costa Rican manager was very clever in that he never committed too many bodies forward to open them up to the counter attack while we played far too slowly and without passion. I would have expected us to fly out of the traps and immediately let Costa Rica know that they’re in a proper football match. That performance at home lacked intensity, concentration and alertness and we conceded silly goals.
Next came Honduras. Playing Honduras in San Pedro Sula is a tough assignment. They are a very athletic team and are a really physical bunch.
Honduras did to us what we should’ve done to Costa Rica. They were on us like a stubborn rash and they refused to allow us to settle. Their passion was there for all to see and their home fans roared them on.
(Copyright AFP 2016/Orlando Sierra)
Again, I’m not sure what our plan was. At times we attempted to go toe to toe with them and at times it appeared as though we wanted to counter attack but we were desperately poor in executing the latter effectively.
To be brutally honest, we were poor. What also concerns me is what appears to be a lack of leadership within the squad. Our game management was poor. Honduras had a staggering 72% possession and, I’m sorry, you will rarely ever win any football match giving up that much possession.
We looked dangerous at set pieces but from open play we never really looked like scoring. The goals we conceded were certainly preventable and that would disappoint the coach for sure.
Where do we go from here? The manager is a football man and I’m sure he is mortified with the lack of intensity displayed by his players. This break until March is good as it gives the staff and the players time to reflect on their performances.
On the plus side, there are still enough points to play for. But the minus side is how are we going to get these points. It will be very tough. The United States have started poorly but they will almost certainly qualify.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
We have four more home games against Mexico, USA, Panama and Honduras. Can we win them all? I doubt it.
Then, we have away fixtures against Mexico, USA, Costa Rica and Panama. We definitely will not win all our remaining away games. I think 14 points may be enough for fourth place and the Play Off round and we have to find a way to get these points. I think we have to play on the counterattack.
Consider this, we have conceded 24 goals in the last 10 games. That’s an abysmal record and unless you’re a free scoring team you would lose most of those matches. This statistic tells me that we are not defending well. We must correct that fast.
We cannot go toe to toe with these teams as they are fundamentally better than us. We have to be tight and not concede and then try to hurt them on the break. I think we have enough pace to do it.
Are we good enough tactically to do this? Can the coach implement this?
He would be racking his brains trying to find a solution.
(Copyright AFP 2016/Orlando Sierra)
I have observed that many pundits are calling for coach Stephen Hart’s head. I’m not so sure changing the coach now would be beneficial. It worked for us 11 years ago but I’m not sure if it would work now.
Leo Beenhakker was terrific as he is vastly experienced and had managed the likes of Real Madrid and Holland. His appointment worked for me personally as straight away he had belief in my talent. I worked my socks off for him as he was inspirational.
A new coach would have to get the players to buy into his philosophy and methods. When is he going to do this? This isn’t club football when the manager has you all week preparing. He would mostly likely have four or five days before the next game to get his points across.
Unless it’s someone of very, very high quality, I think it’s an almighty gamble. Mr Hart, in my opinion, should be given a bit more time to turn things around.
Football is a results business and the coach would know this. It’s also an industry where you must have thick skin and be steadfast in your philosophy. Mr Hart is being criticised now and he must take it on the chin as he is in charge. He is the boss and it’s part of football.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/CA-images/Wired868)
But while the coach is there, we have to support him as it’s a lonely place, especially when results are going against you. Support your coach.
As for the players, don’t for one second believe they are blameless for this start. Mr Kevin Molino is a talented boy but he let himself, his family, his teammates and the fans down by his indiscretions. His actions were childish and created an unnecessary distraction.
He may be disappointed to read me saying this but I’m not lying. It’s the truth and he should have known better. I mentioned recently that, if I was the coach, the penalty would’ve been more severe mainly due to the fact in happened not once but twice.
I hope he learns and is more focused and mature enough to understand what is at stake here.
The other boys must re-focus as well. They will all know if they played well or not. They are professionals. They have to limit individual mistakes and this comes from concentration.
Trinidad and Tobago won 6-0.
(Courtesy: Allan V Crane/CA-images/Wired868)
After every international during our qualification for the 2006 World Cup, when I went back to Dundee, I would visualise every game and even every training session at night.
It was an obsession to ensure I did everything possible so my own performance would not let down Trinidad and Tobago. Qualification is all I thought about. I was possessed by this goal.
When I trained with my club, I reminded myself that I was an international player aspiring to play in the World Cup finals, so every training session and game must reflect that. I was no longer only a club player.
The players would have certainly lost confidence as losing sucks it out of you. But there is always the next game to put it right, and that’s what they need to do.
It’s time to man up, perform and, most importantly, give maximum effort.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
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I think we have the talent to go at these teams. The 3-4-3 is the problem. We have good defenders but they are being exposed in that system and our wingers are forced to help on the defensive end. Just me
We not playing 3-4-3 though our formation for the two games was 4-2-3-1
if we can’t get guys t play at their optimum then we have to look at the coach nt being able to have them step up. Perhaps unfortunately they may do it for a known foreign coach. Leo was able to do it.
Fulton, there is almost no similarity between this squad and the 2006. I covered both teams. Different mentality. And better quality.
I accept the better quality. There must be a way to work on the mental aspect of the game. Get a psychologist and have them work with the team. Get players who are willing to die for the team.
is T&T the weakest team though?
I think on paper we have a lot of unknown, unproven quantities. we have players with a lot of potential upside and strong youth prospects who can turn out to be vying for spots on any international team.
Is how do we turn that into performance on the pitch with the current systems in play?
Hart has a major task ahead—he has to motivate players to meet their true potential in a consistent, game-in, game-out basis
“we have players with a lot of potential upside and strong youth prospects who can turn out to be vying for spots on any international team” – this simply isn’t true
That simply is your opinion. Mine is different
Put him in his rightful position central defence and i feels he will lead from d back k jones
Fulton how can we be at top fitness levels when player’s in the pro league are like 60%and other guys not playing regular with clubs
Hats of to u kelvin u could nt of said it any more better !!!!!!!!!
l agree with Mr Kelvin Jack 100% especially where he mentioned passion,take for instance Leicester city winning the premier league last season a bunch of outcast an won’t the most technically gifted team but they had passion an heart and a coach that inspired them an believed in them when all the pundits wrote them off.To be brutally honest there’s not one player on our national team that’s playing with any of the above mentioned attributes an its my belief that it’s starting from our skipper who parades around the pitch with impunity although showing poor leadership qualities an lackluster performances for as far as l could remember but remains the captain this in itself is having an adverse effect on the team an its showing.Rai was Brazil’s long standing captain an was dropped completely after his first game for his poor performance in the 1994 worldcup with Dunga taking over to win that said worldcup
Molino is one man cant depend on jus one man 2 deliver d team every man need 2 up thier game level for world class football
Can’t depend on one man.. but who can fill his spot… No man
They think they’re bigger than the game .. superstars wannabes
https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/nov/16/usa-costa-rica-analysis-jurgen-klinsmann-world-cup-qualifier-hex
..Lemme try to explain the point to you. CR got men in MLS and they delivering. We also have and they not..
…”The US, of course, continue to draw on MLS players, and the midfield anchors of Michael Bradley and Jermaine Jones both play in the league, as does the main striker, Altidore. But where Klinsmann sees a structural problem with MLS as a drain on ambition, other Concacaf nations see a resource. And on Tuesday night Costa Rica’s MLS contingent played like a celebrated asset.”…
..Can we say the same?..
What MLS contingent? Joevin Jones u mean?
..There are others man. Who played (like David) AND who didn’t play (like Molino and Williams)…
We have Joevin Jones, Kevin Molino, Mekeil Williams and Cordell Cato.
And soon, Kenwyne Jones.
I meant on the field. Forgot Cato. David now reach.
..And Cyrus WAS in MLS and blew it..
Keith Look Loy Klinsmann views the MLS as a “drain on ambition” because he does not respect the quality of the league and he thinks young American players should strive to play abroad not settle for playing in the MLS. It’s the old Donovan syndrome. Bradley, Jones, and Altidore all played outside before returning to the MLS. Klinsmann wants to play a certain style of soccer and as far as he is concerned the MLS is not producing that type of American player. That’s why he’s always searching abroad for players.
..Yes. That is his rationale and approach. Six of his starters against Mexico have German roots and/or ties..
Yesterday some people was blaming the 12th man,but give us something to cheer about! This team just look so down trodden, not even doing the basics right. How much is the most passes they strung together? But pressure does really buss pipe! Good article though Mr Jack!
I could see why Cyrus blew it with Chicago. Concentration level defeats athleticism and skill.
..Sporting Kansas..
Kion S Williams Lack of concentration comes from a lack of fitness. He’s in training and every night he’s eating hamburgers in Arima
Keith, he went to Chicago after. He was there the season before last along with Shahdon Winchester.
..OK. I sent him to SKC. After his mess there I stopped paying attention. Sorry..
..You know. When he came back to Trini W Connection called me about a transfer because he was on loan from Rosa. I told the lady there that she could have him for free – no fee required..
..The horse. The water..
Oh gosh …Keith.. .
..What? These young fellas get opportunities other people would die for only to spurn them..
I guess that turned out to be a recurring theme for the kid…
..I believe in his talent and promise but sadly, yes..
Keith, I thought Cyrus lost his contract with SKC because he fractured his left foot and was out for the rest of the 2011 season? And they didn’t renew it.
..I already said enough. But they were not happy with his attitude and application. When he went there, the coach, who Rosa hosted in Trini, was over the moon in his estimation of the guy. Was ecstatic to have him. He is not fulfilling the potential that EVERYBODY knows he has..
Ah set ah “Trini” bootleg players that they are always sending to the MLS eh and they feel they reach, and the number 1 problem that they will never have is the “Discipline” to always play the beautiful game eh steeupss. Them really good yes.
I was telling a guy that the other day …this team doesnt have the drive of that 2006 team. These guys all had something to prove and it was a more talented team. Cyd Gray and Avery John were bruisers trying to get past them was always gonna be a task …instead we have cyrus jeez. Otis Whitley, Yorke, Latas, Stern …..the twin towers, Kenwyn at his peak, Birchy working his ass off, Cornell Glen running you ragged. This current team doesnt match the 2006 team in heart, talent, desire, leadership or experience for that matter. People putting the onus on KJ to drag this team to qualification and that’s not gonna happen …it’s unfair to him to have to be the guy taking blame for an underperforming team. We as fans are seemingly looking for scape goats rather than solutions.
You say “an underperforming team.” The issue here is this: Do we have an underperforming skipper/striker? Let’s have your view on that before we discuss the rest.
2017 is approaching. Who wants to maintain 1947 thinking leave them home.
I was in the UK at the time and I honestly swore Kelvin Jack was mad sometimes. He would sit and talk about every remaining game and add up where the points would come from to talk T&T to the World Cup. And from what I saw, the damn team was struggling!
Sancho was the same. Densill Theobald wasn’t far behind.
And, lo and behold, results just seemed to bend to the will of the team.
I love this article by Messurs Jack, but I think he danced around one critical issue that appears apparent in my mind and that is the team no longer looks the motivated and inspired bunch we saw in the Gold Cup a year ago. There is something fundamentally wrong with the team chemistry, cohesion and unity and I suspect the Coach has lost the confidence of his dressing room. It is for this reason I disagree with Mr. Jack when he says that now might not best time to make a change, I contend if we are to change coach this period of rest provides the most opportune time to so do. Finally I also suspect that the skipper no longer commands the trust of his team mates, many like the rest of the public does not feel he is worth his pick and therein lies a lot of what we are seeing playing out as indiscipline both on and off the field.
Lasana.. yes I remember you were on the UK at the time.. I’m sure you remember when I got the call up and I had huge reservations about going as I felt I wouldn’t get a fair crack at it. You convinced me to go as you felt Leo Beenhakker would be fairer than past Trinidad and Tobago managers. Also.. and only my teammates and yourself knew how many injections I needed to to have to combat my tendinitis..
There were times I would be close to tears in pain.. just so I could train with the national side.. playing a game was mental torture trying to block out the pain..I would be taking FOUR voltarol on game days so I could play.. the pain got so bad that I requested I not go to the World Cup as I confided to Leo that the pain in my kneee keeps me up at night… so when I talk about sacrifice and doing it for your country and having a magnificent obsession.. people on here could get a clearer picture.. scans showed my patellar was so inflamed my doctor Professor Maffulli was stunned I was able to play.. players now do not know what an obsession is.. my doctors, my family and some teammates knew.. so when I tear into Molino or witness a lack of sacrifice.. everyone now know why..
Yes, I remember that well too Kelvin. One plus with strong foreign managers sometimes–I should stress the word ‘strong’!–is that they don’t have built-in biases and everyone gets a fair shot.
Beenhakker gave you that chance and you moved from number three to number one and proved you deserved that promotion.
And flipping obsessed is right! Lol
Kelvin Jack , spot on … brilliant read , I hope all the players read this especially the part about being obsessed with the idea of qualification . That’s what it takes . At this point it’s a mentality problem , 50% of the squad are willing to die for it while the others do not . That 2006 squad had every member willing to do whatever it took to qualify .
The campaign should be to stop spending $Ms behind this football team
If you know that you are one of the weakest if not the weakest team in your group, you have to find a way to compensate somehow. One of the ways of doing this is to ensure that each man is at his peak fitness level. I recently read an article about the reasons why Liverpool is at the top of the premier League and top level fitness is one of the reasons. It allows them to stifle their opponents. We need that in my view. If we end up losing all the games but we can see the fight and the work put in then I won’t have a problem.
You need to explain to me how foreign based players like: Carlyle Mitchell, Aubrey Davis
Please explain how foreign based players such as – Carlyle Mitchell, Aubrey David Khaleem Hyland, Cordel Cato, Sheldon Bateau (I think he may still be abroad), Joevin Jones are unfit. You must be speaking about mental fitness not physical! These guys just dont value playing for their country hence the reason the team’a best player (Molino) had to be banned for frolicking. These guys go to boat rides and all sorts of limes and this is the reason they are unable to give peak performances on matchday!!
the MLS regular season ended less than a month ago, so i can hardly see how those players are “unfit”
And I’ll add if K. Jones believes he’s guaranteed a starting spot on the team regardless of his performance then he’ll have little motivation to give his best. Additionally, if the alternatives believe that K. Jones will be given the nod regardless of how hard they work in practice, then they themselves will be unmotivated to work harder. The result is a team of mediocre players, with little passion and little motivation. We need the players to push each other – to drive each other. Competition in the squad will do that.
That I could agree with
Jones is one of the big problems on this team
The problems with the players’ lack of intensity has some root in being indiscipline, and it all starts at the Secondary school level.
There may be exceptions, but this is what happens:
At secondary school, the footballer is given all the freedom he wants. He is answerable only to the Principal and Coach. He walks around the school bullying students and he believes that his talent alone will take him places. He already feels as though he is a ‘Star’ and he doesn’t have anybody to study, nor does he have to work any harder – talent is enough. He blatantly ignores the instructions of his teachers because he is to big a star to be spoken to. He does not attend classes, and just hangs around, encouraging other students to be indiscipline. He is rude, arrogant, ignorant and looks at authority with contempt, because his talent – he feels – should be worshiped.
He then gets a spot in a club team or the National team and brings with him that arrogant, lazy, disrespectful attitude – that “you doh know who is me” behaviour. He behaves as though he is irreplaceable, that the team needs him more that he needs them. Now, when the coach speaks, he listens if he wants to. The coach says to train, or run hard, he (the player) says in his mind, “man i eh feel to run, them eh know me, just give me the ball…”
In sum, the poor work ethic, the indiscipline and mediocrity being displayed on the National team is a result of a culture propagated in the Secondary schools.
As written, this is very clearly an oversimplification but there is, one senses, a lot of truth in what you say. But these things involve algebra rather than arithmetic and I think you don’t cater for X enough in your analysis.
11 years ago the crowd was on Stern case probably to a worse level than ppl callig for Kenwyne head. Beenhaaker stood by his player and in the end 2 against Guatemala, 1 against Panama and 2 against Mexico got us to the World Cup playoff. I standing by Kenwyne unless some striker on the bench rip up a league with more than 35 goals in a season. Change just for change sake is nonsense when you talking about our most experienced player with a bunch of youngsters. Hart already point out that we have 4 players who know what it’s like to play in the hex. KJ is the only man to play at a high level of professional football, unless we counting Hyland as well.
Kion – you say change just for change sake is nonsense, but it was Albert Einstein who said doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity. Right now it’s safe to say our coach is insane – as for some strange reason he continues to select an unfit, unproductive, and mediocre K. Jones.
I prefer the option that Beenhaaker used with the words above to get him to improve his work rate rather than drop the only man who have experience in high pressure games
Kion – how many chances do you give him before you make that change?
Well let him ride pine for the Caribbean Cup Playoffs and give men a chance to sieze the position. I like Plaza as a player, different style to what the team plays though. Shahdon Winchester didn’t do bad in terms of workrate in his opportunities. Where Jonathon Glenn gone? He had one bad game against Nicaragua and never returned. What about the seniors who now finish their college season in the US? Any gems in there? Scott Sealy didn’t do too bad straight out of college.
good stuff jacko.
Very objective – excellent read. And for those of us who want to see the back Hart, he has managed to show the disadvantage of a change in leadership at this point. I am not totally swayed but it is indeed sound advice.
Kelvin Jack I notice you didn’t allude much to squad selection and substitutions
Kirwin Weston I would rarely touch on squad selections and so forth because I’m not in training. Some guys may be absolutely flying in training and showing that desire to play so the coach rightfully plays them. I analyse the game and I give an objective view. I do think differently as I’m an aspiring manager. It’s the managers decision who plays. I know fans will always have their views on squad selection and substitutions but please remember it’s the manager seeing these boys preparing and in training..
I hate doing it as well. I really hate to criticize a coach’s decision, because we do not know the countless thoughts that fly through his/her every millisecond before and during the game. But I really can’t gather the logic from these last two games.
Thing is we are not getting the results and it’s basically the same squad we went with both games.
Really can’t wrap my head around this one. Maybe need a bigger head.
Kelvin Jack What we can criticize is the coach’s philosophy and the players he selects to implement his philosophy. Except we don’t know what that philosophy.is.
Have the players gotten complacent with Hart ? Is their not enough pressure for their spot ? What has caused the drop of shoulders ?
Personally, I think the team needs a serious shake up mentally so they can realize what phase of WCQ we’re at, like they ain’t realize.
Not confident Hart can get them back into the zone either.
I’m certain everyone remembers when Hart took over for the 2013 Gold Cup, we saw changes, we saw immediate improvement.
Up to last year we were seeing fight, zeal, desire…things not typically associated with the T&T team. Finishing top of the group with Mexico, a fightback to draw with Mexico too, until we lost to eventual 3rd placed Panama on PKs.
But what has happened ? Where did the pendulum swing ?
I hear everything the article has to say, and the comments here.
But I’m saying if after 3 years, more than 25 games, and two 2 Gold Cups, your team not technically and tactically astute, men looking positionally lost, the team in general seems uncertain of how to approach the game, intensity depreciating, and speed of ball circulation not increasing or improving in almost the same formation…something going/gone wrong !
For 2016 we’ve beaten SVG twice, and Dominican Republic, and managed 2 draws versus Guatemala and Grenada.
3 victories out of 13 games.
K. Jones is past his expiry date. Time to dispose of him or use him conveniently. His lack of productivity up front places a lot of pressure on the back line, so he is a prime source of our misery. Someone recently compared him to former West Indies captain D. Sammy. They’re are right. It sucks having an unproductive captain on your team.
West Indies won the World Cup with Sammy though. Lol.
I would say in spite of Sammy. Lol
The comparison was made to show that at least Sammy holds the team together… I was almost taken up in maccoing KJ’s constant arguing and breaking down of the team’s moral, that I missed parts of the game… At least be the best cheerleader on d team nah!! Giwwe someting nah!!
The best cheerleader for nonsense? Cheups. Of course it would help if he can lead by example. But no doubt this wetty crew needs someone to be on top of them.
Great points Jack I totally agree.
Steeuupps hahahaha
I also agree that there is a ridiculous obsession with Kenwyne. He is not the source of all our problems.
The team looked low on confidence and tactically unsure. Lots of blame to go around for the Honduras game, including Hart. The defense was too deep and made the midfield obsolete. We should have been more compact. We have also been poor in terms of defensive discipline and that finger can be pointed squarely at Cyrus. Technically we are also poor. Poor control and passing. I don’t really see how Cato is at this level, he can’t trap, pass, dribble, is not a superlative athlete and no special work rate. Why did Hart substitute Joevin Jones over him or play him over Garcia?
I don’t think we were that bad against Costa Rica, except for the schoolboy goals. We also had no real punch offensively.
How did we go from one of the top 4 teams in the Gold Cup to a team that can’t make the Caribbean Cup?
I’ve been saying Cato is a terrible player for years now. Not quite sure what the coach’s fascinating with him.
He’s not a terrible player Brentos but he clearly hasn’t found his rhythm on this team.
At least cato could trap a ball, cant say the same for KJ
I’d play him as a wing back in place of Cyrus
He can’t trap
We must blame Mr Bound not to score Kelvin Jack because instead of he scoring the goals eh he is causing the goals to be scored on our goalkeeper in the game against Guatemala eh he caused one of the goals to be scored eh and in the game against Costa Rica eh he was again the reason the first goal was sored eh so as I said he is just interrupts the whole program on the field of play eh and when our wingers flanking down the bye line and looking to cross the ball in the middle for him to either head in the goal or score other wise eh. Mr. Snail is no where to be found because he is in the midfield eh, because he is too lazy to make does kind of runs eh like the runs Plaza does be making when he enters the game steeuuppss, the problem with some of you all Kelvin Jack is alyuh doesn’t want to speak the “TRUTH” to hurt Mr. Bound not to score feelings nobody don’t have any obsession about him steeuuppss the man his a shit hound and this he shall ever be, he cannot change and imagine you said that he can do better eh, and I wonder when eh, must be when corbeaux grows teeth steeuupps. Alyuh really good yes.
Mango, like you have an aversion tuh facts or wha?
Lol….
Nigel Myers True dat. It was Cyrus who allowed the goalscorer to leave him and head to the far post by himself. He didn’t even track back to make it difficult for the player. If KJ is to blame for that goal then we can rewind the tape and blame the coach for the team he selected and the approach he used. Dem fellas good yes.
hahahaha
Nigel Myers just watch the videos of the game over and over again nah man the same what my Coach Hart always have to do nah Them really good yes.
Mango, look Costa Rica’s first goal. Explain how it was KJ’s fault.
yuh better put up the clip with the Honduras game eh because that is the game that I mean’t eh. Them really good yes.
And just look at the touches from the Costa Rican players eh with plenty patience and waiting for the right time to strike to always score plenty goals eh, but the Soca Worries continues to play that long ball England/ European brand eh steeuuppss Them really good yes.
GOLAZZOOOOO in dem boom, boom, cleet hahahahaha
Yuh talking absolute lala …yuh doh have to like the man but the goals weren’t his fault …yuh looking for a scapegoat rather than a solution. Absolute lala!!
OK Mango, ah go play along. Look Honduras’ first goal. Explain how it was KJ’s fault.
Earl Mango Pierre remember kelvin jack and KJ played together in 2006 campaign, so he would not want to say anything bad about that shit hound KJ
A total post mortem where do we go from here one is our preperation good enoughf are we using the right system an is the players the right choice bsae on the system of playv.alot is left to be desired .upon our poor start .
Of course I can speak about Kenwyne but there is no need to. Former teammate doesn’t come into the equation. But if I speak about Kenwyne specifically I would be placing too much blame on him only. There are other members of the squad who have done far worse. But people have this obsession with Kenwyne. Of course he can do better but so can other squad members. Being honest here.. the rest of them must improve drastically.. what does kenwyne have to do with conceding 24goals in 10games? It’s far too convenient to blame one player. The problems are far deeper..
Well said meh bredda
????? Kelvin Jack been saying this too…maybe coming from a former World Cup player it will carry more weight.
You jus being political jack, kj could start hy learning to trap, alot plays are broken down by him….he to dam slow….he is jot a good passer,…he cant even dribble to save his life….does he have a deadly shot ??? NO….he always quarreling wit his players….
Exactly. We have not produced anything going fwd of any substance. Because we are static. We cant blame KJ for out wingers not being penetrative. JJ sleepwalk through the last game and nothing was said. CC is poor at RW. We dont have wingbacks with any decent technical ability. We brought on 2 other attackers who people were clamouring for in place of KJ and got absolutely nothing. I will repeat. We are just not good enough. And there isnt much to change except our attitude towards these games. Our cupboard is bare and broken down. There isnt anyone to turn to.
And Lasana Liburd I am speaking about way before 2006 World Cup eh when St. Benedicts College use to every beat up our national team with the likes of Warren Archibald, Leroy De Leon, Wilfred Bound to score Cave, Steve David, Jan Steadman, Leo Twinkle toes Brewster, just to name a few but you wouldn’t understand because you never saw them play like meh Brazilians with their Samba style because you wasn’t born as yet eh and when the priest from Brazil came to their school he also brought it along with him eh, you really need to look at the video of the Honduras game and check out how the players was always trying to get the long balls to Trevin Caesar who is only about 4 ft tall and every ball he lost because the Honduran defender was taller than him eh, which is ah set ah stupid football, so yes we need to get back to where we were once stronger at eh, and that is the touches kind of football that he Hondurans, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Brazil, Chile and Argentina does play eh. Them really good yes.
I know of that era although I didn’t see it. And I know those players formed the core of our 1973 team.
But you would agree that there was absolutely no samba in our 2006 team. That era is gone.
Well the coach was from Suriname
Lasana Liburd Besides we played tactical games. We didn’t go there to entertain.
You put gifted players out there and you will get art. But the coach’s job is to win games.
Ah glad you talking about winning games steeuupps and as I have always said Leo Beenhakker was a shit hound Coach himself because the 2006 Soca Worries didn’t even score a goal eh, nor even got to the second round eh. in the World Cup in Germany eh, but some folks are calling for him to return to our sweet country eh. Them really good yes.
Yeah and hence the reason why the Samba era must return so that we can really compete with our South American, Central American counterparts and the rest of the World because as I said we will always have natural gifted players in cricket and football but their talents have to be harness in order for them to become World Class players eh.
Earl Mango Pierre With what he inherited and the position we were in, he did a fantastic job. So we didn’t score. We played England, Sweden, and Paraguay with 10 men. We scared England and if not for Stern’ John’s mistrap with his left front just before half-time in front of the goal the outcome could have been different. We tied Sweden. You wanted Beenhakker to walk on water?
Mango, you always bragging about Brazil’s five World Cups. I find you shouldn’t count 1994 when Brazil played without a number 10, four workmanlike midfielders and won on penalty kicks.
Or the 2002 World Cup when Brazil used a five-man defence and essentially seven defensive minded players with Rivaldo, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho at the other end.
That was the samba you talking about?
Them really good yes.
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Nice find Nigel Myers:
http://legacy.guardian.co.tt/archives/2005-08-21/sports5.html
NATIONAL football coach Leo Beenhakker has given a mandate that all players selected for T&Ts next 2006 World Cup qualifier at home to Guatemala must report to camp by August 30.
The match is scheduled for the Hasely Crawford Stadium on September 3. The Dutchman made it clear that there must be no setbacks in the preparations for the match, which is a must win one for the Warriors, after last Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to the United Staes..
From all indications, it appears Beenhakker will recall all the overseas pros who were in the squad to face the USA, with the exception of the suspended Dennis Lawrence.
Midfielder Carlos Edwards will also make the trip.
Lawrence remains in contention for the following match away to Costa Rica on September 7.
Beenhakker is now aware that Edwards did in fact play for Luton Town’s Reserves on Tuesday, a couple days after being ruled unfit to play in the World Cup qualifier.
Beenhakker definitely wants access to all available players for September 3.
August 30 is a day after several of the pros are scheduled to play for their clubs and falls within the five-day stipulation on the FIFA calendar.
“Please know to yourselves now that if we are to realise this ambition and write history to go there next year (it) will be a hell of a job. But it is still in our own hands.
“But what we have done up to now is not enough. You cannot be successful in international football if you play for only 45 minutes.
“I don ’t know if you agree with me. ”
Beenhakker spoke with a stern look and low pitch of voice as he addressed the players the night following the match ( against USA) at the Sheraton Hotel, before the overseas pros headed back to their respective destinations and the local contingent departed at 4am for Port of Spain.
“But I will tell you once more, these guys (Americans) run like hell and they run with blood in their shoes and that is why they play these games like this and that’s the difference.
“And it’s the same difference as when you play Mexico and they play with a lot of temperament, and even Panama and Costa Rica. They are prepared to die for a good result.
“Why do we always need twenty or thirty minutes to get into a game,” Beenhakker said to Dwight Yorke and the rest of the team.
“It was a game of the same. They were no different in the second half compared to the first half.
But we were better in the second half, but it was too late.
“It was an open game, with even ten guys. Just play it more with the effort and the passion. So please take this with you in your luggage and think it over and realise that we still have it in our hands.
“It’s not only the coach responsibility; yes it is my responsibility, but to realise it you also have to take up part of the responsibility and be very well prepared in physical and mental way.
“Play with your heart and play with your soul. Play for your country and play for yourself and your family.
“The only thing you have to give to yourself, and to the team, your team-mates, is be prepared for these next two matches like never before.
“Our responsibility (as coaches) will be in a technical way, looking for the best team to do it.
“ The substitutes did well for us because it’s not easy to enter into such a game. But that’s what you have to bring in your luggage.
“And if you are not sufficiently interested in playing your football life, playing the entire game with blood in your shoes, then please just tell me and stay away.
“Don’t only play only for 45 minutes or 60 minutes. Hopefully, this is the big lesson we learn in this game. With all my respect, these guys were only better because they played with everything they had.
“I will accept the errors and whatever else, but we need you to bring back with you a prepared and opened mind and a good physical body.
“You must play every game from now on like it’s a final match, every game must be 95 minutes for us.
“You have to play them with everything you have. You have some doubt that you can bring that to your team, your federation, your country, then please be honest with us,” Beenhakker ended.
Locals called up for training:
Atiba Charles (Vibe CT 105 W Connection),Aurtis Whitley, Daurance Williams, Cyd Gray (CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh), Densil Theobald (Caledonia AIA Fire), Anthony Wolfe, Glenton Wolfe (National Quarries North East Stars), Anton Pierre (Defence Force), Gary Glasgow, Marlon Rojas and Brent Rahim.
I’ve always remembered that “blood in your shoes” reference.
I was based abroad at the time and I think I missed that story. First time I heard it.
Eh you actually miss something….hahaha
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I’d agree that Kelvin could have discussed Kenwyne. Maybe he doesn’t see him as a major issue.
It would be awkward to talk about his former teammate too.
He didn’t single out any of the players, except Molino for obvious reasons, and that;s what a good coach does. You speak to the problems of the entire team. If we want to engage in individual blame, how is it we are not blaming Cyrus. How many goals were scored because of his lousy defense? Even if KJ doesn’t score and we don’t give up soft goals at least we can earn a point.
Excellent point Gerard Johnson.
Yuh feel yuh bright Mr Live Wire why you speaking about Haiti anf Martinique eh, we wudda loose the same way if Mr bound not score score had played anyway eh, we are not talking about the past let’s talk about the present nah the both games Costa Rica and Honduras and the other games to come eh Them really good yes.
Lol
Yeah well Cyrus is ah shit hound to and if my Coach Hart didn’t ban the other musketeer for life who influence Molino and Joevin to always break camp eh Meikel wudda be the better defender that Cyrus eh steeuuppss Them really good yes.
But the solution can’t just be drop Kenwyne. Like Nigel said, we lost without him. In fact two of our worst defeats were without him, which was against Haiti and Martinique.
Worst in what sense?
No obsession Nigel Myers and it seems that you doesn’t listen to the radio stations in our sweet country, the fella doesn’t have a clue and he is the main reason why our football is in the state that it is in and he will be the reason why Coach Hart will loose his job when our Soca Warriors doesn’t qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia eh. Them really good yes.
Lol ah sorry but KJ is way pass his best,at least he should come off the bench! Just saw this on Facebook,Trini’s not easy eh! Lol
Bwahahhaaaahahaaaa
South American brand? We certainly weren’t playing that when we got to Germany.
Right now, we need to work hard and do the basics right. I don’t know about brand. That’s for after.
Wired868 I’m sensing that some of the players are trying to undermine the coach. I could be wrong but I’m just not seeing the commitment and discipline needed at this level to be successful.
Definitely don’t think everyone is putting their all into it. I don’t think it is the majority of players. But we are not good enough to tote stragglers at this level.
Happens every time with the Warriors. The team started looking great culminating in that fantastic 4-4 draw with Mexico. Then, egos or complacency took over and we’re back to square one.
Unless our sweet country forget about the English/European football and stick to the South American football the we enjoy and have the natural talent to do so bot the Coaches have to harness the talents of our players, our football won’t be going anywhere, some of the same European teams and countries are even following the South American brand of football eh. Them really good yes.
Mango, what is your obsession with KJ? Our problems are way bigger than him. We’ve played without him and lost same way.
Lasana Liburd I saw this entire game and something is definitely wrong. I’ll say it again, same group of player (save one or two) drew with Mexico twice, in the very recent past, Mexico beat the might Italians about 2 maybe three world cups ago. I honestly think is something off the field and it is a bad patch. Yes our guys in the main can’t match the skill of the South Americans but we can definitely find a way around it and beat them. I hope it is sorted out before the next set of matches, because there is stall a chance to qualify. Do you know if Beenhaker is ging to take up the supporting role he has/d on the staff? I remember you saying he said if his demands for the players is not met he will net be a part. Well I am sure we could do with his input now. I agree with Jack not sure firing Hart makes sense now, but I am sure he is pulling out whatever hair he has on his bald head right now.
Well we had a lot of Luck in 2006 then because, from listening to Hart and other talk about the Pro League we still have about 10 year before we can consistently hope to qualify for a world cup. But we’ll see I am hopeful and supporting.
Beenhakker said three years ago that he will not work with a football body that owes its workers. He won’t change his mind.
Well Beenhaker is right, and I guess where he comes from it is standard and best practice to have your players happy and well seen after and then expect them to play and play well. He was there at the Gold Cup though I remember that and maybe that was part of the reason we had some success. But right now the guys not playing well and it is not that they can’t. I am not a football guru but we need a Latapy type person in the middle, maybe that is what Bostock is supposed to do I guess time will tell.
Hart would definitely pick a Latapy-type if he was available. We just have to do what we can with what is available.
You’re a football guru (well sport) what do you make of yesterday and the campaign thus far? Do you think we’ll dig out of the rut?
I think for the most part, the other teams are better than us. I think Costa Rica, USA, Panama and Mexico are years ahead of us.
So we have to work hard, be at our best and hope for a little luck.
No coach can guarantee we will qualify. This isn’t magic. That’s the reality.
Those nations didn’t spend millions for years developing their leagues and infrastructure and players for nothing.
We have a shot of course. But we have to be realistic.
So I want to see the team giving their all for starters. We are not guaranteed results.
Stephen John, remember the majority of the 2006 squad was playing professionally in Europe.
Granted some were playing in lower leagues but I think that the level of fitness, discipline and professionalism required in these lower leagues in Europe is still higher than what occurs in our Pro League.
Brilliant assessment.
Hyland okay ?
Hyland is scheduled to do a MRI in Belgium soon. So we should know more by weekend.
Thanks Lasana Liburd
No medical report yet. Looked like hamstring and that means he won’t be okay for a few weeks. We will follow up.
Okay, just saw an update on Jan so was curious
Kelvin Jack oh gosh not you to eh, you didn’t even speak about Mr. Bound not to score eh but you mentioned that the pundits wants the head of Coach Hart eh, so don’t you feel that the same pundits don’t want Mr. Bound not to score head the same eh.
I agree. I don’t think ALL the players are pulling their weight and rising to the occasion…imagine our skipper had to be playing CM against Honduras because we cldnt hold our line against them…attitude needs to change, don’t talk about it, be about it! Good read