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A pinpoint low strike from Trinidad and Tobago attacking midfielder Kevin Molino breathed fresh life into the Soca Warriors’ Russia 2018 World Cup campaign tonight as they edged Panama 1-0 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain.
It also marked a triumphant debut for former World Cup 2006 defender Dennis Lawrence who made his first outing as a head coach tonight.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
There was the odd flutter at the back but, largely, it was a serene outing for Trinidad and Tobago who defended resolutely and never looked in danger of a third successive CONCACAF Hex defeat.
Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president David John-Williams targeted four points from his team’s two home matches against Panama tonight and Mexico on Tuesday—but few thought it was a realistic ask. That might be about to change though.
There were roughly 6,000 spectators at the Hasely Crawford Stadium at kick-off and, by halftime, there were barely 10,000 patrons in a venue built for 23,000. It was a huge drop off in attendance that should prompt some soul-searching within the local football body.
But, more importantly, the Warriors showed up.
On paper, Lawrence had a crisis at centre-back with Radanfah Abu Bakr and Carlyle Mitchell injured and Sheldon Bateau suspended. In their places, he started two Pro League players, Daneil Cyrus and Curtis Gonzales. The latter defender was making his first appearance of the World Cup campaign while the former’s calamitous form was partly responsible for Trinidad and Tobago’s woeful start in the Hex.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
It would be a stretch to say the pair were flawless tonight. But it was close enough. In truth, their jobs were made easier by a solid defensive shape that offered little space to their Central American opponents down the middle while full-backs Carlos Edwards and Mekeil Williams held their own on either flank.
In their last seven outings, Panama managed just five goals—and that included home matches against Belize, Nicaragua and El Salvador—and their lack of offensive presence haunted them again in Port-of-Spain.
Joevin Jones gave early warning that the hosts meant business with a dipping shot from 25 yards in the 13th minute, which needed to be helped over by opposing goalkeeper Jaime Penedo. Yet, it still seemed to be a pleasant surprise when Molino opened the scoring with a sweet, precise low effort from just outside the penalty area in the 37th minute.
It was Molino’s first appearance of the Hex after a two-match internal suspension for twice breaking the team’s curfew to party. Tonight, the dancehall king set the Hasely Crawford Stadium dancing.
Incidentally, Panama central defender Roman Torres was off the field attending to his footwear at the time. It was a costly wardrobe malfunction.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
Alongside Molino, Kenwyne Jones rolled back the years with an energetic, bustling performance that stretched the opposing backline and created space for his namesake, Joevin, and the scorer to operate.
In the first half alone, Kenwyne probably made more sprints that he had in the last two games combined. It was always likely that the giant forward had more to contribute to his country’s cause once he returned to full fitness.
It was not a particular fluent performance yet from the Warriors—and Lawrence met most of his players for the first time just this week. But the hosts looked more dangerous for much of the game.
Molino ran on to a Kenwyne flick on in the 61st minute and Torres looked a fraction late with his shoulder challenge, as defender and attacker fell to the ground in a heap.
Penalties have been awarded for less. But Honduran referee Orlando Matamoros waved play on.
Then in the 67th minute came what might have been the play of the match.
Kenwyne chased a ball over the top and surprised opposing defender Felipe Baloy with his turn of pace. The sphere was about to roll across the goal line when the Atlanta United forward caught up to it and Baloy lunged in to block the expected cross.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
Instead, Kenwyne chopped the ball inside of his opponent and Baloy went flying so far off the field that he might have needed a taxi to get back to the ground.
But then, with three Trinidad and Tobago attackers outnumbering the two Panamanian defenders in the area, Kenwyne tried to surprise the goalkeeper at his near post and hooked the ball disappointingly wide with his left foot.
Joevin and substitute Levi Garcia, who were waiting for the cross, were not impressed. For Kenwyne’s critics, it was the fuel they had been looking for.
However, the more knowledgeable football fans surely could not help but notice that Trinidad and Tobago are a far more dangerous team when the big number nine is playing well, even when he is not scoring.
The lineman’s flag denied Panama substitute Luis Tejada, who drove the ball between the legs of Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams in the 75th minute. And opposing midfielder Anibal Godoy had two decent looks in the last 15 minutes but failed to take either while Cyrus put hearts in mouth with a slash in his own box in the dying seconds of the game.
The last 10 minutes apart, though, Trinidad and Tobago deserved the win.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
The Warriors remain second from bottom with three points but trail fourth-placed United States by just goal difference. And fourth is good enough for the FIFA Play-offs.
Mexico lead the group with seven points while Costa Rica are second with six. But only one point separates third-placed Panama (four points) and table-proppers Honduras (three points).
A draw against Mexico on Tuesday can keep the Warriors close to the pack, even as United States surge up the standings. A win over Mexico could move Trinidad and Tobago to fourth.
Only three of the 14 players used by Lawrence tonight are playing regular competitive football at present while eight of them are in either post-season or pre-season. It will be hard for them to maintain tonight’s energy levels in four days’ time.
Bateau is available again and Lawrence might consider making another change or two to freshen his team up. The six-foot-seven coach did little wrong tonight and he will no doubt relish the challenge.
(Teams)
Trinidad and Tobago (4-2-3-1): 21.Jan-Michael Williams (GK); 11.Carlos Edwards, 25.Curtis Gonzales, 5.Daneil Cyrus, 17.Mekeil Williams; 19.Kevan George, 8.Khaleem Hyland; 7.Cordell Cato (16.Levi Garcia 64), 10.Kevin Molino (13.Hughtun Hector 79), 3.Joevin Jones; 9.Kenwyne Jones (captain) (20.Jamille Boatswain 83).
Unused substitutes: 1.Marvin Phillip (GK), 22.Glenroy Samuel (GK), 2.Aubrey David, 12.Hashim Arcia, 14.Andre Boucaud, 18.Tristan Hodge, 23.Leston Paul, 26.Willis Plaza, 27.Nathan Lewis.
Coach: Dennis Lawrence
Panama (4-1-4-1): 1.Jaime Penedo (GK); 13.Adolfo Machado (2.Michael Amir 74), 23.Felipe Baloy (captain), 5.Roman Torres, 17.Luis Ovalle; 21.Amilcar Henriquez; 8.Edgar Barcenas (9.Gabriel Torres 63), 11.Armando Cooper, 20.Anibal Godoy, 19.Alberto Quintero (18.Luis Tejada 57); 22.Abdiel Arroyo.
Unused substitutes: 12.Jose Calderon (GK), 3.Jan Carlos, 4.Roderick Miller, 7.Oscar Villarreal, 10.Alejandro Taylor, 14.Miguel Camargo, 16.Josiel Nunez, 15.Eric Davis.
Coach: Hernan Gomez
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
World Cup qualifiers
(Friday 24 March 2017)
Trinidad and Tobago 1 (Kevin Molino 37), Panama 0 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain.
Mexico 2 (Javier Hernandez 5, Nester Araujo 45), Costa Rica 0 at the Estadio Azteca, Mexico City;
United States 6 (Sebastian LLetget 5, Michael Bradley 27, Clint Dempsey 32, 49, 54, Christian Pulisic 46), Honduras 0 at the Avaya Stadium, California.
CONCACAF Hex Standings
(Tabulated as Played-Won-Drawn-Lost-Goals For-Goals Against-Points)
Mexico 3-2-1-0-4-1-7
Costa Rica 3-2-0-1-6-2-6
Panama 3-1-1-1-1-1-4
United States 3-1-0-2-7-6-3
T&T 3-1-0-2-2-5-3
Honduras 3-1-0-2-3-8-3
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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.
There is no reason why T&T can’t get 4th in the group. Panama and Honduras are possibly weaker sides.
USA cut Honduras tail last night. So they are now above us in the Hex. We definitely have our work cut out for us. Staying positive
Good job guys.
I agree with you Vijai Ramsawak, in the second half T&T were sitting on that lead while when into what sports commentator’s call “throwing the kitchen sink” at us
when we go Panama and Mexico you will see pace and pressure for the entire match….this is how d game is played Internationally…we need to work harder throughout…we are at home…
So true, even if and when we get the lead it’s not just to sit back and play defense, they need to watch every game closely and train hard to counter attack their pace
we need to press more…pressure d opposition harder during our homes games…we need to put them on d ropes for 90 mins…we need to step up our game
Lasana Liburd, Dennis philosophy possession with purpose ,seeing the posession and like it , high pressing like it , squeezeing like it ,covering like it and I could see the GPS working .The purpose within game management needs some work. Mexiico players have height issues , would like to see carlos , jovlin and levi running at them wipping in crosses targeting kenwyne , second ball boatswain ,molino . Feeling we go hold Mexico and wok them next.
Messi has a height issue too?
Exactly
This is what happens when we believe in ourselves, and when we believe in our own, was impressed by the professionalism and confidence displayed by Lawrence from the get go.
Where KJ got that burst of speed from boy ? ? ? . After the game the outlook seem to be TT 4 – P’Ma 1 .
Congrats well done ah wonder what all the JONES haters saying now after that big performance last night he won all the balls in defence and in attack was one of his best if not his best performance for TNT well done guys we jamming still Hart will be proud of you all
?????? T&T Represent ??????⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽
Congratulations T&T. Continue to make us smile. We need it. Much love Dennis and the team and blessings of continued success.
we must sharpen up in defence against Mexico, keep a high tempo, play till the final whistle, goals win games, clinical finishing are attributes we must showcase Tuesday night. Let the latinos quarrel among themselves as did the Panama coaches after the game. Football is life and economy in those countries, we must adopt that culture at all levels in our football regime.
Well done Soca Squad…….3 pts is needed when you play at home
Mexico 2 Costa Rica 0
USA 6 Honduras 0
We played decent, I feel we can do even better than this. It seemed the players were getting tired towards the end and dropped behind the line, can’t do that we gotta keep possession and let Panama chase us. Overall I’m happy with the result and hope we go into the Mexico game with this momentum. Go T&T!! ??????????????
We always get tired because of fitness
But they played well
Well way to go, do not rest on your laurels, many roadblocks on the way. Congratulations!
Coach has brought some much needed energy to the team.
could not make it live at stadium this time. Saw first half. Was a good showing. Did you attended the post match conference? What were the comments?
Nice win…..mexico next……we can’t park d bus ……we not good at dat…..we hadda take ah page from dem 2 draws and press dem in d middle third…..can’t afford to sit off them
Warriors.!!!!!
#WarriorsTimeisNow ⚽
Give credit where is due. KJ played hard, the team had good shape and we deserved the 3 points. Well done Tallest
Kenwyn and Cyrus looked like new players tonight!
Well, centre back in Cyrus’ favourite position and he made the most of some absences and took his chance.
And Kenwyne had some injuries last year and was rarely fully fit.
Kenwyn played well in terms of heading the ball in the defensive areas of the pitch. But remember me he is a forward and needs to be effective in the attacking areas of the pitch. For example molino wasn’t good defensively but then I don’t expect him to because he is playing almost as a striker. he did what he was sent onto the pitch to do and that’s to provide attack. So I disagree with Kenwyn having some good game .
Curtis Charles if you’ve ever watched how coaches use Kenwyne you’ll see that He did exactly what was expected i.e. bring other players in from the knock down headers and interplay. Also, we didn’t have many effective crosses into the box for him to latch on to. I thought he looked good. As the coach said great effort but decision making could improve
Ian Fitzwilliam…Have you ever looked at the modern day forward? Look at lewandowski, look at benzema, look at zlatan, look at look at balotelli. These are strikers these are “post up ” strikers…They all provide more than just a chest down here and there. They provide shots , link up play with the midfielders , make penetrating off the ball runs etc. Your entire game cannot be just a knock down here and there
Yeah Curtis Charles but Kenwyne isn’t that type of player nor has he ever played for those types of teams. We play to his strengths and use him as somewhat of a distraction for the defenders. I didn’t say he was world class, but for what he gives us he looked good last night.
Did you see Kenwyn stop the ball on the byline and instead of squaring the ball back to a player who was on the penalty spot,he tried to score from the most ridiculous angle that not even Messi nor Ronaldo can score from?
I understand that you are satisfied with the fight that he gave but to me it was on the wrong end of the field. His best work came from defending corners and freekicks. But we need a striker to score goals and provide assists. Can you remember a shot at goal from Kenwyn?
Mark my words if boatswain get a chance ,we might see the difference..
Curtis Charles I believe he is a game changer coming off the bench could be a strong point especially after Kevin Cato and orders weary d opponent throw him in d mix cuz he is hungry
Cato… did I hear you say Cato Bor Bor? Men talking about KJ, Cato is a terrible player…absolutely awful.
Brent Bennett I saw a different KJ he played and lead like a tru leader Kenwyne Jones dispite wat ppl may say he is a asset to trinidad football with is aerial strenght on top and in the back
Lol nah was jus called his name as and example wit his pace
Bor Bor , I think you are mixing up how Kenwyn defended when there were set pieces.. he was excellent. But when it comes to doing what a forward supposed to do, he is not effective . The only thing I can say is that he chest down the ball a couple of times… But look at that opportunity he squandered at the byline. How the hell you can shoot from the byline? …Goals are very important and the US knows this..If it comes down to goal difference it matters…Did Kenwyn put more effort ? Yes. But was he really effective in the attacking third? No….How many shots Kenwyn took for the game? As far as I can remember it’s one? And it was that ridiculous one at the byline …
Cuz is roll was different
D best in d world do worst than that that is the game we can’t judge him on that
His work rate was great
Nah man …we so accustom to mediocrity with these guys that when they do average we get surprised..lol
I thought he gave us an offensive outlet with his aerial ability and he chased down some lost causes too Curtis.
The service to him was bad. Three out of four passes to him were wide or in the channels and he had to chase.
Now imagine if that was Zlatan and they were playing balls all over the place and expecting him to chase. What would Zlatan have done? Lol.
I really thought we would have put some up to let him attack it in the air. Had a few chances to do it but we either drove low or took too much time. We only play to his strength from out the back. In the attacking third we rarely put in early crosses. Most of out wing players drop their heads with a couple yards of space ahead of them.
Although there was a play early on when Joevin Jones broke free down the flank and looked up and Kenwyne was running in a straight line. He didn’t right and dart back left or something to lose his marker.
That one was on Kenwyne. But overall I thought he did a good job.
Trust me, kenwyne is shit, as a forward another game no goal, this tnt team finishing 6thbin the hex….usa, costa rica, mexico qualifying and fourth spot is between honduras and panama….
So why we can’t push Honduras and Panama? We beat Panama away already under Hart. And Honduras beatable.
Wait nah… Because Kenwyne get the armband you toting? Lol.
Lasana Liburd…I think Kenwyn is not effective enough when it comes to goals. Take away the heading and you have zero shots on goal, zero link up with the midfielders, zero assists …I just think that he is not effective enough and someone else should get a chance….When we would recognize this is when we are down a goal and needs him to score.
He actually had a lot of assists from 2013 to 2015. 2016 was a bad year for him.
Here’s the catch for me, Curtis. Nobody in CONCACAF can match him in the air, so he has an undoubtable asset there.
Which other forward do we have who has a quality that the opponent cannot stop? Tell me that and I would say play him.
If we had Aguero or Kane, I would say play them. But we don’t. I’m not saying the other forwards are bad but do they have a strength that makes other teams afraid?
No one else gets a chance ,so how are we going to know who can take his spot.. all we talk about is kenwyn’s aerial threat but he does not score goals with it and if it means that the wingers are not providing good crosses, then we are playing a square peg in a round hole. Give Willis plaza, boatswin , Winchester or someone a chance and not 10-15 mins cause we won’t see anything from that.
We are hooked on having a post up striker because Kenwyn is big. What did the last coach said about why he dropped Kenwyn? He said he doesn’t fit the style of play , so why are we stuck with this strong man up front?
These men have selective memories yes.
Curtis Charles we all kno our last coach was politics the the football
No we don’t have selective memories we just don’t hold on topast performances , that’s all
The last coach also got fired in 4 so…
Bor Bor the man quit , he didn’t get fired
Curtis Charles, the last “coach” was a carpetbagger and used car salesman. Not a real football coach. If Saintfiet said do ‘X’, then you’re sure that ‘Y’ is the right answer. Lol.
Curtis Charles all pro ballers get buy on pass.performance
I wouldn’t even let Saintfiet pick my fete match team! Hahaha.
Like falcao? Where is he today? Back at Monaco because he looked terrible at the time at Chelsea and man utd
He didnt hav a choice Curtis Charles cuz he was used
Hahhahahahahah Lasana Liburd
Lol at Lasana Liburd
Ian Fitzwilliam if we are to hold on to past performances then latas and Yorke should be on that team.. the reality in football today is that you have to be performing presently..That’s why Rooney is where he is today..On the bench..This is not a one game or two or three bad games , this is Kenwyn for the entire 2016 just like Lasana Liburd said. You can’t tell me that we can’t give someone else a chance…It would take Kenwyn getting an injury and then we have no other choice but you try someone else? Come on man
Falcao couldn’t adapt to the Epl so he never caught form and was bought injued
Bor Bor that means he didn’t perform well. He wasn’t there for two months .
Then Curtis in d 79 min we will push mitchel and bake on top
Injury kill him in Chelsea
Hazard 2015/2016 season with Chelsea was d worst then they should ar get rid of him???? We all are human been and we are entitled to fall KJ has his days we can’t kill him for dat he as more heart than some
We***
Im not saying get rid of him . But give someone else a chance to start . I’m not saying he doesn’t deserved to be there but I believe they should try another forward
Good win…one game at a time
A much need victory. I hope the team watching mexico because is pace
Way boi ?
I watch mexico vs Costa Rica
Mexico leading 2-0
MASSIVE 3 points…
Ah hope the T&T team and staff watching the Mexico game right now.
Ent.
Shawn it’s pace like peas
Yep we going to have to improve even more over the next three days
well…thats what its all about
Congrats. Marked improvement
Mexico lead
Good win on to Mexico
We got the result. Congrats to the team and coach! #SocaWarriors
Molina is key to this team … He brings that extra creativity and killer moment of magic to the table which decides games.
Joevin showed class and professionalism by grabbing those last 2 minutes to secure the victory. Brilliant!
Joevin was heads and shoulders above the others
Waiting for Sounders to stop playing him at left back
Great win
We needed that horse….in the worst way
btw anybody know if d game show on flow sports cuz i didnt see it on flow sports
I saw it on a Concacaf feed that someone sent me but the commentary was in Spanish.
Yea a lot more dynamic and fitter KJ
Real nice game love de possession and de confidence de players showed in their passin from the back every body put in a good shift. Well done TNT on to mexico
see how empty d stadium is tonight but let d boys start to do good place go be pack
That’s typical trinis for you
Dwayne Salandy band wagonist yuh mean not true supporters
We are all humans and we live and learn but the team needs him if we are to go anywhere
Where are all the ppl that called for Kevin Nash Molino not to play for the country again….
Man of the match daneil Cyrus!
Molino should’ve gotten a penalty if that shove was in the box
Panama wont qualify for World Cup. Mark my word.,
Mexico is missing half of the starters but if you think you can concede to Peralta Vela and Chicharito those chances like tonight you are in for a rude awakening.
True!
Would u say that’s our strongest back line on paper?
We played a scrappy 2nd half. Good to see Kenwyne Jones outrunning players younger than him.
Indeed
Yeah, J. Thought KJ looked a lot faster today and the team in general stayed the pace for 80 mins. A lot better all round.
Told you we winning this game… And we beating Mexico too. Dennis Lawrence is about to become a legend.
LMAO beating Mexico
Yea we beating Mexico
Lmfao beating Mexico
And Argentina after
Panama played without strikers and still missed 3 easy easy chances
I just took a screeshot of this conversation. We will meet right back here after the Mexico game.
Mexico is missing half of the starters but if you think you can concede to Peralta Vela and Chicharito those chances you are in for a rude awakening.
I’m feeling it in my bones. I’m feeling it. The team will soon feel it too… We well squeeze pass Mexico
Would love if we beat Mexico as unlikely as it seems so the constant naysayers would rest their mouth a bit
Good performance….. Points on the board
Panama plays without forwards
Steupz
11 vs 11
I couldn’t figure out if they actually fielded a striker
We lucky no arse. But say what, a win is a win.
Well done guys