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“[…] Tactically, there was little evidence of a structured approach. Our pressing game lacked intensity, transitions were disorganized, and the midfield failed to link defence to attack.
“[…] The omission of players like Justin Garcia, who offer composure and strength, was puzzling. Without them, the back four looked vulnerable and reactive…”
The following Letter to the Editor on Trinidad and Tobago’s performances to date in the 2026 World Cup qualifying was submitted to Wired868 by Arnold Corneal, a former national youth team member and certified coach:
(via Concacaf.)
I write to share my opinion on Trinidad and Tobago’s recent performance against Jamaica in the World Cup Qualifier on 9 September. While the result was disappointing, the greater concern lies in the systemic issues exposed by this match.
From the opening whistle, Jamaica asserted dominance, particularly in midfield. Trinidad and Tobago, by contrast, looked disjointed, relying on flashes of individual brilliance rather than a coherent tactical plan.
(Editor’s Note: At the final whistle, Trinidad and Tobago had 54% possession, with 13 shots to 10 from Jamaica.)
(via TTFA Media.)
The absence of key players Kevin Molino and Daniel Phillips was deeply felt—without Molino’s creativity and Phillips’ ball-winning grit, our midfield appeared toothless. Their replacements could not replicate the same impact, leaving our team overrun in both creativity and aggression.
Tactically, there was little evidence of a structured approach. Our pressing game lacked intensity, transitions were disorganized, and the midfield failed to link defence to attack.
Predictable patterns—such as Tyrese Spicer being isolated on the left flank—were never adjusted, making it easy for Jamaica to contain our play.
The lack of variety, from diagonal runs to shooting from distance, left the attack one-dimensional. Even Levi Garcia, our most dangerous forward, struggled with discipline, being caught offside multiple times.
The effort was ruled out for offside.
(via TTFA Media.)
Defensively, the issues were glaring. Kobi Henry was at fault for both goals conceded, while positional awareness across the back line was poor. Too often Jamaica found space for crosses and exploited lapses in anticipation.
The omission of players like Justin Garcia and Alvin Jones, who offer composure and strength, was puzzling. Without them, the back four looked vulnerable and reactive. (Editor’s Note: Alvin Jones was unavailable due to injury.)
Substitutions brought a spark—Justin Obikwu and others injected energy and creativity—but these changes came far too late, with the team already two goals down.
Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868.
The lesson is clear: proactive tactical adjustments are as important as the starting XI.
In sum, Trinidad and Tobago boasts talented individuals but lacks a cohesive identity. Team selection appeared experimental, tactical flexibility was absent, and our overall approach reactive rather than purposeful.
To compete at this level, we must address three core areas:
- Reinstate experienced players like Molino, Phillips, and Jones to restore balance.
- Develop a pressing and transition system that makes the midfield competitive.
- Establish attacking patterns that emphasise coordination, not just individual talent.
(via TTFA Media.)Boyz
The Jamaica match was not just a loss, but a reminder that without structure, leadership, and timely adjustments, even our best players will struggle.
If the technical staff can translate these lessons into meaningful reform, there is still hope for redemption in the campaign ahead.
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“[…] More possession, more shots, prettier football—none of it matters without results. Sympathy doesn’t qualify teams. Goals and points do. Read more
“[…] You mentioned that building a team is a process, not an event. I understand and respect that but context Read more
“[…] Dwight Yorke and Russell Latapy need the time necessary to mold and shape their players into a cohesive unit. Read more
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We are in a difficult situation because I imagine Yorke spends more time with the local contingent that makes up the squad and who he is less likely to start in these games. While he has maybe at best 3 -5 days between matches with his foreign base players I.e likely starters. So I can see the difficulty of getting the squad to gel and become a cohesive unit. This may be an issue for all one hundred plus nations contending for worldcup slots. I think our problems stems from the lack of continuity and structures in our football which sees every national team’s coach basically having to almost restart the program. This is evident by how our starting eleven changes from game to game (there is no evidence of a core of players who you can say outside of injury etc is guaranteed a place on the team sheet when game time comes around. This too maybe contributing to the hesitancy and lack of cohesive team play. I don’t think it will be wise to fire Yorke even if we fail to qualify. Give him some time with the team to develop chemistry/confidence (his own as well). Our players need more international exposure/matches under their belt to improve.