National Football

Najjar: Is it “about attitude”? T&T U-17s did well but lacked ability and application

“[…] That the USA and Canada did not steamroll the young Warriors showed we possessed that fighting for all-the-marbles, attitude… But truly, is it only ‘about attitude’? “We showed the right attitude in all four games but did not win a single game—not even against Barbados whose only goal was …

Read More »

Valiant T&T U-17s go down fighting, after 3-2 extra time loss to El Salvador

The Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Under-17 Team were eliminated from the Concacaf Under-17 Championship last night. But the relief of their conquerors, El Salvador, at the final whistle spoke volumes. It took 120 minutes and a shot in the dark from an unlikely saviour, El Salvadorian defender Michael Ventura, …

Read More »

Dear Editor: Machel’s One Show was dangerous to patrons and the HC Stadium surface

“[…] Some keen observations coming out of the show—apart from the long lines and late gates—was the failure to fully protect the football pitch, as areas of green could be seen toward the back end of the fete. “[…] What could be the repercussions of this heavy foot traffic, alcohol spilling and high …

Read More »

“It’s about attitude!” Cooper on T&T football’s shortcomings, facing El Salvador and his players’ special quality

On Thursday evening, Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Under-17 Team head coach Shawn Cooper and another staff member suffered an attempted “break-in” at their hotel in Antigua City, Guatemala. “I saw someone trying to open my door,” Cooper told Wired868. “They showed me a key with my room number…” A …

Read More »

“It wasn’t pretty… but the boys are learning,” Cooper credits fitness and desire for T&T U-17 result

Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Under-17 Team head coach Shawn Cooper credited the desire of his players and the physical preparation of the teenaged team, as they advanced to the Round of 16 phase of the Concacaf Under-17 Championship after yesterday’s 1-1 tie with Barbados. The result, at the Estadio …

Read More »

“He didn’t touch the ball!” Cooper defends Cardines and explains tactical tale of Canada contest

Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Under-17 Team head coach Shawn Cooper defended right back Rio Cardines over his expulsion in yesterday’s Concacaf Under-17 Championship match against Canada, which forced his teammates to play for 70 minutes with 10 players. There were barely 19 minutes on the clock at the Estadio …

Read More »

The “Cardines Clause”; Rio gets passport to represent T&T U17s in potentially ground-breaking case

Rio Cardines has got his Trinidad and Tobago passport and will join the National Under-17 Team in Guatemala tomorrow, just hours before their opening Concacaf Under-17 Championship match against Canada. Almost certainly, Cardines will not be named in coach Shawn Cooper’s starting team and is unlikely to feature at all. …

Read More »