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1
Football / Daniel boon for T&T
« on: September 09, 2008, 03:29:17 AM »
Daniel boon for T&T.
By: Lasana Liburd (Express).


'Skill-achi' shines

Trinidad and Tobago, in front of thousands of anxious supporters, executed a seamless baton exchange near the finish at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain. It was not Emmanuel Callender to Richard Thompson, en route to a historic 4 x 100 metre 2008 Olympic Games silver medal, but rather national football captain Dwight Yorke to the young man who already has an eye for his number 19 shirt.

Keon Daniel controlled Yorke's square pass and pushed the ball a foot ahead of him in one motion. His second touch sent the sphere flying past Guatemala goalkeeper Luis Molina and into the back of the net off the underside of the bar. It was Daniel's third World Cup goal-just four matches into his maiden campaign-and already brings his tally level with former luminaries like Hall of Famer Everald "Gally" Cummings and ex-European-based stars Leonson Lewis and Jerren Nixon.
Daniel, with all due respect to the three aforementioned stars, hopes to follow the footsteps of someone else entirely.
The "Soca Warriors" sported jerseys numbered one to 18 for Saturday's 2010 World Cup qualifier but 19 holds a special place in the heart of two squad members.

Yorke was assigned the number 19 when he joined England Premier League giants, Manchester United, for a then club record and went on to win the European Champions League and the domestic league and FA Cup titles with the shirt. He moved on after three seasons but, whenever possible, sticks by that number.

Daniel, who-like Yorke-was born on the sister isle of Tobago and came to national prominence with Signal Hill Senior Comprehensive, has his reasons too.

"I (usually) wear 19 because of the other Tobagonian player in the team," said the United Petrotrin playmaker, after Saturday's fixture. "He is the greatest ever and I decided to take up the mantle."

Tobago is well represented within the Warriors' ranks at present. Cyd Gray played at right back while defender Makan Hislop would have surely started but for suspension. But only one of those men could be reasonably described as "the greatest".
At 36, Yorke is a shadow of the player who once made Europe tremble. The smooth acceleration and timely sprints into space are rare sights now although his technique and poise remain and are enough to secure his place with Premiership outfit, Sunderland, and the national side.

But it was the 21-year-old Daniel, his would-be successor, who stole the show on Saturday. As a national youth player, Daniel's teammates gave him the nickname "Skill-achi" for his clever control and ability to create room in cramped spaces on the field. But Colombian coach Francisco Maturana deserves credit for coaxing the obvious potential out of the soft-spoken youth at senior level.

Daniel was on the fringes of the local squad when Maturana took over and, after barely a handful of training sessions, brought him into his 18-man squad. He did feature for former coach Wim Rijsbergen against a Mexican under-23 squad but his full international debut came under Maturana as a late substitute in a goalless draw with Guadeloupe on Ash Wednesday.

A month later, Daniel played from the start in a friendly against El Salvador at Macoya and scored the game's only goal with a superb free kick from the edge of the penalty area. And, when Scotland-based attacker Collin Samuel failed to show up for next friendly international away to Jamaica, the spider-legged midfielder became the automatic first choice on the left flank.

It did not always seem an inspired choice. Daniel, who prefers the intricacies of central midfield, seemed shy in committing opposing full backs initially and contributed mainly through his measured delivery on set pieces. But, when the Warriors most needed inspiration, he was ready.

In Bermuda, he created goals for Darryl Roberts and Stern John as Trinidad and Tobago overturned a 2-1 first leg deficit to squeeze into the semi-final stage. And, in Cuba, Daniel cracked in his first goal off the far post before curling home the second with a free kick as the Warriors went on to triumph 3-1.

On the weekend, Port of Spain witnessed Daniel's burgeoning talent as he floated imperiously around the midfield that he shared, for the first time in his career, with his idol, Yorke. The pair saved their best double act for the 85th minute.

Cornell Glen and Andre Toussaint looked to have been illegally muscled to the ground on the edge of the Guatemalan area but Panamanian referee Roberto Moreno waved play on as the ball broke for Yorke. The Sunderland star spotted an interested Daniel at the corner of his eye and, without hesitation, rolled the ball in his path. Daniel's thumping finish crowned his finest international showing yet on home soil.

"I am growing from strength to strength," he told the Express. "I feel like I am getting better with every game."
There are some big boots to fill tomorrow as the Warriors face CONCACAF bigwigs, the United States, without Yorke, who was ordered to return to England by Sunderland boss Roy Keane. Daniel can hardly wait for the opening whistle.

2
Football / Sunderland pull T&T captain from USA match.
« on: September 08, 2008, 09:36:19 AM »
Sunderland pull T&T captain from USA match.
By: Lasana Liburd (Express).


YORKE RECALLED

The Trinidad and Tobago national football team's preparations for Wednesday's 2010 World Cup qualifier away to the United States were thrown into disarray yesterday when coach Francisco Maturana was denied the use of newly installed team captain Dwight Yorke as well as left back Avery John and promising teenaged midfielder Khaleem Hyland.

John, a 2006 World Cup player, is suspended for collecting yellow cards in successive matches while Hyland's automatic one match suspension for violent conduct against Cuba was extended to two games. But Maturana might be particularly aggrieved by the departure of Yorke, just days after adding him to the team's South Africa campaign.

The Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF) claimed that the combination of a thigh and ankle injury ruled Yorke out of their September 10 engagement against the group leaders. However, Yorke admitted to the Express on Saturday night, that Sunderland ordered his return to England.

Sunderland manager Roy Keane, who played alongside Yorke at Manchester United, warned the Tobagonian in July that his international aspirations could jeopardize his future with the club. However, the pair decided that Yorke may be allowed to join the "Soca Warriors" if he did not figure in Sunderland's first team plans.

Yorke, who was unavailable for the start of the season through injury, is yet to wear Sunderland colours this term while Keane-whose 30-member squad is the most populous in the Premiership-has used four different players in the two central midfield roles that the 36-year-old Warrior could fill.

But, even before Yorke wore the armband on Saturday, Keane is believed to have phoned and said that he was in the frame to play against Wigan on September 13. The Irish coach does not feel the veteran can be at his best with three matches in eight days and issued an ultimatum.

Yorke insisted, on Saturday, that he wants to represent his country but was unwilling to fight with Sunderland on the matter. Although FIFA law insists that Sunderland make their players available for World Cup duty, Keane made it clear that he wanted Yorke to stick to his international retirement when he gave him a one-year deal in the summer. Sunderland also offered to look after Yorke's future by promising him a coaching job at the end of his playing career.

"I am feeling caught between a rock and a hard place with my club and my country," Yorke said on Saturday. "I want to play against the US but I don't know if I will be allowed to."

Yorke, who teed up Keon Daniel for Trinidad and Tobago's lone goal against Guatemala, said he felt physically capable of playing on Wednesday.

"I was 90 per cent fit (against Guatemala)," he said. "I have been dealing with a thigh strain but I am still fit enough to play for my country. I feel fine."

It is unlikely that FIFA vice-president and T&TFF special advisor Jack Warner will take action against Sunderland considering the possible ramifications to the country's most celebrated player. It is not immediately clear whether Yorke would be allowed to represent his country again in the World Cup campaign and if all future appearances depend on Keane's say-so.
 
Yorke's place in the squad goes to Economy North East Stars midfielder Akeil Guevara, while Defence Force wing back Aklie Edwards and Neal & Massy Caledonia AIA right back Gyasi Joyce replace John and Hyland respectively. The three replacements have 11 international starts between them. United Petrotrin defender Makan Hislop also returns to the squad after suspension.

Maturana is already without the services of injured W. Connection midfield star Aurtis Whitley, while he opted not to summon record scorer Stern John, combative midfielder Chris Birchall-both 2006 World Cup players-and Turkey-based striker Darryl Roberts who all played in earlier qualifiers.

3
Football / Alvin Corneal - Journey to South Africa continues
« on: September 04, 2008, 10:08:26 PM »
Journey to South Africa continues
Trinidad Guardian

BY ALVIN CORNEAL

Now that the euphoria of the Beijing Olympics has subsided, the eyes of the sports fans will be focused once more on the path of the Soca Warriors towards the target of reaching the World Cup Finals in South Africa.
With matches on Saturday and Wednesday respectively, there will certainly provide a true reflection of the assumed improvement of the squad, together with their level of consistency.
Victory over Cuba in Havana was essential to the character building of the players, who would by now realise that playing on the road is usually a very difficult task.
Having said that, I am also aware that our players tend to produce more effort and commitment while on the road, maybe because of the spontaneous reaction of our people to become critical of mistakes during a match and moreso, the media, whose comments are based upon personnel and not necessarily the analysis of the match itself.
This factor seems to have taken its toll on coach Francisco “Pacho” Maturana in an indirect way, especially in the selection process.
The concept of retaining a winning team is often seen as the norm for many coaches and in more ways than one, reflect the confidence which is placed upon the efforts of the players.
There are differing views, whereby other coaches often consider the changing of their strategy in order to continue to get the right results. This would depend on their opponents, the conditions under which they have to play and also the exposure of new players to the squad for the purpose of future matches.
As we approach the match against Guatemala, coach Pacho’s main will now be focused upon two factors, the first of which will be the fact that the Central Americans will be adamant in getting at least one point on the road in order to remain in the race for one of the top two spots.
Will they come with an open attacking policy from the start in order to try for an early initiative, or will they retreat into their own half of the field and test the creativity and aggression of the Soca warriors before their home crowd?
No doubt, team structure will have to be an important task, especially as we have a red carded player in Khaleem Hyland, a first yellow card for Avery John and injury to Chris Birchall  ::).
This seemingly has opened the door for names like Dwight Yorke, who is enjoying the superstardom of being able to just mention his availability and he is on the sheet.
Clearly, his successful career will have generated this scenario, and the fact that he has not been playing much, shall leave everyone speculative about his form.
Admittedly, on this occasion, the absence of good leadership will work heavily in his favour, plus his experience in the midfield, features which were not easily recognised in the preliminary matches.
The eyes of the technical staff seemed very open, when it came to observing players who were playing abroad and getting some level of success. Jason Scotland has had a good start to the English Championship season and with the huge media hype, gained him entry to the squad.
On the other hand, it must be some sort of selection strategy that may have kept Darryl Roberts out of the squad. My recollection of his last two performances will normally have made him a key player in my mind, but, not having seen the preparation from the coach’s point of view, its better to be guided by his judgement. The selection of Julius James has been long in coming, and maybe through his own fault, this talented defender may have been on the sheet earlier than the present.
Having seen him play two matches in the MLS at central defence, and knowing what is available in these positions, James could earn a permanent place in the team.
As we seek to move on in the qualifying series, we must not ignore the results of the last two encounters on the road against El Salvador and Cuba. Its not only about the results, but the resilience and determination demonstrated by the players and the desire to win the battle in the enemy’s backyard against countries like the USA, whose main strength supercedes all others when it comes to immense focus, aggression and the zeal to win.
With a possible match against Peru this week ::), and the Guatemala happening on Saturday, the results must be earned by high intensity, absolute focus and total commitment to team play.
There are players who already have these ingredients in their repertoire. I could think of names like Cyd Gray, Keyeno Thomas, Carlos Edwards, Aurtis Whitley, Hyland, Clyde Leon, Osei Telesford, Cornell Glen and Roberts.
Avery John will be normally included in that pack, but his inability to avoid yellow cards may be his greatest enemy.
If the coach decides to include Yorke, he will need to have an intense group of ball winners, whether they are defenders, midfielders or forwards.
In this way, Yorke will be able to use his choice passes to open penetration lanes and also to move into the attacking third, where he has gained world recognition through his craft in that area.
It is my belief that the selection process for choosing teams to play against Guatemala will differ from the selection against the USA, four days later.
We may get away with moments of complacency against Guatemala, but not the USA. This is a key point and one which could break the ice and enter winner’s row against the “Yanks”.
Maybe that is still one week away.
Let us pay attention to what is immediate before second guessing any decisions which may come by later on.

4
Football / Yorke lines up against Guyana today
« on: September 03, 2008, 05:05:02 AM »
Yorke lines up against Guyana today


Soca Warriors members Cyd Gray (left) and Cornell Glen (right) train at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Monday as they prepared for their warm-up clash against Guyana at the same venue today.
[/b]

BY GREGORY TRUJILLO

Former national football captain Dwight Yorke will be lining up in coach Francisco Maturana’s team for today’s warm-up match against Guyana at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, from 5.30 pm.
For the Sunderland midfielder, it will be his first appearance for the national side since coming on as a substitute in the friendly international against England in May to mark the centennial celebrations of the T&T Football Federation.
Yorke is coming off an injury which has kept him out of the Sunderland premiership team and also the first World Cup qualifier away to Cuba which the “Soca Warriors” won 3-1 two weeks ago.
Swansea City duo Dennis Lawrence and Jason Scotland, Sunderland midfielder Carlos Edwards, Hungary-based goalkeeper Jan Michael Williams, US-based defenders Avery John and Julius James will all be in the squad for the clash against the Guyanese team being coached by T&T’s Jamal Shabaaz.
Defence Force defender, Aklie Edwards will be making a return, having completed a four-match suspension for a red card offence in an Olympic qualifier against Cuba earlier this year.
Among the other home-based pros include midfielder Keon Daniel, the double scorer against Cuba, as well as Densill Theobald, Cornell Glen, Cyd Gray, Anthony Wolfe, Andre Toussaint, Clyde Leon and goalkeeper Marvin Phillips among the others.
Coach Maturana will have almost his full squad available with the exception of injured Aurtis Whiley and Coventry City’s Christopher Birchell.   ???
The match will be the last for the Warriors before the second match in the World Cup qualification series against Guatemala on Saturday at the same venue.
The national Under-20 team, preparing for the Under-20 World Cup in Egypt in February next year, will come up against its El Salvador counterparts in the second match of the double-header, from 7.30 pm. TT will be hosting the Concacaf finals for the Under-20 World Cup in January.

Today’s T&T teams from:

TT SENIORS: Jan Michael Williams, Marvin Phillips, Dennis Laurence, Avery John, Cyd Gray, Keyeno Thomas, Clyde Leon, Julius James, Carlos Edwards, Dwight Yorke, Kerry Baptiste, Keon Daniel, Densill Theobald, Cornell Glen, Jason Scotland, Anthony Wolfe, Andre Toussaint, Darryl Roberts :o, Makhan Hislop, Khaleem Hyland.

TT U-20: Leston Paul (capt), Jeremiah Goddard, Keston Smith, Kevin Francis, Marcus Joseph, Uriah Bentick, Akeem Adams, Andre Etienne, Aubrey David, Daniel Cyrus, Jean Luc Rochford, Marvin Manswell, Mikiel Wiliams, Nicholas Walker, Curtis Gonzales, Jamal Clarence, Kevin Thomas, Trent Lougheed, Andre Marchand, Glenroy Samuel.

©2005-2006 Trinidad Publishing Company Limited

5
Football / Warriors tackle mighty Mexicans
« on: September 19, 2007, 10:20:48 PM »
Warriors tackle mighty Mexicans.
By: Ian Prescott (Express).


Wim lines up Mexico, El Salvador.

"Everything is still based on looking for a team in the next couple of months to go into the World Cup qualifying. The draw is in November, and hopefully we will know the situation with the foreign players by then. "
With the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) draw for 2010 World Cup qualifying coming up soon, Wim Rijsbergen, coach of Trinidad and Tobago's national senior team, has restarted his international programme.
The Dutchman has called 20 players to begin training next Tuesday in preparation for upcoming international friendly matches, away to Mexico on October 14 and El Salvador on October 17.
The team to play Mexico is expected to comprise much of the squad that competed at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, in June.
Among the professionals expected to be selected are Holland-based Darryl Roberts, Densill Theobald, who is now based in Hungary, England-based Silvio Spann, and United States-based Andre Pacheco and Andre Toussaint.
Still missing are many of the players who represented Trinidad and Tobago at the World Cup Finals in Germany, last June, but who have since been debarred from representing the national team due to a money dispute with the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF).
Rijsbergen said he will use the players now available to him, but is hoping that the situation with the rest is resolved in the near future.
In recent times, Rijsbergen's programme has been hit by the cancellation of international warm-ups, while CONCACAF giants United States and Mexico have had the opportunity to play the mighty Brazilians.
The Dutch coach was at the First Citizens Cup double-header, in Arima, on Wednesday night.
"If we are to have a successful build-up, we have to have a good mix of players. Some local and some foreign-based , who have been exposed to a higher intensity of football. A couple of good international games would help at least to give some of the guys exposure to international football.
"The purpose is to see one or two other players and where they are at international level. Everyone understands that we have a long way to go."
Meanwhile, Lincoln Phillips, T&T football's technical director, feels that T&T should have played many more such matches at this stage.
"It's quite unfortunate that we have not played as many matches. At this stage we are still ahead in the ball game, but not by far. We have never started our programme immediately after the World Cup, we usually wait two years before doing something. It would definitely be better for us to be playing games, regardless of which teams we play."
Seniors likely to get friendlies next month.
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).
[/size]
 
Trinidad and Tobago's Senior Team could have a friendly lined up against CONCACAF giants Mexico next month.. The T&T Football Federation is in the process of finalizing the match to allow head coach Wim Rijsbergen some friendlies before the end of the year with South Africa World Cup 2010 qualification starting in June next year.
The Mexico game, if finalized will be played there on October 14 with a second friendly away to El Salvador carded for two days later. A previous encounter this month against Guatemala in Miami was called off.
Rijsbergen will invite 20 players for training including some overseas-based pros such as Densill Theobald, Silvio Spann, Darryl Roberts, and ex-W Connection duo Andrei Pacheco and Andre Toussaint. He still does not have the availability of players involved in an impasse with the Federation.
Mexico are coming off a 3-1 loss to Brazil and Rijsbergen will be keen to get the much needed match practice.
"Of course it will be good for us but we also need the people to realise that we are still just looking to find players and see how they fit in at that higher level. It's important that we continue this process because we are still hoping to have our best team by the time the qualifiers come around."

6
Football / Iraqi captain snubbed Sunderland move
« on: July 15, 2007, 08:03:19 AM »
Iraq skipper Younis Mahmoud has revealed he turned down the chance to move to Premier League newboys Sunderland in May.
 
The striker, currently on duty with Iraq at the AFC Asian Cup, plays for Al Gharafa in the Qatari league but his fine form for both club and country has attracted interest from a number of top European sides.

Younis is the second Iraq international that is believed to have caught the eye of Sunderland after midfielder Nashat Akram earlier admitted his agent is in discussions with the Black Cats.

Younis is regarded as one of Iraq's best strikers after scoring 24 goals in 35 games for the national team.

But the 24-year-old, who also revealed he has been approached by French clubs Marseille and Lille, insists he is not yet ready to leave behind his family.

'I spoke to Sunderland two months ago,' said Younis. ``They asked me but I have a problem and because of my family I will not go.

``Marseille and Lille also spoke with me but my family are in Iraq. I want to take them out but my father likes it there and won't go. Maybe next year I will move.'

www.soccernet.com

7
Football / Roberto Carlos set for shock Fener move
« on: July 29, 2006, 11:32:45 AM »
Reports in Spain claim that Roberto Carlos is on the brink of completing a move to Fenerbahce.
The news comes as something of a shock with the Brazilian set to snub a contract extension at Real, and the chance of a move to Chelsea, to join the Turkish outfit.
The 33-year-old has spent ten years at the Santiago Bernabeu having joined from Internazionale in the summer of 1996.
He has made nearly 350 appearances for Los Merengues scoring some 44 goals, but the association is now seemingly at an end.
Carlos was offered a lucrative two-year deal by Chelsea prior to the World Cup, but with The Blues having turned their attention to Ashley Cole he has now agreed terms with Fener.
Ironically, his imminent departure could see Madrid attempt to hijack Chelsea's move for Cole with the Spanish giants having been linked with the England international in the past.
Carlos' repeated flirtations with the Londoners seemed to sour his relationship with Real and their fans and made his impending exit this summer almost inevitable.

www.SkySports.com

8
Football / Beenhakker says: Thank you, T&T
« on: July 26, 2006, 04:47:26 AM »
Trinidad Guardian
By Gail Alexander



After being overlooked for the national award, Fifa vice-president Jack Warner gets an up close and personal look at the Chaconia Gold medal presented to former national coach Leo Beenhakker yesterday, at the President’s House. Looking on are newly-appointed national coach, Wim Rijsbergen (right) and Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Roger Boynes.
Photo: Karla Ramoo
[/b]

Former Soca Warriors coach Leo Beenhakker says he will always be available to T&T since this country has become an important part of his heart.
The usually solemn coach, who sometimes wore tense expressions during the Warriors’ recent World Cup performances, was all smiles yesterday, as he received the Chaconia Gold medal from President George Maxwell Richards.
Prime Minister Patrick Manning last month announced Beenhakker would receive the medal and $1 million in cash from the Government for his meritorious work with the national team and his contribution to T&T.

On hand at President’s House to witness the award of the medal were TTFF head Oliver Camps and other TTFF officials as well as Fifa vice-president and Warriors’ financial backer Jack Warner and his wife.
Warner went to the awards function straight from the launching of his book From Zero to Hero which took place earlier at Crowne Plaza. (See Page 71)

Beenhakker was subsequently presented with the $1m cheque by Sports Minister Roger Boynes at another function at The Queen’s Park Oval.
Dressed in a beige suite with a red tie for the President’s House function, Beenhakker, after receiving the medal from President Richards, said: “I am very honoured and very proud.”
He added: “This award means a lot to me as it is the most important part of recognising the effort we made with the players and staff members and in putting this beautiful country on the map of the world.
“It is my wish that this continues and that T&T can show for the next two years its ability and talent. I will always be available because T&T has been an important part of my heart.”

Beenhakker quipped to Richards that he had hoped to express some of his sentiments in Dutch since the President had once indicated he had studied in Holland.
But “Dutch is a language kind of like Japanese after happy hour,” he said, with a laugh and stuck to expressing his appreciation in English.
Richards said he was sure that Beenhakker was not leaving T&T for good or permanently.
“He will be with us from time to time in his new capacity as technical adviser of the team,” Richards added.

Beenhakker said there was little in the way of advice he could pass on to his successor since Wim Wijsbergen already has a wealth of experience and knowledge.
“I don’t have to give him any advice because he is well-prepared for the job. We’ve worked already several years together and he’s been totally involved in the situation in T&T and with the players, so he’ll go along the lines we were working at and I’m sure he’ll do a great job.”

Warner said he hoped the recent developments in football would encourage T&T to look at sports as being much more than it was viewed before and in terms of what it can to improve the youths and T&T’s culture.
Warner said: “If I had the money I would put up a billboard of the Soca Warriors in every village in T&T to inspire the youngsters. “As Prime Minister Patrick Manning has said, sports can do much more for T&T than any politician could do,” Warner added.


AP - PHOTO.

9
Football / Soca Warriors get cash
« on: July 26, 2006, 04:34:52 AM »
Trinidad Guardian
Jovan Ravello



T&T Football Federation (T&TFF) president Oliver Camps, left, and T&TFF Special Advisor Jack Austin Warner, right, flank Poland coach Leo Beenhakker as they display the tokens of anticipation presented to them by the Government at a reception held in honour of T&T’s senior national footballers at the Clico Hospitality Suite, Queen’s Park Oval, St Clair yesterday. Photo: Anthony Harris

Fourteen players who were members of the Soca Warriors but did not gain selection for the World Cup in Germany, along with the technical support crew, were honoured at a reception at the Clico Hospitality Suite, Queen’s Park Oval, yesterday.

The function was the final act of the T&T Football Federation’s (T&TFF) Project 2006.

Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Roger Boynes, in his address, stressed the importance of the support staff.

“I have always found that one of the features of team sport to be the way it teaches to rejoice quietly when others get the attention and accolades.”

Boynes told the players who were not selected in the final 23 that the rewards given to them should remind them of the indispensable foundation work they put in to help the team get to Germany.

The players received $200,000 in units from the Unit Trust Corporation and $50,000. Members of the support staff were presented with $250,000 while Beenhakker was presented with $1 million.

Forward Nigel “Pistol” Pierre was full of gratitude to the Government for making good on its promise made last month.

“Being a part of the team and not going to Germany was unfortunate but I want to thank Government for taking care of the players who did not make it to the final leg of the journey.

“I am a team player so every moment I was out there I played with my heart and gave my all. I would have like to continue but it did not work out that way.

“I was happy with the performances especially for a first time qualifier and us being the smallest country at the World Cup.”

Pierre, who plays in the T&T Pro Football League with Caledonia AIA, did not rule out the possibility of a return to the national team.

Shaun Fuentes, the youngest press officer at the 2006 World Cup finals, said that he did not go into the campaign anticipating rewards.

“But qualifying for the World Cup and being part of the greatest team effort ever exhibited was a rewarding experience.

“It was great that the powers that be acknowledged us in this way. And we hope that it is looked upon, not that we just received money, but that we put in a lot of hard work.

“I hope that standards can be set and followed from this experience.

The Staff:

Assistant Coaches - Wim Rijsbergen and Anton Corneal, Goalkeeper Coach - Michael Maurice, Manager - Bruce Aanensen, Assistant Manager - George Joseph, Doctor - Terrance Babwah, Trainer - Zephyrine Nicholas, Physiotherapists - Wayne Lawson and Oba Gulston, Equipment Manager - Ikin Williams, Assistant - Manager Esmond O’Brien and Cecil Wint.

The Players:

Anton Pierre, Nigel Pierre, Angus Eve, Marlon Rojas, Leslie Fitzpatrick, Hector Sam, Anthony Rougier, Scott Sealy, Brent Rahim, Nigel Henry, Gary Glasgow, Derek King Daurance Williams and Glenton Wolfe

10
Preview of Round 14
With Joel Villafana, 21st July 2006

The battle for top spot remains a heated contest. This weekend the two leaders meet at the Larry Gomes Stadium in the feature match of a double header as the race for the 2006 T&T Pro League intensifies.

New leaders North East Stars will meet 2nd placed Jabloteh in a keen battle, as just one point separates the two teams at the top of the table.

The ‘Boys from Grande’ will love to stay top and avoiding defeat will ensure their premier status. The Miguel Hackett coached outfit is on a three game winning streak—with consecutive victories over Defence Force, Caledonia AIA and Starworld Strikers.

Their rivals on Saturday night, the Courts Pro Bowl Champions San Juan Jabloteh have also enjoyed a good run in recent times—despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Defence Force in their last game, the ‘San Juan Kings’ have won their last five games since winning the Pro Bowl.

The ‘Stars’ however, will not be intimidated by the ‘big gun’ status of the San Juan based team—as they edged Jabloteh 1-0 earlier in the season when the teams met at the Sangre Grande Recreation Ground.

So it’s a lot at stake when the lights are turned on at the Larry Gomes Stadium.

In the first game of the evening Superstar Rangers will take on Neal and Massy Caledonia AIA Fire in a mid-table clash.

While there will be another interesting double-header at the Ato Boldon Stadium. At 5 p.m. Starworld Strikers tackle the winless Tobago United—and then at 7 p.m. the defending champions Vibe CT 105 W Connection will clash with B Mobile Joe Public.

The ‘Eastern Lions’ are 3rd on the table on 27 points, and Connection are burning up their heels in 4th place on 26 points.

Connection will have a bit of revenge on their minds, as Mike Mc Commie’s men came away 1-0 winners when the two teams clashed at the Center of Excellence.

One other match on schedule—down at the Palo Seco Recreation Ground — United Petrotrin hosts Defence Force

Round 14
..Saturday 22nd July,2006

Superstar Rangers vs Caledonia AIA Fire—Larry Gomes Stadium—5 p.m.

Jabloteh vs North East Stars—Larry Gomes Stadium—7 p.m.

Tobago United vs Starworld Strikers—Ato Boldon Stadium—5 p.m.

W Connection vs Joe Public—Ato Boldon Stadium—7 p.m.

United Petrotrin vs Defence Force—Palo Seco Recreation Ground—6 p.m.

ttproleague.com

11
Football / The Corneals’ call on Pro League teams to step up
« on: July 22, 2006, 03:07:13 AM »
ttproleague.com
By Joel Villafana, 21st July, 2006

Fifa Coaching instructor Alvin Corneal and his son, National Assistant Football Coach Anton Corneal both made strong calls for the T&T Pro League to play its role in this country’s bid for qualification to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The two Corneals’ were speaking at the T&T Pro League’s World Cup Symposium at the Crowne Plaza hotel entitled ‘World Cup 2006—Review and Recommendations’.

Alvin Corneal in his address said the time for celebrating the ‘Soca Warriors’ debut performance at the world cup is over and we must now focus on what lies ahead.
The former national head coach says, "We need to take ourselves away from the Germany experience and look back at all the things we have been doing wrong in the past and correct it as we move forward."

"Yes there were positives coming out of the national team’s performance in Germany, but we still have a long way to go before we can feel any sense of accomplishment,"—he made it clear, "2006 was definitely an achievement for the country, but if we produce a similar performance in 2010 it will be considered a total failure."

Looking ahead at the challenges that lie before us, the former national striker advised that all locally based professional players plying their trade in the T&T Pro League must take a hint from the professional attitude displayed by the ‘Soca Warriors’ while they were in Germany.

‘If our locally based players take a hint from their very own peers who went to Germany, it will be a step in the right direction—as the attitude displayed in Germany by our players were uncharacteristic of Trinidad and Tobago players—there was no laid back mentality, everyday whether it was on the field of play—or on the training pitch—the guys always meant business."

He continued, "The T&T Pro League and by extension its clubs must insist that professional attitude emanates throughout the League, as it’s the only way we will start preparing our players for when they get to that level and are called on to perform for Trinidad and Tobago."

Mr. Corneal (senior) also warned, about not getting ahead of ourselves—"While we are all thinking about 2010, lets not forget there is 2007, 2008 and 2009—we have under 17 and under 20 World Cup’s to try and qualify for and we also have two Concacaf Gold Cups before 2010."

"We need to start qualifying for the Youth World Cup’s and become dominant in our own Concacaf region, its time we make a Gold Cup final, we must use these tournaments as stepping stones towards the ultimate goal of 2010," added Corneal.

Corneal who now serves on FIFA’s Technical Committee, concluded by emphasizing the importance of investing in our youth—he said, "We found millions in order to prepare our ‘Soca Warriors’ when they needed it—lets now find millions to develop our young players, it’s the only way we will be truly ready to mount a serious challenge in 2010."

Alvin Corneal’s son Anton Corneal addressed the issue of the fitness levels of our players—and called on the local professional clubs to play its part in getting their players up to the required fitness levels—in order for the transition at international level to be much smoother.

Young Corneal had the privilege of being one of coach Leo Beenhakker’s assistant coaches at the World Cup in Germany—and the former national player recalled the challenge of getting the Trinidad and Tobago world cup team up to the required fitness level.

"Most if not all of our players were not as fit as they should have been for varying reasons, they were below par of what was required at that level, so we had to put in extra work in order to get them where we wanted them and that was a setback leading up to our first game against Sweden."

He added, "Some players don’t understand they can’t get fit by playing games, but they need to put in the work before hand—and Corneal said the local game must step up in pace and intensity to get our players closer to what is expected of them at the highest level."

He advised local clubs to send out their coaches to foreign clubs and let them see for themselves first hand the intensity of practice sessions of some club teams abroad.

Anton Corneal admitted, "As a team, the ‘Soca Warriors’ went into the world cup with defence being the number one priority, and that’s the only reason why we did not get four and five goals," he said, "Our only real attacking plan was Cornell Glenn when he came on, he provided that burst of speed that could cause concern for the opposition."

He said from a coaching perspective, based on what was the objective going in—the technical staff was satisfied the team executed the plans accordingly.
He however, said, "Going forward the T&T Pro League has a big part to play if we are to continue qualifying for world cups, and its time we put the pettiness behind us and unite from coaches to administrators."

12
Football / DC United Spank Celtic
« on: July 13, 2006, 05:47:30 AM »
Manager Gordon Strachan admitted Celtic had been no match for DC United after the Hoops suffered a 4-0 defeat in the first game of their three-match tour of America at the RFK Stadium in Washington.
The match also featured a red card for new signing Kenny Miller as the Glasgow team were outplayed by their Major League Soccer counterparts to suffer their third consecutive friendly defeat following a two-game tour of Poland.
Strachan offered no excuses for the defeat admitting their opponents took advantage of their greater stamina.
'They blew us off the pitch with their energy,' admitted the Hoops boss. 'Especially in the second half. As the game went on, (our) players felt less energy. That is disappointing.
'It was the lethargy, really. If you're lethargic, you'll give chances away. If you cure that, then the other things will be cured. We need to work on the lethargy problem.'
Celtic's best chance in the first half came on the half hour when Jiri Jarosik sent a long shot over the bar.
Despite being outplayed for much of the first half, it appeared Celtic would be going into half-time on level terms but Freddy Adu, just 14 when he signed a professional deal with the MLS in 2003, struck in the 44th minute after being sent through by Christian Gomez.
As the Celtic defenders appealed for offside, the 17-year-old slotted the ball to the right of goalkeeper David Marshall.
Substitute Jamil Walker doubled the lead in the 57th minute before the Hoops were reduced to 10 men when Miller was sent off in the 65th minute for a tackle on John Wilson.
From the ensuing set-piece, Gomez put in a cross which Bobby Boswell headed past Marshall.
Andy Metcalf completed the rout in the 78th minute when he dribbled unopposed into the area and beat Marshall.
Strachan did not attempt to excuse Miller for his sending off, saying: 'We're all frustrated, you have to be able to handle it. Kenny has to accept whatever comes his way.
'It's disappointing for the Celtic fans who live in this area. They'd like to see their team play better. We'd all like to see them play a bit better.'
Celtic take on Chivas Guadalajara at Giants Stadium on Friday evening in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
www.soccernet.com

13
Football / New Soca Warriors Tune - A Trini Lime
« on: June 26, 2006, 07:32:17 PM »
I know its a bit late but here's a link to another calypso dedicated to the Soca Warriors.
"A Trini Lime" by Mastertone.  I fine is a real nice tune, with a sweet rythym session at de end.  Check it out...
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=MYRWN3OQ


14
Football / Costa Rica return home to angry reception
« on: June 22, 2006, 07:28:02 AM »
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, June 21 (Reuters) - After losing all its World Cup final matches in Germany, a disgraced and jetlagged Costa Rican soccer team had to face taunts from a group of angry hecklers when it arrived home on Wednesday.
Receiving the loudest catcalls was national team coach Alexandre Guimaraes, who emerged from the airport to chants of of 'Dog! dog!' from a small group of unhappy fans.
Costa Rica lost 4-2 to Germany, 3-0 to Ecuador and 2-1 to Poland, leading to speculation that Guimaraes, already the team's third coach in little over a year, might need to look for another job upon his return home.
One heckler, 65-year-old truck driver Leo Herrera, suggested the players might do better in an industry for which, unlike soccer, the small Central American nation is renowned for its excellence across the globe.
'Sirs: Coffee pickers are needed,' read a sign he waved at the players. 'The only requirement: lack of shame.'
Gilberto Vargas, 65, brought a bucket of water, soap and towels.
'Guimaraes said they were going to wash their faces (with Poland) in their last game,' he said. 'But they didn't, so I'm giving him the chance now.'

15
Football / World Cup Goals
« on: June 21, 2006, 03:30:49 PM »
You can view every goal of the world cup by clicking on the games score,
then click on the football by the scorers name and it will show you the
goal.


http://www.11football.com/coupedumonde2006

16
Football / T&T looks to 2010 - we playing Japan in August
« on: June 21, 2006, 04:21:11 AM »
By Gail Alexander
Trinidad Express


T&T’s Soca Warriors are expected to return home by Friday or Saturday to a national parade and honours following yesterday’s ousting from the World Cup series as a result of Paraguay’s two goals.
“And we pick up the pieces and move on to preparing for World Cup 2010 in South Africa,” Fifa vice president Jack Warner vowed in Kaiserslautern, Germany, yesterday.
The same sentiment was expressed by Sports Minister Roger Boynes yesterday.
“The team has emphasised T&T’s place on the world map and we are proud of them, regardless,” Boynes said.
“From here on there must be no looking back since we must ensure the standard they’ve initiated in this World Cup series is carried over and beyond into the next World Cup in 2010.”
After their performances against Sweden and England, T&T was knocked out of the World Cup series yesterday as a result of two goals obtained by Paraguay—one of them an own goal put over by Brent Sancho.
Warner said Fifa had the team booked to leave Germany on Thursday.
Whatever reception to be held here was being worked out by the Football Federation and the Government, he added.
Last night, team manager Bruce Aanansen said arrangements for the team’s return were still being finalised with the Government, since the players had initially been booked to return to the countries where they were professionally based.
“We’re aiming to bring them to T&T by June 23 (Friday) or the 24th latest, and this depends on what arrangements the Government is putting in place for BWIA to do so,” Aanansen said.
“We spoke to the Sports Minister and have an agreement in principle from Government on bringing them home and we’re now awaiting confirmation.
“Mr Warner and I will have a final discussion on it by tomorrow (today),” Aanansen added.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Patrick Manning assured reporters that the team would get “a reception the likes of which the country has never seen before,” he said.
Warner, though a bit caught by yesterday’s defeat, said nevertheless:
“What matters is the Warriors were given a standing ovation after the match by all the fans present and that speaks for itself.
“With this competition, at least five of them—Dwight Yorke, Shaka Hislop, Russell Latapy and Marvin Andrews—have capped off their careers and it was probably the best way for any footballer to have done so.”
Warner said the team had agreed to play Japan in August in Japan and a September 2 match was tentatively scheduled in T&T with Mexico for the Warriors who were retiring.
“After that we must regroup and begin campaigning for World Cup 2010,” he said.
“We must pick up the pieces and move on because any effort in that regard now—after the way T&T has performed in this series—must not be a casual one-off thing.”
Sports Minister Roger Boynes said the entire stadium audience applauded the T&T team after the match.
“We may have gone under, but the guys had to go for broke and play the way they did, attacking in the process,” he said.
“I still believe the game they played was one of the best in the series so far, second to Ghana.
“They played well and Latapy made a serious difference
The whole performance by the team has showed that T&T is indeed a force to be reckoned with.”

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar said:
“It was a tremendous effort. The Warriors showed spirit to the end, true Soca Warrior spirit, and the entire country wants to thank them for their manful efforts on T&T’s behalf and for the excitement and positivity they brought to T&T. And, of course, we thank Mr Warner for all he’s done.”

Aanansen said: “There’s a little disappointment naturally. We had a lot of opportunities to score but things just didn’t go our way. What we have to do now is chalk it up as experience and move on from here.”

17
Football / Can't wait to see the Warriors in action again!
« on: June 21, 2006, 03:59:07 AM »
We need to keep this momentum going and continue to play more matches against better quality opposition from now on.  With all the hype surrounding our team's performances we should be able to line up some nice friendlies against teams preparing for Euro 2008 qualifiers later this year.
Hopefully that tournament in London with Ghana, Nigeria and Jamaica will finally get off the ground.

Some friendlies I would like to see us play this year at home:
Jamaica (ask England who is the best side in the Caribbean)
Canada (to silence Winnipeg and Triniman once and for all)
Brazil (Jack you promised us this one)
Germany (let's repay the hospitality of our hosts)
North East Stars (we have a score to settle with them)

18
Football / Denmark vs Paraguay
« on: May 27, 2006, 02:55:49 PM »
BBC Sport

A second-half strike from Jon Dahl Tomasson denied Paraguay victory in a World Cup warm-up game in Copenhagen.
Paraguay took the lead when Jose Cardozo took advantage of a mistake by Denmark captain Thomas Helveg to slot the ball past Jesper Christiansen.

The Danes equalised six minutes after the break when Tomasson collected a Daniel Jensen pass to fire in.

England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson was at the match to monitor Paraguay, who his side face in a Cup opener on 10 June.

19
Football / PFL Preview - Wounded Giants Clash
« on: May 02, 2006, 05:08:00 AM »
T&T Pro League
With Joel Villafana, 1st May 2006


League Preview of Round 5

CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh and W Connection will meet in an all-important clash on Tuesday 2nd May at the Ato Boldon Stadium.
Both Jabloteh and Connection are surprisingly coming off defeats - Jabloteh lost to North East 1 – 0 and Connection fell to Joe Public by the same margin.
Jabloteh will be without young striker Jason Marcano and National Defender Cyd Gray – Marcano broke his hand against North East Stars, and will be out for six weeks, while Cyd Gray injured his hamstring. But Coach Terry Fenwick says his forces are eager to get back to winning ways, “It’s going to be another tough assignment against W. Connection, but we will be ready and hopefully we can come away with the desired result,” said Fenwick.
His opposite number, Stuart Charles Fervier faces a situation where he needs some points in order to stay within striking distance of the front-runners. Connection’s loss to Joe Public on Sunday saw them drop to the 4th place in the standings on 10 points.

There is another double-header at the Larry Gomes Stadium at 5:00pm. It is an interesting mid – table clash: Caledonia AIA and United Petrotrin. Both teams coming off of victories - Petrotrin blew past Defence Force 2 – 0 and Caledonia came from behind to beat Rangers 2 – 1.
In the night’s 2nd game, a confident North East Stars will be looking for 3 more points against Superstar Rangers. North East aiming for their 5th straight victory.

Down south at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium – Starworld Strikers will be gearing themselves up for another good performance and they will be hoping to hand Defence Force their 6th straight defeat—the san Fernando based team registered their first victory of the season when they defeated Tobago United 2-1.

And across in Tobago – the men from the sister isle will try to keep the fleet-footed Joe Public at bay – the Eastern Lions are locked on 12 points in a three way tie at the top of the standings and will be pressing for maximum points in the sister isle.

20
Football / Romany: Exciting times for Pro League
« on: February 25, 2006, 07:18:29 AM »
Romany: Exciting times for Pro League

BY NIGEL SIMON
Trinidad Guardian


LARRY ROMANY, chairman of the Professional Football League (PFL) believes the league is beginning an important and exciting phase in it’s history.
He said so while addressing the media at the launch of the 2006 PFL season at the North Room, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Wrightson Road, on Wednesday.
Romany noted that the PFL has turned the corner and is now well on course. However, he cautioned that there are challenges still to overcome.
“A lot of work has gone into raising the creditability and viability of the league,” said Romany.
He pointed out that the return of the Joe Public club to the league and the T&T Football Federation (T&TFF) accepting a PFL proposal to manage the National Super Football League showed that progress has been made.
Romany said it was heartening to hear the kind words expressed by Fifa vice-president Austin Jack Warner at the media conference on Wednesday, “as it is no secret that Warner withdrew Joe Public from the PFL three years ago due to dissatisfaction with the operations and doubts about the future of professional football.”
Romany, who is also president of the T&T Olympic Committee, admitted that when he accepted the appointment as chairman of the PFL close friends and some in the T&TOC questioned his sanity.
“The additional fact that I had no football pedigree as such, may have caused some concern to some in the football fraternity, while others questioned my agenda in accepting the honorary position.”
He added:
“It has been a difficult and taxing three years, where at times the only thing that kept me going was an indomitable self- belief and an unwavering commitment to provide the talented footballers of T&T with an honest means of using their god- given talent.”
The chairman believes that the important ingredients were, the refusal to let anyone talk the league out of having a big vision, not accept excuses, or to make lack of money be the scapegoat.
“We created a culture of innovation, hired a well-qualified chief executive officer (Dexter Skeene) with football pedigree and gave him, his staff and the marketing committee the freedom to think out of the box and try new ideas, no matter how outrageous they may have seemed”.
Romany also praised the support the league has received from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, Tobago House of Assembly and corporate sponsors, such as First Citizens Bank, Sports and Games, Lucozade Sports, Toyota, Sportflex, KFC and Courts, who supported the league’s new ideas in marketing and promoting the league.
He said the PFL has taken on the challenge of expansion, in addition to managing the Super League, because doing so was necessary if the PFL league is to improve the quality and standard of football.
“The significance and implication of this cannot be understated. In the three years we have always maintained open and honest dialogue with the T&TFF and its special advisor Jack Warner.”
Referring to confrontations between the PFL and the T&TFF, Romany said:
“There would have been times when we may not have seen eye-to-eye on things, but always in an atmosphere of cordiality and mutual respect.
“Under my watch I have always insisted that the PFL is not in competition, but in partnership with all the football stakeholders and Warner’s endorsement of the efforts we have made to keep the league alive is deeply appreciated.
“His vision, passion and commitment for T&T’s football is unquestioned. He never wavered in his vision or doubted that T&T will one day make it to a Fifa World Cup,” ended Romany.

©2005-2006 Trinidad Publishing Company Limited

21
Football / Warriors off to London
« on: February 24, 2006, 11:34:33 PM »
Warriors off to London
Trinidad Express


Trinidad & Tobago's Soca Warriors will be using their new red Adidas kit when they take on Iceland from 7.45 p.m. (3.45 TT time) on Tuesday in a friendly international at the Queen's Park Rangers' Loftus Road stadium in London.
The match will be shown by delayed telecast from 8 p.m. on Channel 4 and is the first of five friendly internationals which the Warriors play prior to competing at the 2006 World Cup in Germany from June 9 -July 9. T&T are also due to engage Peru, Slovenia, Wales and the Czech Republic prior to taking on Sweden, England and Peru in their preliminary World Cup matches.
Yesterday, manager Bruce Aanensen said that since T&T were responsible for arranging the friendly with Iceland, they will be considered the home team and will be using their red gear.
"We used the Adidas kit in Bahrain, but that was just a temporary kit. We played in what they had had around. But against Iceland, we will wear the new kit they have designed for the "Soca Warriors" according to the sponsorship deal they have with the team. "
It was also revealed that equipment manager Ikin Williams had left for London since Thursday to take possession of the Adidas kit and other equipment which the team will now use. Head coach Leo Beenhakker and his two assistants Wim Rijsbergen and Anton Corneal departed for England yesterday ahead of the local and American-based contingents which leave tonight.
Aanensen heads the local party which includes players Aurtis Whitley, Silvio Spann, Nigel Henry and Cyd Gray will fly out at 7.20 p.m. aboard flight BW 900.
At the same time, United States-based midfielder Kevon Neaves, Avery John and Anthony Noreiga will head for London via Florida. All are due to reach London at 9.15 a.m. tomorrow and will be based at the Renaissance Hotel, located along the Bath Road at Heathrow International Airport.
After a short rest, the team have their first training session at 4.30 p.m. tomorrow afternoon at QPR's training ground which is also located near Heathrow. Once the property of Chelsea football club, the training complex is located a mere stone's throw away from the Renaissance Hotel and has more than nine football fields on the premises. The team will train twice on Monday before meeting Iceland the following day. A large West Indian contingent is expected to tun out for the match.
Aanensen is expecting a good showing from the Soca Warriors despite the presence of five new players. Coach Beenhakker has included Anthony Warner, Ricky Shakes, Henry, Noreiga and Neaves, all of whom he has given a chance to break into his final 23-man World Cup roster.
"There are some new guys in the team and I imagine we will be a 'lil bit rusty,"Aanensen said. " There is also not a hell of a lot of time to prepare for the game. But these guys are all professional players so they should be able to come together on the field. Iceland are also not a bad bunch, they have a couple of good players in Helgusson (Fulham) and Eidur Gudjunson of Chelsea. A win by any score will be good for Trinidad and Tobago."

22
Other Sports / Ames mauled by Tiger
« on: February 23, 2006, 06:29:53 AM »
Associated Press

CARLSBAD, Calif. -- Arms crossed, staring into the soul of his opponent, Tiger Woods looked as though he was wrapped up in one of those nerve-racking moments that define the Match Play Championship.

Far, far from it.

Ruthless to the end until his name was in the record books, Woods won the first nine holes -- seven of them with birdies -- and closed out Stephen Ames as early as mathematically possible, 9 and 8.

"It's been a while since I played one like that," Woods said with a smile.

He didn't have to look far for motivation.

Ames was on the practice range Monday afternoon when he was asked if he would take a carefree attitude into his match against the No. 1 player in the world because not many expected him to win. Ames shook his head.

"Anything can happen," Ames said, breaking into a big smile. "Especially where he's hitting the ball."


Woods apparently took his comments seriously. As he climbed into a van behind the 10th green after halving the hole with pars, he was asked he had seen what Ames said.

"Yes."

Did it motivate him?

"Yes."

Asked if he cared to elaborate, Woods smiled.

"No."

His golf spoke volumes, from an approach into five feet for a birdie that was conceded, to an 18-foot birdie on the second hole that hung on the lip for a few seconds before falling.

Ames never had a chance.

"Tiger played exceptionally well," Ames said. Then he looked over to confer with Woods on how many birdies he made on the front nine and he added with heavy sarcasm, "It was a rough nine for Tiger."

"If he continues playing the way he's playing, he should walk away with this -- easily," Ames said.

Not everything is easy in the Accenture Match Play Championship.

Ernie Els returned to La Costa Resort for the first time in three years and left with a familiar result, losing on the 18th hole to 48-year-old Bernhard Langer. The Big Easy has never made it out of the second round at La Costa.

The other top seeds, Vijay Singh and Retief Goosen, had no problem, and Phil Mickelson (No. 5) had to go 18 holes before getting rid of Charles Howell III.

But it was particularly tough for Scott Verplank, who matched the tournament record by going 26 holes before he finally got past Lee Westwood of England.

Verplank spent six hours on the course, and was told that Woods was out there for only two hours.

"I worked three times as hard as him," he said. "I was thinking that if I won today, I'd probably practice a little bit. But I think I already did. So I'm done."

He wasn't alone.

Seven matches went extra holes, breaking by one the record set in the first round two years ago.

Colin Montgomerie was 4 up through eight holes on Niclas Fasth before he started losing holes, not to mention momentum, and the Scot found himself trailing with three holes to play. He caught Fasth on the 16th hole with a par, then put him away with a par on the 23rd hole.

"It doesn't matter what hole, it's nice to win," he said. "Match play is a lottery, a crazy game."

Had this been stroke play, Montgomerie would have shot 77. Then there was Paul Casey, who shot 4-under 68 and is on his way home, a 1-up loser to Henrik Stenson of Sweden.

Els was among three players in the top 10 who failed to advance to the second round. Zach Johnson birdied the last two holes for a 1-up victory over sixth-seeded Jim Furyk, while Carl Pettersson beat 10th-seeded Kenny Perry, 1 up.

After a wild day -- perhaps the most dynamic day in golf all year -- a juggernaut like Woods and a survivor like Verplank had one thing in common.

"We both won," Verplank. "We're playing tomorrow."

Ultimately, that's all they got out of their rounds Wednesday -- a chance to move on, with no guarantees.

Woods is a two-time winner of the Accenture Match Play Championship, but he was knocked out in the second round last year by Nick O'Hern. That might have been enough motivation, until Ames' wisecrack about his driving.

"I don't know if you give the best player in the world any extra incentive to want to beat you," Toms said.

It wasn't the first time for Woods.

Six years ago in the Presidents Cup, Vijay Singh's caddie showed up on the first tee of their singles match with "Tiger Who?" written on the back of his cap. It was a mild prank that Woods took to the extreme, not conceding a putt of any length to Singh and beating him, 2 and 1.

Asked about his reaction to Ames' comments in a press conference, Woods said, "Nine and eight."
The large, white scoreboard behind the 18th green generated a big buzz on a day of sunshine at La Costa as fans walked by and gawked at the sight of Woods building his lead with each hole he played.

"It's not physical, where you go up there and put a shoulder in somebody and take him out," Woods said. "It's about the ability to bear down and pull out quality golf shots on your own, and put an inordinate amount of pressure on you're opponent. That's the only thing you can do in our sport."

That he did. After birdies on his first two holes, he lashed a 3-wood out of the rough into 20 feet for a two-putt birdie on the third, holed an 18-foot birdie on the fourth, hit a magnificent shot over the bunker to 3 feet on the 206-yard fifth hole, and drove to the front of the green on the 328-yard sixth.

By then, Ames began contributing mistakes to fall farther behind.

"The only two holes I didn't birdie on the front nine, he made bogeys," Woods said. "What is the chance of that every happening?"

Given his motivation, odds apparently were pretty good.

It wasn't Woods' biggest blowout. He recalled beating Ted Snavely, 11 and 10, in the finals of the 1994 Pacific Northwest Amateur at Royal Oaks in Vancouver, Wash., although that was a scheduled 36-hole match.

Ames has been through this before, too. The previous record for largest margin at the Match Play Championship was 7 and 6, which had been done seven times. Ames lost to Mark Hensby by that score last year.

"It's the match-play format," he said. "You don't know what's going to happen that day. Vijay or Phil playing that guy, they would have lost, too."

23
Football / Rahim, Spann head out
« on: January 28, 2006, 03:17:00 PM »
Rahim, Spann head out   
Issued by Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Media Officer

 
Midfielder Silvio Spann is the target of a top European club which he prefers to keep unnamed to the public before further contract talks take place.
The former St Benedict’s College and Vibe CT 105  W Connection standout is currently back home and trained with Leo Beenhakker last week. He is likely to head out with a squad of players next week for a training camp in Ft Lauderdale and will do so before heading off to Europe.
“There are a couple really good clubs who have made offers and it’s a matter of deciding which one will be most suitable to me as a person and a player,” Spann said.

Former West Ham United midfielder Brent Rahim is also back home and is scheduled to join the Dallas FC camp on February 4 as he goes there with intentions of signing a deal to play in the 2006 MLS season. Rahim, prior to returning home earlier this month, despite not playing regular club football for the past couple months, had been in training with Gillingham and Grimsby football clubs in England.
“It was just a case of training with these clubs to keep fit. I will be heading over to Dallas next month and we’ll take it from there,” Rahim said. 

24
Applications for tickets for Trinidad and Tobago’s Matches as of January 22 2006
Issued by Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Media Officer, January 22, 2006


The Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation wishes to advise the public that following a request from fans for a total of 34,777 tickets for the country’s three Group B matches in June’s 2006 World Cup in Germany, the FIFA has in return allocated to the TTFF as a qualifying member the total sum of 10,769 tickets.
 
The Federation is also noting that from this allocation of tickets by FIFA as a qualifying member, there have been no pre-sold tickets and successful applicants shall be informed by Thursday January 26, 2006 of the status of their applications and the next steps to follow in the pursuit of their approved tickets. Applicants are advised to follow the advice given within the suggested schedule as failure to do so shall result in the automatic loss of the said approval.
 
On being advised of the approved purchasable tickets, the purchaser must submit the name, passport number, date of birth and nationality of each ticket holder and pay 50% of the total cost of the approved tickets by February 2nd, 2006 with the final 50% to be paid by March 2nd,  2006.
”There shall be a second allocation of tickets on February 3rd, 2006, in the event any approved purchaser fails to meet the February 2nd deadline.
 
A special TTFF Ticket Bureau has been established in the TT/Germany 2006 Ltd office at 102 D St Vincent St, Port of Spain for the processing of all successful applications. The office contact numbers are as follows : Telephone - 627 1029 ; 625 8607; Fax - 627 3304.
 
As stated by FIFA, “Tickets will be personalised for security reasons. This measure is intended to support the basic principle of a fair and open sales procedure. It will also serve as an effective deterrent to black market trading. However, the embedded chip will store access information only. Personal information such as names will not be stored.”
 
FIFA further adds in a Ticket Overview previously released to the public via its official website:  “Details of the tickets (price, category and number) made available by the Participating Member Association will be made available in due course by the Participating Member Association. If a Member Association’s team does not progress to all stages of the Second Round, the right to use Conditional Tickets for Second Round matches following the elimination of that Team will be lost and a refund will be provided.
Member Associations are free to choose which methods of payment will be made available to fans buying tickets from the Member Associations.
While FIFA states that the Federation knows in advance how much tickets it receives as a qualified member, the Federation in turn has to submit its official request based on numbers received from applicants along with other information.
 
Special Advisor to the TTFF, Jack Warner left the events leading up to the opening of the African Nation’s Cup in Cairo, Egypt on Thursday in order to be here for the process of the ticket allocations for applicants here, along with General Secretary Richard Groden on Saturday evening. Prior to that he also visited St Lucia for one day on Friday for the initiation of their US$600,000 FIFA Goal Project training centre. Warner, in his capacity as CONCACAF President, leaves on Tuesday for the closing stages of the CONCACAF Women’s Under 20 qualifying tournament in Mexico.
 
Total Ticket request from the public for the Trinidad and Tobago matches
 
              Cat 1 Cat 2 Cat 3 Cat 4 Total
Sweden   833 2100 3212 5459 11604
England   853 2114 3212 5499 11678
Paraguay  804 2077 3283 5331 11495
             2490 6291 9707 16289 34777

 
FIFA Allocation to the TTFF as a Qualifying Member Association
 
               Cat 1  Cat 2     Cat 3   Cat 4  Wheelchair + Escort Total
Sweden    920   1,380    1,339     956      5                        4,600
England    586      875       733     729      6                        2,929
Paraguay   660      960       864    748      8                         3,240
              2,166  3,215    2,936  2,433    19                       10,769

 
·  Seats in Category 1 are generally located alongside the pitch.
·  Seats in Category 2 are generally located adjacent to Category 1.
·  Seats in Category 3 are generally located behind the goals or on the corners.
·  Seats in Category 4 are generally located behind the goals or on the corners.
 
Warner comments in St Lucia
 
Warner, in a response to the St Lucian media following the initiation of their Goal Project, on questions of the reports in T&T about ticketing for its World Cup matches, said:  “I have been fighting for T&T football for over 25 years. I am not trying to make this about Jack Warner but there is nobody who has made a contribution to T&T football more than I but I have done this because I have always felt inferior to be a Vice President of FIFA and to be a deputy chairman of a FIFA finance committee among my colleagues in FIFA as someone who comes from a country that has never qualified for FIFA’s highest competition.  When we couldn’t quality, I at one time beg the Government to host one which we did successfully in 2001. The fact is I had passion for qualifying.  I felt it would have a spin off effect in a positive way for the country and so on. As such we went on to qualify and as we qualified, we had two weeks of honeymoon. I was King, they said Jack for Prime Minister and so on and then it was felt that this kind of popularity was of course catapulting the opposition and I was being seen as a threat (as also deputy leader of the Opposition Party), bringing all the people together. To fast track it, it just went on to the local newspapers who got one of their journalists to carry on the task.
 
“Simpaul’s travel service is one which the Warner family has a beneficial interest offering World Cup packages since 1994. Simpaul’s Travel Agency began paying 20,00 for the rights in years before to $500,000 a couple months ago. In connection with European tour operator then put some packages on the market for sale. They paid in July and August and September for those rights and such therefore it was advertised. No one believed the team could qualify other than Jack Warner. In other words even if the team did not qualify, those tickets would have been on sale. When the team qualified now the whole hype built up and everyone wanted to be on the bandwagon and wanted tickets and they said Simpaul’s had all the tickets in a monopoly.
 
“The fact is, and hear me well, the Federation did not apply for its tickets until last week. December 25 when every newspaper would say Merry Christmas to its readers, there was a big headline  - Warner family hits jackpot. The whole intention was to tarnish me and they then sent the story worldwide, At the end of the day it does not affect Jack Warner because my skin and this wall has the same thickness but when you go to the family I have a problem, Then on January 3 I made my response which they have since tried to investigate and they can’t find anything, because at the end of the day the tickets Simpaul’s is offering the market have nothing to do with the T&T allocation. 

”Its allocation came only last week but this was done to destroy Jack Warner in some way. They believe I am close to Mr (Sepp) Blatter, which I am, and they are bringing out this book, but let FIFA deal with that.  I sleep very sound at nights. They have also spoken about scandal and corruption. He (The Writer from T&T) had applied for accreditation and he was turned down and there’s a big story in today’s papers and again they are attacking Jack Warner.  How could you attack the FIFA, Jack Warner and Blatter in the worse way and then want to cover the sport that these people administer,” Warner said.
 
“But there are two mistakes that they have made. In the first case they did not know that the TTFF applied for its tickets only last week. The thought it was since November or December and they thought this was now the Simpaul’s tickets and then they didn’t know that Simpaul’s had paid since July for their tickets and I had the receipts to show. In some ways I have a loyalty with FIFA and they have to me that these people cannot dismantle. I have been fighting for the region, CONCACAF and Trinidad and Tobago and not one day have I fought for me, so the records are there to show you,” Warner said.

25
Football / Beenhakker satisfied with build up plans.
« on: January 18, 2006, 04:49:31 PM »
Beenhakker satisfied with build up plans.
By: Shaun Fuentes.


National team head coach Leo Beenhakker has indicated his intentions of adding new blood to the “Soca Warriors” line up as they prepare to go into preparation gear ahead of June’s 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Beenhakker, in his first appearance for the local media since his return to Trinidad on Monday, that he will have maybe three new players in the squad to face Iceland on February 28 but is also aiming to protect the squad of players which took care of the job of getting T&T to its first ever World Cup.
Over the past few weeks, Beenhakker and assistant coach have been viewing some T&T talent in the UK Leagues and will continue to look at other local talent as he intends to have training camps here with players which he says he still needs to decide on.
“There are a few other players, new players that we saw. At least they all made an impression that they deserve a chance to demonstrate if they can be very valuable to the team yes or no. I will invite one or two of these guys for the Iceland game I will advise these guys without any guarantees and conclusions,” Beenhakker said.
“The actual situation in relation with the 23 players that will go to Germany is that normally when they are fit, and in good shape, when they play more regular with their clubs, about 15 or 16  from the have their ticket for Germany already,” he explained, adding that he hopes to find more left sided players and maybe younger ones because of the fact that only Avery John is left footed on the team currently and that there are still some veterans in the team who could be complimented by younger legs.
“That means that the door is still open for several players to step into the team.  It’s early now to say if we will have changes to the team and in that way we are still working on it.
“But once again, the most important part is to take care and to protect the actual team and to give them all the credit and all the respect and protect the team spirit. From one side the door is open and the other side the first option is with the players who did the job.”
His intention is to look at the home-based players alongside Rijsbergen and assistant Anton Corneal.
“First of all, we don’t have to forget that there several local players who were part of the team before that will now have the possibility to make the step to the team.  It’s a difficult situation because they have no club activities at the moment. What we will do now is give our attention to these players.
“Based on the job Anton did the last few weeks with the Under 21 and Under 23 players, we possibly have some interesting players who at the moment are still working, living and playing in the USA. We will give them the chance. Apart of that, you can imagine there are a lot of stuff to arrange around the World Cup and the preparations. We will have a lot of meetings with Mr Warner and the management team of the federation to arrange everything perfectly over the months of May and June,” the former Real Madrid coach added.
Responding to questions about his change of mind to play a final farewell match versus Peru in May after earlier saying he was against any matches in Port of Spain, Beenhakker said he understood fully that the people wanted to their team in action and as such, he saw no problem in fitting it into the preparation schedule.
“I have said from the beginning that listen, the World Cup will be played in Europe so that is normal that you make your preparations also in Europe and you look for opponents who have relation in their style and mentality of playing in relation to Sweden, England and Paraguay. On the other hand I understand very well that it is a very historic moment in T&T. There is a lot of interest from all sides to have a farewell game. At the moment Mr Warner is discussing with me and I agree. I have no problem to be here. But I am looking forward to have a great farewell game here in May.”
He’s also hoping the likes of Densill Theobald (Falkirk), Cyd Gray and Aurtis Whitley can make a good impression in Europe.
“First of all I am very happy for them to have the possibility to play overseas. For many of the guys here its a dream to play over there. What happened to Densill is great for him especially in relation to his age. Hopefully they can find a club there and realize their dreams I will manage them the same as the other overseas players and in that way it makes no difference for me. It’s the same with me. At least I know when they are there, they are fully training because the season will go on there they wont have any breaks. They will play their matches so it’s great stuff that they are there.”
He also reflected on the draw in relation to his arranging of preparations for June.
“I like the group very much. First of all, I wouldn’t say it’s an honour, but it’s always something special to play England for everybody who lives in the football world because England is team with great history and especially because most of the players are playing in England, it’s special to play them. Sweden is a very interesting opponent with a totally different style – a Scandanavian style but it’s  one of the better European teams Paraguay has the Latin American style of football and I like that.
“Most of all, on one side we came as the last team to qualify for the World Cup, we are the smallest team, but at the same time, we can have a good preparation for what will be three very tough matches to have any possibility to go to the second round. On the other hand, its not impossible,” he added, explaining that the team has had only four and five days prior to previous matches and he thinks it will benefit more now with an extended time for preparation.
Asked about whether he was satisfied with the way T&T’s preparation schedule has been drawn up, the Dutchman replied with a laugh: “Yes I am very satisfied because I did it myself so hopefully I’m satisfied about it.”
“We made, within the circumstances, the perfect preparation. We have a general schedule where we will start here on May 7/8, a few days before the Peru game. Then we go to England where we have found a wonderful location for 8 or 9 days. There will do a lot of fitness based on football so we won’t be running a marathon there. Then we have two weeks in Austria where it’s perfect conditions to work there with a fantastic pitch near the hotel. We have the chance to play four games there with three official friendly internationals and one against a club team. Then it’s easy from there to make our trip tour base camp in Germany. “In that way, in my opinion and  based on our experience, it’s absolutely perfect,” Beenhakker ended.
Local players upset with World Cup pay.
By: Nigel Simon (Guardian).
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Members of the national football team who played in the early rounds of the Concacaf qualifying matches leading up to the World Cup Finals are unhappy with their rewards.
The players met with members of the Football Federation, including team manager Bruce Aanensen, yesterday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium to discuss their concerns.
Some 55 team members will receive bonus payments for leading the team to its first World Cup Finals.
The total number of players represents those who were part of the national squad dating back to T&T’s first qualifying match against Dominican Republic on June 20, 2004 up to T&T’s 1-0 second-leg win over Bahrain in Manama on November 16 last year.
The players are to share just over US$1.6 million, part of the US $6 million Swiss francs, for qualification to Germany.
Among members of the T&T team who met with Aanensen were Anthony Rougier, Cornell Glen, Kerwyn Jemmott, Anthony Wolfe, Glenton Wolfe, Anton Pierre, Gary Glasgow, Nigel Pierre, Jerren Nixon, Kerry Baptiste, Scott Sealy, Brent Rahim, Duarance Williams, Jan-Michael Williams, Nigel Henry, David Atiba Charles, Errol Mc Farlane Jr, Michael Celestine and Arnold Dwarika.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, one player explained that the group of players understood fully that they were not there in the end.
“But at the same time, we feel that being there at the start of the journey was as important.”
Another touchy issue was that the players felt the T&TFF should have first made sure that everyone was happy with what they were getting before finalising a figure to be given to charity.
The T&TFF said that the players had decided that a balance of US $36,822 was for two local charities, one in Tobago and the other in Trinidad.
“We are not against giving money to charities, but we would have liked to meet with the representatives of the T&TFF before this was done.”
In the release from the T&TFF on Monday it was stated that the proposal which came after the first three final round matches when T&T held one point was presented to the players, and they all agreed that the players who were part of the final round squad would benefit from the amount.
Players who were part of the team in the second round (T&T had a first round bye) and semi-final round would also receive a bonus payment.
According to the release the overall structure of payment was once based on a points per match system and players’ overall international appearances which was mutually agreed upon by all parties involved.
In response, Aanensen explained that some of the players did not fully understand how the payments were worked out. “I believed some of them feel that they were entitled to a little more than they will be actually receiving.”
He added: “The players who were involved in the first round were not originally going to be part of the pay-out.
“An agreement was reached between the players representative and the T&TFF representative at the beginning of the second round of matches in terms of incentives and reward for the players.
“However Mr Warner felt he needed to reward everyone who was involved in the team’s journey to the finals.”
Asked if all the guys were happy at the end of the meeting the team manager said: “We are all human and it is only natural to feel that you deserved more that you got in the end.”
Canada cruises past Soca Princesses.
canadasoccer.com.


Canada’s U20 Women’s National Team began its road to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship by doing just what was expected of them today when they dispatched of Trinidad and Tobago 7-1 in Veracruz, Mexico.
Canada almost found themselves down a goal inside the opening ten minutes when an indirect free kick from the top of the Canadian area sailed untouched into the back of the net. But the Panamanian referee correctly waved off the goal immediately.
The scare of going a goal down seemed to awaken the Canadians and shortly after, Lisa Collison started things rolling when she received a quickly taken free kick from the always clever Veronique Maranda and coolly slid her shot past the T&T ‘keeper for the opener.
Maranda, Aysha Jamani and Jodi-Ann Robinson then stretched the lead to four when they found the back of the net thrice in twelve minutes, virtually dashing any hopes the Soca Princesses had of stealing points in the tournament opener.
But it was Maranda’s goal that drew the most attention.
The University of Tennessee midfielder coaxed two T&T defenders toward her near the end-line, just outside the penalty area, then spun the first and chipped the ball just beyond the second. Before either could react, the St-Lambert native slammed her shot into the upper corner to the approval of everyone at the ground.
Though Trinidad & Tobago grabbed a goal back from the penalty spot in minute 57, the Canadians tacked on another three goals courtesy of two second half substitutes.
Kaylen Kyle reignited Canada’s offense in minute 78, and the pacy Rheanne Sleiman rounded off the contest with a brace in the final eight minutes.
“An energizing, offensive start to the tournament” was the way Canadian Head Coach Ian Bridge described the opener.
“We utilized our quick passing and our fast thinking strikers today and probably should have scored more than seven goals.
“Trinidad & Tobago challenged us with their pace and athleticism as well as a more direct approach in attack, but as long as we can continue to improve game to game, this young squad will be hard to beat.”
In the second Group A match, Mexico hammered Panama 10-0.
Canada will now prepare for its second match of the opening round against Panama on Friday, January 20 while tournament host-Mexico entertain Trinidad & Tobago in the second match of the day.

CAN:
1-Stephanie Labbe – 3-Sophie Schmidt-C, 4-Caroline Vanderpool, 7-Jodi-Ann Robinson (64: 6-Kaylen Kyle), 8-Veronique Maranada, 10-Amanda Cicchini, 11-Desiree Scott, 14-Aysha Jamani (87: 5-Emily Zurrer), 16-Paige Adams, 18-Eden Hingwing, 19-Lisa Collison (64: 13-Reanner Sleiman).

Booked:
Hingwing 58’, Kyle 89’

TRI:
1-Kimika Forbes – 2-Ayana Russell, 3-Anastasia Prescott, 4-Katrina Meyer (89: 14-Marissa Mohammed), 5-Kia Rigsby (45: 6-Jemilia Mathlin), 7-Dernelle Mascall, 8-Patrice Superville, 9-Maylee Attin-Johnson-C, 10-Aveann Douglas, 16-Christine Rose (45: 18-Stephanie De Souza), 19-Kennya Cordner.

Booked:
Rose 20’, Prescott 25’

26
Tony Cozier
Trinidad Express
Wednesday, January 18th 2006
 
SHIVNARINE CHANDERPAUL has been recommended by the West Indies selectors to be retained as captain and Ramnaresh Sarwan his deputy for the forthcoming tour of New Zealand February 16-March 29, convenor Joey Carew confirmed yesterday.
Carew was quick to end speculation initiated by a report on a Trinidad radio station, repeated on Voice of Barbados yesterday, that Daren Ganga, 27, the Trinidad and Tobago and West Indies 'A' team captain, was likely to replace Chanderpaul.
But Ganga, who played the last of his 31 Tests against South Africa in Georgetown last April, has been recalled for the one Twenty20 match and five One-Day Internationals (ODIs) as well as the three Tests.
Carew indicated separate squads of 14 for the shorter matches and 15 for the Tests have been chosen. They went through the usual process of ratification by the WICB yesterday but were not officially announced up to last night.
Carew said his panel has acceded to star batsman Brian Lara's plea last year that he wanted to reduce his ODI appearances in an effort to prolong his phenomenal Test career. Test cricket's highest run-scorer will join the team for the first Test in Auckland March 9-13 following the ODI series.
Head coach Bennett King's input at the selection meeting in Port-of-Spain on Monday was influential in the decision to retain Chanderpaul at the helm, Carew said.
"The coach gave a lengthy explanation of what went on, and what didn't go on, during the tour of Australia late last year," he explained. "His recommendation was that we continue with Chanderpaul as captain."
He did not say whether there were other nominations. Jamaica captain Wavell Hinds' modest Test record (average 33 in 45 Tests) appears to have ruled him out of contention for the leadership.
The left-handed opener has been chosen only in the ODI squad, to be replaced for the Tests by Devon Smith, the diminutive Grenadian, who had a disappointing series in Australia after an innings of 88 in the first Test.
Chanderpaul, 30-year-old veteran of 91 Tests and 178 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), was appointed captain for the home series against South Africa and Pakistan last season following the withdrawal of Lara, the incumbent, over the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) ruling to debar six players from selection because of their personal endorsement contracts with Cable & Wireless, direct competitors of new team sponsors, Digicel.
Ths sixth man in the position since Viv Richards' retirement in 1992, Chanderpaul has endured a similar failure rate to those before him while the West Indies slid from No.1 to No.8 in the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings.
Under him, the West Indies have a record of one Test win, nine losses and two draws and one win against 11 ODI defeats.
Chanderpaul led a team of inexperienced reserves to Sri Lanka for three Tests and a triangular ODI series also involving India last July and August after the other leading players observed a West Indies Players Association (WIPA) boycott over a contracts dispute.
He was retained for the tour of Australia last October and November following an end to the WIPA's action that cleared the way for the selection of all the players.
In addition to Ganga, leg-spinner Rawl Lewis, the 31-year-old Windward Islands' captain who last played for the West Indies on the tour of South Africa seven years ago, fast bowlers Jerome Taylor of Jamaica and Deighton Butler of the Windwards and batsman Runako Morton of the Leewards have been recalled.
Lewis, Taylor and Morton are in both Test and ODI squads. The left-handed Butler, who got his unexpected chance in the revamped team in Sri Lanka last year, is only chosen for the ODIs.
"Lewis has been playing so well that we're thinking of giving him a bit of a run to see whether he could become a permanent fixture in the team," Carew said.
"He has definitely matured. I think the captaincy (of the Windwards) has done a lot of good for him." Lewis was the Windwards' leading wicket-taker in last season's Carib Beer Series with 32 and he has 14 in two matches this season. He is preferred as the specialist spinner to left-arm chinaman-googly type Dave Mohammed and off-spinner Omari Banks, both of whom have had brief stints in the Test team.
Taylor made his Test debut, aged 18, against Sri Lanka in 2003 but was soon sidelined by a back injury for over a year. He led the bowling averages for champions Jamaica on his return last season, with 26 wickets at 16.61 each, and clinched his place with his five for 85 against Barbados in the match that ended on Monday.
Batsman Marlon Samuels and fast bowlers Tino Best and Jermaine Lawson are dropped from the team on the Test tour of Australia last October and November.
An operation to remove a bone spur from his knee ruled out Corey Collymore, the leading West Indies bowler since he returned to the team for the Tests against Pakistan last season.
Carew said that the teams for the one-day and four-day matches against England 'A' in the Caribbean next month would be chosen after two more rounds of the Carib Beer Cup.

TEST TEAM FOR NEW ZEALAND (with ODI replacement in brackets):

Shivnarine Chanderpaul -captain, Ramnaresh Sarwan -vice-captain, Chris Gayle, Devon Smith (Wavell Hinds), Daren Ganga, Brian Lara (excluded for ODIs), Runako Morton, Dwayne Bravo, Dwayne Smith, Denesh Ramdin, Rawl Lewis, Ian Bradshaw, Jerome Taylor, Fidel Edwards, Daren Powell (Deighton Butler).

27
Football / Motherwell 0-1 Rangers
« on: January 15, 2006, 01:28:19 PM »
Soccernet.com

Peter Lovenkrands grabbed the only goal of the game to secure all three points for Rangers against Motherwell in the Bank of Scotland Premier League.
It was a day of ecstasy and agony for Lovenkrands, who netted his 10th goal in seven games but whose involvement in the match was cut short by injury.
Even so, Rangers will now be even more determined to hold onto the Denmark international, having already rebuffed the advances of Birmingham last week.
In terms of the SPL, the defending Scottish champions had enjoyed something of a renaissance in recent weeks and they knew a win against Motherwell would take then to within a point of third-placed Hibernian.
That may not seem a lot for a club used to battling for top spot but Rangers manager Alex McLeish was well aware of the message such an ascent back up the SPL table would send out to the rest of the top teams.
As expected, Kris Boyd held onto his place in the starting XI, after bagging a hat-trick against Peterhead in the Tennent's Scottish Cup last week.
Dado Prso, Brahim Hemdani and Alan Hutton were also back in the squad after recovering from injury and the trio started the game on the bench.
But it was Motherwell who came out of the traps flying and immediately set about putting their visitors under pressure.
The game was just a couple of minutes old when they claimed Gers skipper Barry Ferguson had handled in the area but those pleas were ignored by referee Kenny Clark.
Motherwell were then denied the opener by the woodwork. A Jim Hamilton shot was parried by Rangers goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus, before Brian Kerr's rebound cracked off the crossbar.
At the other end, Chris Burke raced into the box before trying to set up Lovenkrands for the shot. The ball spun off the body of goalkeeper Graeme Smith before Thomas Buffel's effort deflected just over.
Rangers started to come into the game more and had the opportunity to put Motherwell under pressure when they were handed a free-kick just outside the box.
Bob Malcolm found the head of Marvin Andrews, who nodded towards goal, but the ball needed a touch at the far post and Sotirios Kyrgiakos just failed to connect.
Kyrgiakos then had a far more important role to play when Waterreus failed to deal with a Motherwell corner and the Greek defender was called into action to hook Scott McDonald's shot away from a gaping goalmouth.
Rangers did have the ball in the back of the net before the break but the offside flag was raised before the shot had even left the foot of Lovenkrands.
Rangers looked far more assured after the restart and should have been ahead within a few minutes.
A Malcolm free-kick into the box eventually broke to Andrews, who nodded into the path of Buffel but the Belgian international stabbed inches wide from close range.
The Ibrox side did not have to wait too much longer for the opener, though, and they were ahead after 55 minutes.
Once again, Malcolm flighted a set-piece onto the head of Andrews, and he set up Lovenkrands for the shot, who rifled home from inside the six-yard box.
The Rangers fans were on their feet again, this time to welcome the introduction of Dado Prso, who had missed the last nine matches with a hamstring injury.
Only the quick reflexes of Waterreus prevented Motherwell from finding the back of the net when he produced a superb save to deny Phil O'Donnell.
The game came to a painful, and abrupt, end for Lovenkrands with 20 minutes to go when he was stretchered off and replaced by Nacho Novo.
It had already been a busy afternoon for Waterreus and the work was not over for the Rangers goalkeeper, with Motherwell determined to set up a tense finish to the game.
The Dutchman did well to block a point-blank shot from McDonald, before William Kinniburgh's rebound sailed across the face of goal and wide, with no takers to prod home.

28
Football / JLloyd Samuel may be out World Cup team
« on: January 11, 2006, 10:33:38 PM »
Trinidad Guardian

Jlloyd Samuel of English Premiership club Aston Villa seems destined to be the second English-born player to have his hopes of representing T&T at the World Cup Finals in Germany ruled out by FIFA.
Earlier this week the T&TFF was informed by Fifa that West Ham United striker Bobby Zamora, whose father was born in Carenage, did not qualify to play for T&T, having represented England at Under-18 and Under-21 level.
Asked about the latest developments on Samuel, team manager Bruce Aanensen said the legal people at Fifa have turned down the application for Samuel to represent the Warriors.
He said the Federation was now going to the appeals committee.
We are expecting a reply by the end of this month, but based on the information we have been receiving, Samuel like Zamora did not utilised the one-year window given by Fifa when a reversal of his status could have been possible, so he may very well be disqualified from representing T&T.”

In the meantime, national coach Leo Beenhakker is said to have turned his attention to Ricky Shakes  ???   ::) who represented Holland at either the last Under-17 or Under-20 World Cup and Nigerian-born Oliver Sunday, who was born to a Tobago-father and Nigerian mother.
Lincoln Phillips, technical director of the T&TFF has also requested that the trio of former St Anthony’s College players Julius James, Kevon Neaves and Yohance Marshall, all based at US-Colleges train with the national team in addition to national Under-20 goalkeeper Thorne Holder.
James is attached to the University of Connecticut, while Neaves attends the University of South Florida.

29
Football / Parents first, as Warriors enquire about family tickets
« on: January 11, 2006, 10:22:11 PM »
By: Nigel Simon
Trinidad Guardian


National Football ambassador Austin Jack Warner yesterday said that parents of members of the Soca Warriors will be given priority to purchase tickets for the World Cup Finals in Germany.
Warner said that while in England over the weekend, he met with the players, who asked if their parents would be able to get tickets for the World Cup matches.
He said that he assured the players that all parents of members of the team who wanted tickets would be facilitated.
“That’s all the guys asked for during the meeting and I must commend them for their level of professionalism in dealing with our matters,” said Warner, who was speaking at a media briefing at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, to announce the arrival date of the World Cup trophy, via the Fifa World Cup Trophy Tour.
Warner also confirmed that the Football Federation would be granted its full quota of eight per cent of the tickets for the three matches involving the Soca Warriors at the World Cup Finals, to be played in Germany from June 9 to July 9.
Asked if Fifa had given any response to the T&TFF’s request, Warner said: “Yes, we have been informed by Fifa that what we have asked for, we will be getting.”
The Concacaf president could not give an exact figure.
Guardian checks last week revealed that the full quota of tickets to T&T, based on the Purchasable Ticket Capacity (PTC) of the venues, means that T&T will be receiving a total of 10,101 tickets for the three matches.
T&T will receive 4,061 tickets for the match against Sweden on June 10.
The number of tickets decrease to 3,074 for the June 15 match against England, while 2,966 tickets are available for the match versus Paraguay on June 20.
Warner said the T&TFF had not tabulated the final number of requested tickets because requests are still coming in.
“We are expecting to get the tickets in a few days and we are hoping to work out how we will distribute them.”
Warner also warned persons who were solely interested in getting match tickets to secure their air-line tickets to Germany: “I can tell you there will come a time when there will be World Cup tickets available for matches and no seats available on air-lines.”
Warner also made it clear that the political side of his life had no bearing on what he achieves or does for sport. “There is nothing that politics can give to me that I don’t already have.”
When making the request to Fifa for tickets, it was stated by the T&TFF president that they had requested three categories of tickets that were available from four, for the Group B matches.
The three categories carry prices of 100, 60 and 45 Euros or T&T$758, T&T$455 and T&T$341 per match, respectively.

30
2006 World Cup - Germany / Don't expect to get much from the Lottery
« on: December 14, 2005, 06:36:21 AM »
Large demand from around Europe as the third sales period gets underway

Within twelve hours of the third sales period opening at midday on 12 December, the Organising Committee had registered 150,000 orders for over a million tickets for the 2006 FIFA World Cup... 

www.fifa.com

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