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1
Football / St. Augustine, Pres Sando clash in Big Five Final
« on: October 27, 2009, 09:58:59 AM »
Kern De Freitas - Trinidad & Tobago Express

Tuesday 27th October, 2009

For the last five years, the BG T&T Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) "Big Five" title has gone to either the East Zone, or South.


This year that trend will continue, as East kings St Augustine Secondary and Presentation College, San Fernando cross swords from 4.15 p.m. at Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar for the coveted National League title.

At one end of the field are the "Green Machine", with great prowess in attack and the skill and flair to turn it into success. At the other end are Presentation College--sturdy, hard-working and with a strong momentum they have brought from their successful South Zone campaign. Add Terrence Ramsaroop, their goalkeeper, to the mix and they should provide the other half of a very entertaining final.

The last five titles have been won by either a South or East Zone team, and Mucurapo East Secondary are the only team not from those zones to get to the Big Five final.

Presentation have also been the first team from South Zone to break Naparima College's stranglehold, an impressive sequence of six consecutive Big Five berths. They have done so with strong defence, consistency, and goals at the right time, as they showed in Friday's semi-final after being tested severely by Carapichaima East Secondary.

For St Augustine, the road has been a bit smoother and their attractive brand of football has made them favourites every step of the way. They won their Big Five semi-final, also at the Malabar venue, against North Zone champs St Mary's College, whose touches in the final third let them down.

St Augustine coach Michael Grayson wants a better start from his charges than their meeting with the "Saints".

"We want to settle down much earlier than we did in the CIC game and play more of our game than what CIC (allowed). That was one of the early problems we had," Grayson said.

Earlier in the season Grayson outlined his plans to take the "Green Machine" all the way to a sweep of all four titles--two national and two zonal--and they could be halfway there by tonight.

"We are not going to reach this far to turn back now," Grayson stressed. "(If we win today), it would be the second game of four we want to win, we will be right on track"

All of his players are injury-free and raring to go and Grayson has warned them of complacency.

"Only tomorrow (today) matters. Only the day of the game matters," he said.

Shaun Cooper, "Pres" coach and alum, has every respect for Grayson and his team and is expecting a "very difficult game". He also lauded Carapichaima for the tough showing on Friday.

"(Pres) were pushed to their limit. Once Carapichaima comes out running, it would have energised our side and let them know we're in a game. They really tested us," he related.

Cooper paid homage to assistant coaches Junior Ferguson and Michael Tony, who worked tirelessly with the Presentation players and he credited them for Pres having gotten to the Big Five final.

The former Naparima College coach also acknowledged that last Friday's encounter was not one of Pres's better outings, which he said is a good thing.

"Taking that in mind, I think that they will be up to the task," Cooper pointed out."That game really showed them that they have to step up...If we do, St Augustine will have a lot to do."

Either way, the fight for the Big Five trophy should be a thrilling finale.


 :wavetowel:   Go Pres !!!!   :duel:

On another note, Pres will be wearing black armbands to mourn the passing of the Caps student that was killed outside Manny Ramjohn Stadium last Friday.  RIP yute... 

4
Football / Fifa news reports on T&T qualifying campaign
« on: August 05, 2008, 05:53:07 PM »
I find it fair ...  read:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/nccamerica/teams/team=43920/profile.html

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=814723.html#groups+have+favourites+trembling

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=823251.html#tico+coaches+lead+clear

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=814764.html#hard+travels+usa

quote:

"A look back"

"Trinidad and Tobago-Guatemala 3-2, 5 September 2005, Port of Spain.
With a 2-1 lead and only five minutes to go, it looked like Guatemala were going to pull ahead in the race for fourth place and a playoff spot for Germany 2006. Stern John had his say, though, scoring twice in the last five minutes to give Trinidad and Tobago a famous 3-2 win. Guatemala, shocked, failed to win in their remaining three qualifiers and lost out to T&T in the quest for the playoff spot. The Trinidadians then duly beat Bahrain to qualify for their first-ever FIFA World Cup in Germany in 2006."

5
Football / Peter Goldstein - Nightmare
« on: June 23, 2006, 07:07:25 AM »
Dis man is really ah borse yes !!!

http://www.planetworldcup.com/GUESTS/peter20060623.html

Kinda long but another great read...

Nightmare!
The group stage is over for CONCACAF, and not a moment too soon. Twelve games and exactly one win, over no less a world power than Iran. (Revenge for 1998!) We lost to Europe, to South America, to Africa. We didn't lose to Asia--but for the first time since the tournament expanded in 1982, Asia will have a better overall group stage record. Check your thesaurus under "disaster," and start your list of synonyms now; you may be done by 2007.

    The failure of Costa Rica, and the difficulties of Trinidad & Tobago, were hardly unexpected, although the way it happened was surprising enough. Costa Rica, who had transformed themselves from a free attacking side into a dogged bunch of grafters, gave up goals in buckets. Paulo Wanchope, who for months had looked completely washed-up, in fact performed quite well. There was even some encouraging play from one of the young defenders, Michael Umaña. But overall they were just outmanned. You could fault Guimaraes' defensive tactics, but even while playing it safe they gave up 9 goals.

    As for T&T, they proved tougher than anyone could have thought possible, and nicked a historic draw in a difficult group. Against Paraguay, though, they might have done better. To combat England and Sweden, Leo Beenhakker changed from the slow buildup to the long ball, but versus the South Americans he might have been better advised to stick to basics. You saw what happened in the second half, particularly after Russell Latapy entered. A little more poseession, with some intent to attack, could have unlocked Paraguay earlier. No one could fault the effort, and the Warriors got much of the world on their side, but a goal or two would have made the experience a lot more enjoyable.

    But that's life, I guess. Anything you get from your number 3 and 4 is a bonus. But surely we could rely on Mexico and the USA, our two great standard-bearers. Yes, yes, we knew they were way too high in the FIFA rankings (that'll change with the new system, not to mention with the results of the last two weeks). And the few delusive fanatics aside, we didn't expect either of them to win the World Cup. But we expected something a little better than embarrassment.

    The USA's failure was particularly dispiriting. If ever a team were riding for a fall, it was the Yanks, who in 2002 had gone much farther than their talent was worth. But if by international standards their skills were indifferent, at least you could always count on their cohesion, drive, and fortitude. After the back-to-the-wall draw against Italy, they were ready to teach Ghana a lesson. The Africans were enormously talented, but inexperienced at this level, and had to be brittle. Just give'em a dose of the old fighting spirit, and watch them fold.

    In fact, that's exactly what happened--the other way around. Ghana's first goal was a pure giveaway, and by two of the most experienced and poised players on the team. Claudio Reyna got caught in possession, Kasey Keller positioned himself badly, and it was 0:1. Nothing could have been more shocking, or more ominous.

    Near the end of the half, for just a brief moment, the flame flickered. DaMarcus Beasley, useless so far, broke loose and sent a perfect pass to Clint Dempsey, who smashed it home with authority. Now Ghana were in trouble. Even after a shameful PK call gifted them the go-ahead goal, you felt the Yanks were ready for an all-out assault. In the second half they'd test the debutantes to the limit. Italy were ahead of the Czech Republic, so the second round could be only forty-five minutes away.

    Forty-five light years, maybe. Never did a team look less likely to come from behind. I suppose they were trying--professionals rarely give up--but if so, it just shows how inadequate they really were. One half-chance, as Brian McBride hit the post. The rest was silence, the silence of reputations dissolving. Bruce Arena, Landon Donovan, heck, even Freddy Adu. Didn't the USA have a soccer team once?

    OK, it's not that bad. They got caught in a tough group, played poorly, and got beat. It's payment for 2002, and we still have our memories of Korea/Japan. But you wonder what the next step is. This team breezed through the qualifiers, and there's no reason to believe the 2010 edition won't do so as well. But unless the USA can get regular competition at the highest levels, they'll find it hard to progress. Possibly a foreign coach could help--unfortunately, the logical choice, Jürgen Klinsmann, is a bit occupied right now. José Mourinho, maybe? Guus Hiddink, if we can get the CIA to kidnap his assistant and frame the Russian mafia? Sven-Goran Eriksson (OK, that was a joke)?

    And speaking of foreign coaches, we come at last to Mexico. Back home the USA has their number, but at the World Cup they're our most trusted representative. Group winners in 1994 and 2002, brave underdogs in 1998, the Tri have always been the last best hope. Well, they're still in the competition, but hope is on life support. And it's about to be disconnected. The second-round opponent is that team with the blue-and-white stripes, and they're pretty good. Under normal circumstances we'd give our boys a chance--after all, they usually play their best against top opponents. And look at the record: they beat Argentina in the 2004 Copa America, and lost only on penalty kicks in the 2005 Confederations Cup. It's 2006--what's changed?

    The lineups, for one thing. LaVolpe just can't seem to stop tinkering. Against Portugal, he decided to bench the inconsistent Sinha and move Rafa Márquez into midfield, where the captain might be able to help in attack. Except that meant he had to put Francisco "El Maza" Rodríguez in the back line to replace Márquez. Approximately 100 million Mexicans will tell you that Rodríguez has no business being on the national team, and they're right. It took only 6 minutes for him to make the error that led to Portugal's first goal. And although he somehow managed not to concede any more, he was obviously overmatched. When the second half began, it was, inevitably, Sinha for Rodríguez, and both offense and defense perked up a bit. But you can't afford to weaken your side on a whim.

    Still, you can hardly blame LaVolpe for trying to shake things up. With Jared Borgetti still injured, and Guillermo Franco ineffective, there's no reliable striker. Kikín Fonseca, when he plays in his natural centerforward spot, looks OK, nothing dramatic. Omar Bravo, always a modest talent, seems to have reached the limit of his usefulness. Add the chronic shortage of creativity, and Iran may be the only team you can beat.

    Two thoughts: 1) this team peaked about a year ago; 2) they could use Cuauhtémoc Blanco. I actually like LaVolpe (anyone who alienates 100% of the press can't be all bad), but he should have swallowed his pride and put Cuauh on the plane. Then at least he'd have another weapon, even if half the time it'd be pointed at his heart. Right now, there's just not enough punch.

    But remember what we said: Mexico usually plays best against the best. Right now, Argentina is the best. With Márquez where he belongs, the back line is strong. They won the 2004 Copa America meeting with a conservative game plan and a beautiful free kick by Ramón Morales. I say start Morales: he's a veteran, he's fearless, and although not the best defender he can create a chance or two. If Borgetti can't go, keep Fonseca as your number 9, and support him with Franco. Either way, start Sinha, with Pavel Pardo and Gerardo Torrado as destroyers in midfield. Invoke the spirit of 1978, when a resourceful Argentina had a third-string keeper named Ricardo LaVolpe. It's CONCACAF's last stand. If you win, the nightmare is over. If you lose, hey, it's over too.

6
Football / Latapy Article
« on: June 22, 2006, 08:11:55 AM »
Exit, Center Stage

From Planet world cup by: Peter Goldstein.

Last Tuesday, Russell Latapy of Trinidad & Tobago played his one and only World Cup game. He logged 23 minutes plus stoppage time against Paraguay, and I suspect not many people noticed. Although the Soca Warriors had made a lot of fans around the world, by the time Latapy got on the pitch it was clear they were going home. Might as well turn the channel to England and Sweden, or get some yardwork done before the next set of games.

    But it was something special nevertheless. Latapy is 37 years old, and those 23 minutes were the fulfillment of a promise a whole career in the making. All the way back in 1989, a much younger Latapy was a key member of the Strike Squad, the T&T side that fell agonizingly short of a World Cup berth for Italia '90. Needing only a draw at home in their final qualifying game, they lost 0:1 to the USA, and drifted into the international wilderness.

    That Latapy was a remarkable talent was clear from the first. He was a classic attacker, of a kind rarely seen at any level for club or country. There was no more exciting player in the region. His nickname was the Little Magician, and no one could spin and twist, dribble and pass like him. He could score, too, and usually in elegant fashion. Objectively, perhaps, there were greater overall talents around--his defense could be limited, and he was prone to overelaborate--but who cared? He was The Beautiful Game personified.

    Coming into the qualifiers for Germany 2006, Latapy's international career had been both sweet and bitter. With 27 goals in 59 appearances, he had certainly made his mark on Soca Warriors history. He had scored the winner in one of their most famous victories, the 1:0 over Mexico in the qualifiers for 2002. But later that cycle, as it became clear the Warriors were fading, he, along with fellow star Dwight Yorke, quit the team. The two had failed to turn up for training before a game against Jamaica, were omitted by new coach Rene Simoes, and chose to retire from international football. Like Yorke, Latapy was an individualist and a hard liver (at one point he was sacked by Hibernian for missing training and curfew), and the decision came as no surprise.

    It certainly appeared Latapy's T&T career was over. Even when Yorke agreed to come back and lead the team during the qualifiers for Germany, Latapy resisted the call. But when Leo Beehakker took over, and it became clear the Warriors really had a chance this time, he decided to give it one last try. There were four games left, and T&T were locked in a tight struggle with Guatemala for the fourth spot and a playoff with Asia. When Latapy joined the squad, Beenhakker pointedly announced he didn't have a spot assured--but one look in training and that was that. T&T desperately needed some spark in midfield, and Latapy was just the man to provide it.

    At his age, it was unreasonable to expect Latapy to be as lively as before. And perhaps he didn't have the stamina of his youth. But he still had all the skills, and from the moment he took the field it was clear the Warriors had found the key ingredient. It was his first game, the crucial meeting at home to Guatemala, that more than any turned the tide and sent the team on their way to Germany. With T&T down 0:1 early in the second half, Latapy went into magic mode. First he scored a stunning solo goal, twisting six different ways before putting the ball on his left foot and driving it low into the far corner. Then he took complete charge of the attack, setting up chance after chance that somehow went begging. Guatemala fought back, taking the lead again on a counterattack, and for all Latapy's wizardry, T&T looked done. But in the 85th minute Latapy's gorgeous sidestep and pass found Stern John in the penalty area for the shock equalizer. A minute later, with the crowd in delirium, Yorke found John for the winner.

    From then on T&T were on a straight line for Germany. They lost at Costa Rica, but won at Panama (Latapy helping make the winner) and came from behind spectacularly to beat Mexico at home to grab the playoff spot. Everyone agreed that it was the Little Magician who had made the difference. Then came a draw and a win against Bahrain, and 16 years after the Strike Squad disappointment, T&T and Latapy were at last in the World Cup.

    But it was already clear the old man might not play a major role in Germany. At 37, his slow, indirect style was still effective against Central American teams, but Bahrain's pace and pressing had been too much for him. He was ineffective in the opening leg draw, and Beenhakker sat him down for the return leg in Bahrain. The Warriors got the winning goal, the qualifying goal, without him; he only came on for the last 15 minutes to help preserve the lead. With high-energy teams like England and Sweden on the schedule, Latapy couldn't be expected to contribute much at the World Cup.

    And indeed he didn't. The famous draw against Sweden, the 82 marvelous minutes of scoreless football against England, took place with him on the bench. Yorke, three years younger and a different style of player, could still make the pace, but at the finest moments in Soca Warriors history, Latapy could only watch.

    Then came the final game against Paraguay. T&T still had a chance to qualify, and Beenhakker needed the fittest men possible. Again Latapy rode the bench. When the Warriors fell behind, the first substitution was Kenwyne Jones, a striker. When Cornell Glen was injured late in the first half, in came Evans Wise. With only one substitution left, Latapy was still waiting his turn.

    But soon we were well into the second half. Paraguay were holding on at 1:0, and had fallen back on defense, letting T&T control the ball. Beenhakker motioned to the bench--and finally, in came the Little Magician, to a standing ovation from the T&T fans. It was a sentimental choice, but it was also the right one: with Paraguay giving the Warriors space, Latapy would finally have scope to do his thing.

    And so for 23 minutes we had Russell Latapy at the World Cup. And he was beautiful. With his first touch he slipped a defender and found an open Densil Theobald on the left wing. With his second he spun around in the penalty area and fed Yorke near the arc for a shot. With his third it was a neat circle and pass to a charging Stern John. He wasn't running much--really just strolling around the field--but every time he got the ball you said "ah!" You really didn't care what else was happening; you just wanted to see Russell Latapy with the ball at his feet. A lovely through ball to Kenwyne Jones, a blast from the top of the area, a solo spin-dribble-shot from the arc, excitement upon excitement, inspiration upon inspiration. You pleaded for a goal, prayed that such beauty be rewarded one last time.

    It didn't happen. The shots went high or to the keeper. The passes weren't converted. It was Paraguay that scored, putting the game out of reach. Shortly afterward it was over. And yet--when the final whistle blew, Latapy was exactly in the center circle. It was fitting. The center of the T&T attack for so many years, he was the center of attention in his final appearance. He didn't need to take a bow. His play had said it all.

    There are books with complete statistics for every player ever to appear in the World Cup finals. All the books published after 2006 will have a simple line, looking something like this:

Russell Latapy        TNT       1        23        0

    In the end we are all data. But those 23 minutes are now in the archives, accessible to the many billions of World Cup fans in the years to come. Those who actually see them will be few. But perhaps they will be moved to ask "Just who was that number 10?" and seek out the full story of Russell Latapy. And so, appropriately, it will be those final few marvelous minutes that define his career. Exit, center stage.

Thank you Russell, thank you !!!

Planetworldcup.

7
Football / Planet world cup article
« on: June 06, 2006, 09:13:48 AM »
I dunno nah, dis opinon is de best ah see so far.

excerpt: "Trinidad & Tobago --The buildup has been an education for the Soca Warriors. Their standard slow possession game has been effective at times, but the speed of European play has exposed the back line."

decent read ... http://www.planetworldcup.com/GUESTS/peter20060605.html


8
Football / Article from PlanetWorldCup
« on: May 01, 2006, 12:32:57 PM »
By Peter Goldstein, an excerpt...de man is a borse..

"Although this is Trinidad & Tobago's first appearance at the World Cup, we know exactly what to expect. A Caribbean team with a dance-inspired nickname? A team that plays at Hasely Crawford Stadium, no less? They're fast, individualistic, undisciplined; they flash and dash; if you score two, they score three, and they don't need Eric Cantona to tell them to play beautiful. Right?"    Wrong. Under Dutch master Leo Beenhakker,...

CARIBBEAN DEBUTANTS WITH EUROPEAN STYLE.
By: Peter Goldstein (planetworldcup).


    Although this is Trinidad & Tobago's first appearance at the World Cup, we know exactly what to expect. A Caribbean team with a dance-inspired nickname? A team that plays at Hasely Crawford Stadium, no less? They're fast, individualistic, undisciplined; they flash and dash; if you score two, they score three, and they don't need Eric Cantona to tell them to play beautiful. Right?

    Wrong. Under Dutch master Leo Beenhakker, the Soca Warriors are the exact opposite of the stereotype. Not much flair, not much spectacle. They don't press, they don't gamble, they don't improvise. They take their time, build slowly through midfield, emphasize sound technique and discipline. Oh, and they get results. Before Beenhakker arrived during the CONCACAF Hexagonal, they had as much chance of qualifying as Malta. But with the Dutchman in charge, they won four out of seven games, coming from behind to win twice, including the make-or-break finale against Mexico. In the playoff, after drawing at home against Bahrain, they flew to the Middle East and won on the road. They're patient, intelligent, and resourceful, and let their fans provide the carnival.

    Typical of the squad is the probable starting keeper, Premiership veteran Shaka Hislop (West Ham United). In his prime he was a spectacular shot-stopper; now, at 37, he does the job primarily on reading and positioning. In contrast, the starter during the qualifiers was Kelvin Jack (Dundee FC), and "carnival" doesn't even begin to describe him. One minute he makes an impossible save; the next he looks like he has no idea how to play the position. Unfortunately for World Cup fans (but fortunately for Beenhakker's mental health), he's now out with tendonitis and is questionable for the tournament. Clayton Ince (Coventry City), the main man during the 2002 qualifiers, might get a chance if Hislop falters, and Tony Warner (Fulham) is in the frame as well.

    The back four have been uneven, and how well they hold up may be the key to T&T's success. The twin towers at centerback are Marvin Andrews (Rangers) and Dennis Lawrence (Wrexham). They're both tall (Lawrence is 6 foot 7--fully 2 meters!), both very good in the air, but not particularly quick. Andrews is the aggressive one, a hard tackler and formidable header. Lawrence is quiet, composed, more technical in approach. During the qualifiers both were subject to occasional mental errors, and they won't be able to get away with that in Germany. The fullbacks have pace and some skill, but they too aren't always letter perfect. Cyd Gray (San Juan Jabloteh) on the right is a particularly rough diamond, very athletic but still learning how to mark. Avery John (New England) on the left is smoother and a bit more consistent. They both can get forward to help the attack, but against difficult opposition they're likely to be held back a bit.

    After experimenting with several different formations, Beenhakker appears to have settled on a 4-2-3-1. In the double pivot are Chris Birchall (Port Vale) and Aurtis Whitley (San Juan Jabloteh), contrasting players who complement each other well. Birchall is your classic water-carrier, a hard worker with solid technique, who can go box-to-box if necessary. Or rather, just short of box-to-box: he usually pulls up around 25 yards out to unleash his world-class rising shot. Whitley is a bit stronger physically and better technically; a playmaker at club level, he can dribble his man and feed attacking teammates. In keeping with the patient approach, both men pick their spots to move forward.

    The left side of midfield has been a problem area for some time; after a fine performance in a friendly against Iceland, Collin Samuel (Dundee United) appears to have the edge. He's a born winger, pacy, who goes at his man and can send in the cross. But he's been on the fringes of the team for a while, and has yet to do the job consistently. For that we go to the other side of the field and Carlos Edwards (Luton). He's a reliable performer, another natural wing player: some pace, good on the dribble and the cross. His form will be crucial in spreading the attack wide.

    That leaves the playmaker, who is none other than Dwight Yorke (Sydney FC). Leave it to Dwight to grab the headlines, but this time it's a genuinely compelling story. The wild man is now a solid citizen (on the field at least), the flamboyant striker is now a hardworking midfielder. He looks comfortable in the role, roaming the pitch, holding the ball where necessary, controlling the slow tempo. If you want to know how T&T are doing, just watch Yorke: the deeper he drops, the more they're struggling. When the offense is clicking, he's in an advanced role, looking to send the wingers or the point man through.

    We haven't mentioned Russell Latapy (Falkirk) yet, but we should. Known as "The Little Magician," he's the greatest midfielder in T&T history. He's the one guy on the team with the true Caribbean flair: outrageous spins, dribbles, passes, goals too. He's also 37. He returned to the side for the final four games of the Hexagonal, and was vital in pushing them over the top, but it's doubtful he'll make a big difference in Germany. Against physical, hard-running sides like Sweden and England, his game is too slow and indirect. It's his bad luck, too, that Paraguay is the most European of the Latin American sides. But Latapy should at least see some time off the bench; if he does start, it'll be on the left side in Samuel's spot.

    In the usual setup, the lone striker is Stern John (Coventry City). He's a familiar name to fans of English football, having bounced around the top two divisions with varying degrees of success. But I'll bet you didn't know this: as of April 1, 2006, he's the all-time ninth leading scorer in international football history. Sixty-four goals for T&T. In recent years he's become wildly streaky, missing sitters one minute, scoring remarkable goals the next. The point position suits him well, because he's a natural centerforward: not too fast, good in the air and back to goal, with sound technique. He doesn't make the goals himself, but when he gets service, he can score at any time. Over three games we should also see something of Kenwyne Jones (Southampton). He's a converted wingback, tall, agile, and powerful, inconsistent with the ball at his feet, but with good vision. If Beenhakker feels he needs a second striker, Jones will partner John. For late-game pace, Cornell Glen (LA Galaxy) is a good option.

    Trinidad & Tobago are the longest shot in the field, and reasonably so. The players mostly toil for unfancied clubs in England and Scotland. CONCACAF has never gone four-deep at the World Cup, and Group B is pretty tough. Only diehard Soca Warriors fans--and they're a passionate bunch--are expecting the team to make the second round. But either way T&T are unlikely to be embarrassed. Even when they're behind, they play calmly and cohesively, and anyone expecting them to fold under pressure is thinking about some other team. The big if is the back line; if they can avoid mistakes, T&T will stay close all the way. And when you stay close, sometimes you win...

PS: Writeups on all the teams but this is the fus one I read..
click http://www.planetworldcup.com/team2006/trinidad.html

9
Football / LaVolpe threatens walkout
« on: April 13, 2006, 04:50:44 PM »
I dont know if this was posted before, but check the link.  Seems like polytrix is not unique to T&T!

http://home.skysports.com/worldcup/article.asp?hlid=379070&clid=114&lid=13&nav=

10
Football / Paul Marcuccitti on the world cup draw
« on: January 24, 2006, 04:20:09 PM »
Dont take it out of context but here is an excerpt:
http://www.planetworldcup.com/GUESTS/paul20060118.html

"So there’s a look at the other side of the draw, the knockout rounds. Now that we’ve applied so much conventional wisdom to the exercise, Trinidad & Tobago and Saudi Arabia are bound to meet in the World Cup Final. "

Good article on the draw...

11
Football / Hopefuls Bahrain keen to avoid culture shock (article)
« on: October 28, 2005, 09:34:08 AM »
Iz more dan "culture shock" in dey qweffm..  :rotfl:

Quote: fron the Bahraini Coach, fifaworldcup.com

"I know that Panama used a lot of young players today and I am not excited about the result but I am happy that my players are getting the feel of what it's like to face such teams," he said.

Ah dont know how dat could make sense...to anybody ...

Full story here:http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/051028/1/53d0.html

12
Football / Underdog stories
« on: October 28, 2005, 08:34:41 AM »
Just to change the subject from N(ass)khid and Bamseerain...

WCQ always has been filled with rags to riches stories of the underdogs and their day in the sun.  Allyuh remeber Stoichkov (bulgaria) free kick when dey beat Germany in 1994?

Quote: "Having narrowly missed from a similar position earlier in the half, Stoichkov this time locked the radar on perfectly. His sweet left-foot strike got up and over the wall and down again so quickly it only just cleared the goal-line before it touched the floor again. So inch-perfect was the kick that it went into the bottom corner, leaving Bodo Illgner leaden-footed and stranded on his goal-line. With fifteen minutes to go, the score was one-all."

Full story: http://www.planetworldcup.com/SPECIALS/bul_ger94.html

13
Football / Bahrain News Article, Scoring own goals before ball kicked...
« on: October 27, 2005, 08:18:59 AM »
Quote:"But MPs literally laughed it out of play at yesterday's weekly parliamentary session."

Small article from the Gulf Dailty News, The Voice of Bahrain.

http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=125271&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=28220

Another article from the same source, October 23rd, 2005.

Scoring own goals before ball kicked...
http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=125140&Sn=SPOR&IssueID=28218

Is real kicks yes...!!!!!!!

14
Football / T&T Away Kits
« on: October 21, 2005, 08:54:04 AM »
Was just wondering ...

After looking at some literature on psychology of colour I can't seem to remember if T&T ever had predominantly black away kits.  Flex, Tallman, do you have any information on this?

Interesting links:
http://psychology.about.com/blsub_soimg_color.htm

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1175/is_n11_v22/ai_6723172

Quote from this article:
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?articleID=00012150-ADC5-128B-ADC583414B7F0000

"Comparing five teams that had red shirts as one uniform choice, they discovered that the teams performed better--and scored more goals--when playing in red versus white or blue uniforms."

Articles against:
http://www.joeclark.org/basicblack.html

http://cms.psychologytoday.com/articles/pto-19970201-000021.html

http://psychcentral.com/psypsych/Negative_perception_of_the_color_black


15
Football / Planet World Cup's Peter Goldstein on Concacaf...
« on: October 19, 2005, 08:27:13 AM »
Here's a quote:

"But let’s not forget the ultimate profile in perseverance, Stern John. Hated, reviled, cursed--even after the goals against Guatemala and Panama, not everyone believed in him. You don’t want to know what the fans were saying when he blew the penalty. (If you do, check the forum at socawarriors.net.) "

The url: http://www.planetworldcup.com/CUPS/2006/concacaf_wrapup04.html

good read!

16
Football / TT-Guatemala
« on: September 03, 2005, 05:48:18 PM »
Let me say this... I am privileged to be a part of the Hasely crawford stadium posse today.  It was downs and ups.  I for one was hoping to bench Stern in the 46th minit.  The rest of the guys did yeoman's service.  Those who had a bad game:  Birchall, Carlos, Spann.

Those who fight to the last:   The entire eleven...!  We might not be world standard but breds?...

we fight for T&T today.  All the naysayers who believe that dem boy doh have de heart, think again.  I am always proud to be a Trini, but even more so today.  At half time I told my posse, win or lose, dem boy fighting...and dey fight to the end.  Big up T&T!  Take the same to Costa Rica!  TT3-Guat2

17
Football / Trini Pride
« on: August 17, 2005, 08:08:25 PM »
Even If we lost 1-0

Even if we play $h1t 1st half

Even if de back line was square

Dey sub Stern

Avery is a true fighter

Sancho marshal de back

Birchall, Yorke, Spann, Dog, Tallest, play dey heart out.

(Kelvin) Jack save we ar$e more than twice

ah love it!
Dem boys did real yeomans service to come away with dat result!

Ah Proud!!!!


18
Football / Fuel for the fire
« on: June 10, 2005, 12:34:14 PM »
This riles me:

"With 12 points already and a remaining schedule that does include some relatively interesting contests, but also two absolute walk-over home games against punching bags Trinidad & Tobago and Panama, this thing is over. After the USA throttles Trinidad in the home of the Whalers later this summer, everything else will be even more of a formality."  From mlsnet.com

read the article here:  The Clean Sheet: Truth be told


19
Football / All Lurkers! Out de cupboard!
« on: June 10, 2005, 07:59:35 AM »
I for one have been on the site for a while and though I dont post much, I have been reading attentively.  I suspect there are many others just like me.  Is time for Tallman and Flex to "spray some Baygon" and get the non posters to identify themselves or be labeled as "fair weather friends" or 'waggonneers' when we qualify. 

One of the reasons, is that there are such comprehensive statements, and such a wealth of football (and smallgoal) information, I for one sometimes feel that I have nothing to add, but thats a good thing.  so ah go start: 8)

Location: Trinidad/Houston
Old boys: Pres Sando
Position:  Noise Section
Lurking on socawarriors.net since: mid 2004

20
Football / Big Props to my T&T Team!
« on: June 09, 2005, 08:29:33 AM »
We lost 2 nil to Mexico in Mexico.  That is my point.

I watched the game last night with a small crowd at CroBar Pub in Woodbrook.  The team did extremely well.  How many teams have Mexico scoreless at the half?  This bodes well for things to come. 

We can analyse all we want but the bottom line is that the team is playing better under Beenie-man's plan.  You could see that they are starting to believe in themselves.  Without that, Greece would have never won the Euro Cup.  Other teams are starting to sit up and take notice of our boys and you can bet that Bruce Arena is already planning strategy, and Beenie-man is on the drawing board.  My only point of grief is that we should have changed BSC earlier.  Get a psychologist assigned to the team.

Nuff said, Nuff respect to the team.  Go T&T!

21
Football / Ah want tuh 'big up' TrueTrini ...on Big Soccer Boards!
« on: June 08, 2005, 03:03:36 PM »
De man have we back in anudda forum, big soccer boards.  check the link:

http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=205373&page=1&pp=15

yuh might have to register, but its free...

22
Football / Marquez out of T&T match
« on: June 07, 2005, 10:37:54 AM »
This helps T&T. 

Marquez out of T&T match, Taken from Reuters June 7th, 2005.
Mexico defender Rafael Marquez has been ruled out of Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago with a groin strain.

Team doctor Jose Luis Serrano said the Barcelona player would be sidelined for eight to 10 days after suffering the injury during Saturday's 2-0 win away to Guatemala.

"The idea is that he will recover in time for the Confederations Cup," Serrano told the Mexican Football Federation's official website.

Mexico, who face the Caribbean islanders in the northern city of Monterrey, lead the final stage of the CONCACAF qualifying competition with 10 points from four games.

Trinidad and Tobago, who have never qualified for a World Cup, have four points.

Lavolpe wary of T&T threat - Press Association, 6th June 2005.

Mexico coach Ricardo Lavolpe has warned his side against underestimating the threat of Trinidad & Tobago when the two nations meet in Wednesday's World Cup qualifier in Monterrey.

Mexico are firm favourites going into the clash as they are top of the CONCACAF standings with 10 points, six points clear of fourth-placed Trinidad & Tobago.

Mexico have also gone 17 successive World Cup qualifiers without defeat but Lavolpe is still remaining wary of a Trinidad & Tobago side that claimed their first win of the campaign on Saturday with a 2-0 triumph over Panama.

"It's a very important match and we will work to get the three points. In modern football there are no easy opponents, everyone is difficult, so we are going to face Trinidad and Tobago with responsibility," the Argentinian-born Lavolpe said.

23
Football / T&T Anthem (TT vs Panama)
« on: June 06, 2005, 08:29:14 AM »
I was there.  Its been a long time I saw people choked up with the Trinidad anthem.  The steelband (Woodbrook Playboys I think) started off at a pace but then slowed down when they realised people were actually singing and loudly, they played to accompany the stadium until the last part. 

T&T didn't really settle down until Whitley decided to 15 mins into the game which makes me ask, is there a team psychologist?  How are they psychologically preparing for Wednesday's game against Mexico?  At the highest levels of sport, the stronger mind usually wins. (without a Jamaican Ref...just kidding)

The good reviews are already here so I wont put mine. I hope the stadium will be filled for the next game.

In de bar on Wednesday!

Some links I found:
http://www.golnoir.net/caribbean/teams/tnt/soca/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/wrexham/4613083.stm


24
Football / Panama Tickets
« on: June 03, 2005, 07:33:21 AM »
I havent posted in a while, been in and out T&T wukkin',  but anyways, went to KFC Curepe last night to get tickets for tomorrow''s game and they still had plenty!!!

 I hope this is a case of the Trini las' minute syndrome and not a clear indication of the people's attitude to the team.  I for one will be dere, in red, den Pelican later.  BTW, allyuh hear Pelican closing down?  Last night is this saturday.  Peace.

25
Football / Congrats fLeX an' Tallman
« on: March 09, 2005, 09:16:22 AM »
great idea.  Looks good..>!!! Now yuh could really ban people..>!!!  ;D

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