On Behalf of the Executive, membership and supporters of the United National Congress, I wish to congratulate the Trinidad and Tobago National Football Team on last night's 3-0 victory in the World Cup Qualifier against Cuba. With true Warrior spirit, skill and the highest level of sportsmanship, our team must be commended for an action-packed game that has taken this country into the next round of qualifiers and energized the journey to the 2010 World Cup Finals to be held in South Africa.

Special kudos go out to Captain Dwight Yorke, Kenwyne Jones and Keon Daniel who delivered the three goals to secure the victory. The rest of the team also deserve our recognition for battening-down and finding the formula to penetrate the Cuban side which at first looked more prepared than many would have anticipated them to be. Last night's victory was no easy walk-over and would not have manifested if the Warriors had not achieved the psychological and physical preparation they showed, and for that the technical and other support teams must not be forgotten.

The battle for World Cup glory is far from over and in fact may have just started with our entry into the final round of home-and-away games. That is why I urge the Soca Warriors to use the energy from last night's triumph in a positive way so that it fuels their future development and successes. I also call on every patriot to get behind the team as they struggle in pursuit of fame and recognition for themselves as individual athletes and for their country. From here on, every individual must do our part to ensure that our team stays focused and encouraged.

To our Soca Warriors, I say, "Just rewards await those who struggle and toil. You have brought joy and pride to your countrymen even as they endure some of their darkest and wettest days. For that, you must forever be proud."

Hon Basdeo Panday
Leader of the Opposition
MP, Couva North
Political Leader, UNC

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