The feeling of playing in a final sporting event could hardly ever be described in just a few words, regardless of what sport it is and where it is played.
The grandiose plans to play in tonight’s final against the host Jamaica, should have started just before going to bed last night for the players. The claim of nervousness which so many players tend to feel is literally par for the course by all athletes on the day of a final.
A good night’s rest is even more satisfying if the players are well versed as to the duties to be fulfilled on the field. Follow-up with a hearty breakfast and a morning walk but factors should lead towards the preparation of mental commitment to the event ahead.
I have great belief in players ensuring that the type of studs on the boot are adequate to play in any type of weather.
Having witnessed matches played by both finalists, the picture as to how the game will go, is dependent upon an honest analyst of each player, each game, and most importantly, strategy to combat the strengths of the opponent.
The Soca Warriors may not have provided the solid organizational formula, but this is sometimes clouded by the brilliance of certain members of this talented team.
Because they have conceded four goals in three matches should indicate that the high priority should be the defensive ploy.
At no time in this tournament did we have a well-coordinated back four line, hence the reason for the soft goals being scored. This is why I believe that the main player in that line should be Daneil Cyrus, for his ability to win the ball in the air or on the ground. He also possesses the speed necessary to reduce the effectiveness of Dane Richards, a feature which the Jamaicans have been banking heavily upon in the previous matches.
The need for solid and aggressive wing defence should make Aubrey David and Joevin Jones committed to these positions, with the emphasis upon defence, rather than making those attacking runs as their preferences.
Khaleem Hyland is the challenging defender located in front of the two central defenders, primarily as a ball winner and a multi task function of moving into attack when the occasion arises.
I would rather see Carlyle Mitchell alongside Cyrus in order to make our defence the most formidable.
We possess in midfield the stability of players whose ability to be part of the cohesive midfield possession game, where control of the game will be achieved.
I expect that Kevin Molino, Lester Peltier, Ataullah Guerra and Hughtun Hector have shown that they are quite capable of forming the “engine” room.
Our skipper Kenwyne Jones has done well enough to be a factor in front, especially when the byline ball will be the catalyst to producing our goals.
Jamaica looked good for 30 minutes of the game against Haiti and rewarded themselves with two goals.
But I see great vulnerability in their defence line, which one expects that the speed and skill of both Peltier and Molino will capitalize.
This game can provide the proof of the outstanding ability of Guerra whose all-round mastery of skill, speed and creativity can be the vehicle of success for the Warriors.
Finally, our main intention of our defenders must be to avoid giving away freekicks in and around the penalty area, neither must they fail to challenge positively for aerial crosses.
Respect for the Jamaicans could be shown, but confidence in ourselves should be reflected in our play.
The Jamaicans may be remembering the final 40 minutes of their encounter against Haiti where they defended for dare life and could easily have succumbed to the Haitian pressure.
The Warriors must remind them of that discomfort as early as the first ten minutes with the expectancy of getting an early goal.
We must fight to retain our dominance in Caribbean football.
Incidentally, for the records, let it be known that T&T won the CFU tournament in the year 1981 when the finals were played in Puerto Rico and the finalists were St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Guadeloupe, T&T and the host country.
T&T lost their away game to Jamaica 2-0 and returned home to beat the reggae boyz 4-0. They went on to defeat Barbados at home and abroad, draw with Suriname in Paramaribo and beat them at Skinner Park 4-2 to reach the finals in Puerto Rico.
It is yours for the taking, Warriors, and you can make us all proud.