The carnival season is in full swing and, in typical Trini style, the build–up to the big event in Germany continues unabated.
We have qualified for to the quadrennial World Cup Ball and by now, everyone knows that T&T, the former colony in the British Empire, is scheduled to appear on the dance floor with England, its former colonial master.
As the excitement increases and the rehearsals intensify, there remains just one issue to be resolved and that is, when the music finally begins, who is going to lead?
We will be expected to be the blushing debutante but rather than be overwhelmed, it is a unique opportunity for us to show the world that we know how to dance.
First of all, it is a well–known fact that many of the “Warriors” ply their trade at various levels of the English or Scottish leagues which, in itself, is a tremendous incentive to do well.
However, it goes much deeper than that.
Those of us who grew up in the colonial era and those of today’s generation who are conversant with history, are mindful of the added significance of this match up. Understandably, the encounter provides T&T with the motivation to go out there and make an impact that will reverberate around the world, but in addition to that, the opportunity for payback for years of domination, is just too tantalising to resist.
All is fair in love and war and we should entertain no qualms about using it as a motivational weapon. In fact, Senegal did exactly that against France at the last World Cup. As was often the case during the colonial era, the natives are restless once again, much to the consternation of London.
Interestingly, it’s the same historical relationship that has been the catalyst for generations of cricketing rivalry between the West Indies and England and, needless say, the entire English speaking Caribbean, will be in full solidarity with T&T when that day in June arrives.
Yesterday, it was Sonny Ramadhin and Alf Valentine who spun their magic and had the English totally discombobulated. It represented the coming of age for West Indies cricket and was the first time that the colonies had triumphed over England in a Test series.
Today, it is Dwight Yorke and Russell Latapy – two aging “Warriors” who will need a supporting cast but, no doubt, are all set to mesmerize, confuse and confound their opponents in similar fashion.
So far, England is having a hard time taking this game seriously and actually think it’s rather amusing that T&T would even entertain thoughts of victory. Let them laugh! They must think of us as innocent and naïve, just happy to be there and as wild–eyed as a kid enjoying his first trip to Disneyworld. But, as the day approaches, they will, without question, be consumed by a sense of trepidation. The Queen would not be amused!
The first order of business for the “Soca Warriors” should be to yank away the cloak of invincibility in which the Brits have shrouded themselves. Beneath it, they will find a team that is really lacking in confidence, sweating profusely, cowering in fear and apprehension. Why else would a country of its stature in international football, go out and
hire a foreign coach to teach them the steps. It implies that there is a lack of faith which means that desperate times require desperate measures.
Sure, T&T also hired a foreign coach but that’s to be expected from a country which is regarded as one the minnows of world football. However, with all due respect to Sven-Goran Eriksson, it is highly unlikely that we will ever see a foreigner in charge of the national teams of Holland or Italy or Germany or France or even Sweden.
It is also interesting to take a look at the road each team has travelled on the way to Germany. Based on the FIFA World Rankings, one would readily agree that the final CONCACAF Six, comprising the US, Mexico, Costa Rica, T&T,, Guatemala and Panama was a much tougher group than Group 6 in the UEFA comprising England, Poland, Austria, Northern Ireland, Wales and Azerbaijan.
Hypothetically, if England and T&T had switched places in their respective groups, England would very likely have ended up in a battle with Costa Rica for third spot in CONCACAF (behind the US and Mexico) just as T&T did. Ironically, they could have found themselves in a playoff with Bahrain, just as T&T did. At the same time, for T&T, second place to Poland would have been quite likely, again based on the FIFA Rankings of the other countries in that group.
A closer look also reveals that England certainly did not overwhelm the opposition in Group 6. For instance, in their two games against Azerbaijan, they scored the grand total of three goals, just as T&T did in its two friendlies against the same Azerbaijan back in January 2005. Since then, T&T has gotten immeasurably better under a new coach and the addition of a few key players, while England is still virtually the same.
It behoves us to remember, however, that our Group B consists of four teams which means that we cannot afford to focus on one and overlook the other two. So, our preparation for Sweden and Paraguay must be just as diligent.
There is, of course, a price to be paid for all of this. If T&T were to advance at the expense of England, we don’t expect our shores will be invaded by the British Navy. No, it’s going to be worse than that. Instead, they will hit us where it hurts the most by allowing our beloved Brian to stew until his old age, before he is bestowed his knighthood. They will also refuse to play any more Test matches in Antigua. Fortunately, Brian and Dwight Yorke are good friends and I am sure Brian will be happy for his friend and will be content to make the sacrifice.
Finally, history cannot be undone and it’s nice to see that today, England and T&T enjoy cordial relations. We have borrowed from their Westminster system and their educational system and have done a reasonably good job at it. As a developing nation, they have provided us with an array of technical assistance and expertise and for that, we are appreciative. In fact, we love the Brits and we wish them well but, alas, on June 15, 2006 when we step onto the dance floor, it shall be the day of reckoning.
God Save the Queen!