It has always been my belief that a match analysis should be done a day or two after the actual performance, in order to allow for all the emotions to settle down before taking a close look into the actualities of the match itself. Interestingly enough, my first observation as the players entered the field for the start was the uptempo beat of their warm-up session which implied an attitude of positivity in their body language.
Actually, my biggest surprise was that Andrews had not played at this level for at least two years and even on his best days, was noted only for his aggressiveness in the air and on the ground, features which kept us unaware of his extremely weak capability to distribute the ball. Many fans, including myself, expected that Silvio Spann would be chosen to fill the right back position, seeing that the first call by previous performances of Cyd Gray did not give him the right to challenge for or defend the position which he held so successfully since World Cup 2006 Germany. I understood Latapy’s attraction to Tinto, as the youngster has good skill, fighting spirit and speed, all ingredients of what this game needed.
But my thoughts of Daniel, a regular starter in previous teams, a dead-ball specialist, and a born Tobagonian playing in front of his friends and family, had options which few would have ignored. Having made these observations, I still gave full support to Latapy’s choice in my mind and felt that what I had seen in the pre-match period, had given me hope for much improvement from the last match.
New coach, new ideas
The structure of the players on the field was not customary, but a new coach must bring new ideas, hence the reason why it has to be acceptable. Now to the game itself. For ten minutes, T&T appeared to be a group that meant business, playing and moving faster than their opponents, who struggled to understand what they were up against. A couple of quick chances showed up for Noel, Scotland and Jones, who failed to capitalise, leaving it to a Carlos Edwards free kick which skidded off the wet surface and lodged itself into the right hand corner of the Costa Rican net.
The goal brought a vast change to Edwards’ mindset which was originally to defend against a potent Costa Rican left-sided attack. He changed that responsibility quickly and charaded down the flanks without caution, leaving the space on the flank for the talented Sirias to rush to the byline ahead of the late returning Edwards and the approaching Andrews.This created a comfortable goal-scoring opportunity for Saborio, whose presence eight metres from the goal centre, immediately exposed the lack of defensive understanding between our central defenders.
Nevertheless, the energetic momentum by the warriors continued and had it not been for Scotland’s failure to score simple chances created by Jones and Yorke, Costa Rica would have had to produce much better performances for their three points. Half time discussions should have corrected the defensive problems and moved towards a more productive display. It did not, and my impression was that there was insufficient information tactically to rectify the absolute diabolical process of communication among the defence line.
The second half
It was painful to see the slow second half start that brought to the Ticos a gift goal from T&T, courtesy a dormant left side of defence. Once again, we saw the Latapy influence—the fighting spirit which was evident in the first ten minutes—culminated by a rapid run towards goal by Samuel and a power shot from a horrible angle. Goalkeeper Navas decided to return the gift goal to the Warriors. It is at that point in time when the strategy should have been to get an upbeat commitment from the midfield, with Birchall (quite rightly brought on) to work with Samuel and skipper Yorke. Unfortunately, this did not occur and even the home fans in Tobago were calling for the substitution of the veteran Manchester United superstar of the past, because he seemed fully jaded, had lost his desire for much challenge and could not provide much in terms of midfield playmaking.
Costa Rica recognised that our steam had been reduced and our attacks were no longer planned. Jones and Scotland vacated their positive central attacking positions, causing the coach to try with Cornell Glenn’s speed and guile. The Ticos decided to play it safe and placed emphasis upon tightening their defence. However, a counter attack and a simple crossed ball from the T&T right side through the vacancy left by the attacking Edwards saw Sirias once again sending a cross. It was headed comfortably by Dennis Lawrence, but accurately onto the feet of Borges, who, before saying thanks, collected and slotted it past Ince for the go ahead goal. Actually, coach Rodrigo Fenton admitted that he was not really happy with his team, but was happy to have utilised the chances offered them. He was about to regret that he had rested three key players from the USA game. But the means satisfied the end result.