PRIOR TO Saturday’s crucial 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup opening leg playoff against Ecuador in the capital city of Quito, the Trinidad and Tobago women’s football team pulled off an impressive 6-0 victory over the Marco Soccer Academy XI in their closing warm-up game in Mexico City on Tuesday.
Following their important pre-tournament win, the “Women Soca Warriors” quickly departed Central America and arrived safely in Guayaquil, Ecuador, yesterday. With just two days to go before facing the Ecuadorians in a two-leg home and away tie in the capital city of Quito, the national squad is hopeful that they can carry their strong run of form into Saturday’s critical encounter.
With a first-half goal coming from Tasha St Louis, followed by a double from forward Akheela Mollon and lone items from Kennya Cordner and Dernelle Mascall each in the second period, TT showed class against the Mexican team.
After the victory, national coach Randy Waldrum expressed satisfaction with the run of events during the training camp in Mexico City at the CECAP High Performance Centre.
“It was a very useful exercise for us over the past few days,” Waldrum stated. “The players were comfortable and we had access to excellent facilities. It was what we wanted here at altitude, a good run before going back down to sea level in Guayaquil ahead of the game back at altitude in Quito.”
Waldrum admitted that Tuesday’s result augers well for Saturday’s away meeting in front of an expected capacity crowd.
“We got four goals just by applying the pressure we spoke of at half time and there could have been more goals for us. This is a good sign for us going into Ecuador.”
National winger Mollon, was also pleased with the team’s showing and indicated that the introduction of fresh legs on the field of play may have also played an instrumental role in affirming the victory. The new additions to the squad include Candice Edwards, Jasmine Sampson and Iyesha Olliverre.
“The subs gave us the spark we needed and it was good to see Tasha (St Louis) looking like the Tasha we are accustomed to and it was also a good chance to see the new additions to the squad,” said Mollon.
Meanwhile, former national women’s footballer and team manager Ricarda Nelson revealed yesterday that she is quietly confident the female Soca Warriors possess the much-needed mental toughness going in to Saturday’s crucial match.
She explained that a national football team (male and female) have never been given so many opportunities to qualify for a World Cup, and that the girls should make the best of their final chance.
“It’s do or die for them,” said Nelson. “However, I think they have the power and the willingness to conquer Ecuador at home. Away goals are so important for us right now and I believe that they will go out and give it their all. The altitude (sea level) may affect them slightly having returned from Mexico (high altitude) but they are motivated. They know it’s now or never at this point. I’m confident and am throwing all my support behind them.”
Nelson, who has played alongside several of the current team members, knows the importance of the away game and is rooting for a victory on Saturday. While she acknowledged the possibilities of anxiety and panic amongst the squad, Nelson stood firm that the national female representatives would prevail.
“The away game is pivotal. If we can win in Ecuador it will be so much easier for them when they come to Trinidad. The skill is there, the passion is there, all they need to do no is execute. It is do or die and I have faith in them,” she concluded.