"Wear something red, was the popular cry" - David Rudder
Ladies and Gentlefolks,
I can't get an internet connection very often, so I'm going to post my good luck and best wishes post right now. I don't post often (still under 100 posts I think), but I've been with socawarriors.net from inception, and I used to check out Marc Purcell's site all the time too. Among all the hype and hysteria, I just want to make some points. These are in no particular order and will be lengthy, so bear with me. If you have a Carib stadium cushion, you may want to use it now.
Point 1.
Look at this World Cup qualifying campaign and how far we've come since June 13th, 2004.
13- 6-04 Santo Domingo Dominican R 0-2 Trinidad and Tobago
[Marvin Andrews 62, Stern John 90]
20- 6-04 Marabella Trinidad/T. 4-0 Dominican Republic
[Scotland 48, Stern John 69pen, Theobold 74, Sealy 86]
Group C
1.Mexico 6 6 0 0 27- 1 18
2.Trinidad/Tob. 6 4 0 2 12- 9 12
3.St.Vincent/G. 6 2 0 4 5-12 6
4.St.Kitts/Nev. 6 0 0 6 2-24 0
18- 8-04 Kingstown St.Vincent 0-2 Trinidad/T.
4- 9-04 Basseterre St.Kitts/N. 1-2 Trinidad/T.
8- 9-04 Port of Spain Trinidad/T. 1-3 Mexico
10-10-04 Marabella Trinidad/T. 5-1 St.Kitts/N.
13-10-04 Basseterre St.Kitts/N. 0-3 St.Vincent
13-10-04 Puebla Mexico 3-0 Trinidad/T
17-11-04 Port of Spain Trinidad/T. 2-1 St.Vincent
Final Stage
1.USA 10 7 1 2 16- 6 22
2.MEXICO 10 7 1 2 22- 9 22
3.COSTA RICA 10 5 1 4 15-14 16
4.Trinidad/T. 10 4 1 5 10-15 13
5.Guatemala 10 3 2 5 16-18 11
6.Panama 10 0 2 8 4-21 2
9- 2-05 Port of Spain Trinidad/T. 1-2 USA
26- 3-05 Cd. Guatemala Guatemala 5-1 Trinidad/T.
30- 3-05 Port of Spain Trinidad/T. 0-0 Costa Rica
4- 6-05 Port of Spain Trinidad/T. 2-0 Panama
8- 6-05 Monterrey Mexico 2-0 Trinidad/T.
17- 8-05 Hartford, CT USA 1-0 Trinidad/T.
3- 9-05 Port of Spain Trinidad/T. 3-2 Guatemala
7- 9-05 San José Costa Rica 2-0 Trinidad/T.
8-10-05 Cd. de Panamá Panama 0-1 Trinidad/T.
12-10-05 Port of Spain Trinidad/T. 2-1 Mexico
Point 2
I was wrong. I said that bringing Yorke and Latapy back was a mistake and a step back. I was wrong. I said they brought Beenhakker in too late. I was wrong. I said there was no way we could beat Mexico. I was wrong. I will always support T&T, but I am a realist. NEVER have I been as happy to be proven wrong as in this case.
Point 3
I still feel we don't have youth development and succession planning as a high-enough priority. REGARDLESS of whether we make it to Germany or not, this has to be something that is seriously addressed. The thread recently on this site about the fate of the World Youth Cup 2001 squad speaks volumes, and the TTFF has to move it up on the agenda. Yorke, Latapy and Hislop should be retained in leadership roles; they have way too much experience and expertise not to be utilised.
Point 4
Tickets - This lining up for hours the day before the match is unacceptable. Period. Supporters should be rewarded for their LOYALTY ie. fans who have attended a certain number of matches should get priority when it comes to the more important matches. Many recognized clubs and teams around the world are still behind in this regard; that is NOT a reason that we should be too.
Point 5
The Soca Warriors are role models, and that should be applauded. Yorke doesn't exactly have the greatest track record, but he has behaved admirably on national duty. Stern's work with underprivileged youth should be commended. This squad doesn't preach teamwork; they show it on the field. Youth - take notice.
Point 6
The like the new Adidas kit. It looks classic, and I like that. That is a personal preference, but the bottom line is that it's a moot point when it comes to the match tomorrow. Having said that, it's good to see us wearing a well recognised brand for the first time since the Umbro days.
Point 7
Flex and Tallman, you have played as important a role in the development of football in T&T as the players and administration. That is NO exaggeration. On behalf of all the foreign-based trinis, I thank you. It is wonderful to see Trinis from all over the world able to interact and get a bit of sweet T&T everyday.
Point 8
There are two matches against Bahrain, not one. Whatever happens on Saturday, lets remember there are 90 more minutes. The real aim should be NOT TO CONCEDE a goal. Period. A 0-0 is much better than a 1-1. But of course, a 10-0 is better than a 1-1 (you hear that BahrainHubail. Shut the hell up)
Point 9
Beenie Man. You are doing what you were hired to do. Thank you. And try not to smoke so much nah
Point 10
Bertille St. Clair, I salute you. You performed to the best of your ability and you are a true stalwart of T&T football. Just because we wanted you fired doesn't mean we don't love you. You have much to be proud of.
Point 11
To the referee in 1973. I hope you're watching. Paul Caligiuri - you made me cry like a baby. In a strange way, I thank you, because your flukesy goal is making me appreciate 2005 so much more.
Point 12
Marvin Lee. Mickey Trotman. You will never be forgotten. You will be in our thoughts on Saturday and Wednesday.
Point (lucky) 13
Big up Soca Warriors. I will be here in London screaming, bawling, singing and eventually crying with the joy that only T&T football can bring me.