Wow.
I am all for keeping things in perspective (1st game under new coach, very little prep time etc) but come on people ... leh we raise the expectations a little more nah?....that last night was BRILLIANT?
Trinidad speed of play, speed of thought and movement off the ball was poor. This is international football people, and when compared to Haiti and Honduras, our level is well below both of those teams. Haiti played with pace, were disciplined defensively by maintaining their shape and pressing the ball as Honduras tried to build it.
If we do not make the appropriate adjustments we are in for a proper washing in the next 2 games...Hyland was our best player last night in possession (he was poor tracking back defensively) as fitness seems to be an issue with this team, as many players looked ROAST after 20 minutes -- which is why we were so stangnant. How much MEANINGFUL possession did we keep? Anybody could knock the ball side to side, when there is no pressure in the defensive half.
Any time El Salvador ran at the defense with any kind of pace, they were a threat to score, because they were afforded waaaaay to much room to play in midfield -- had it not been for some emergency defending, the post and a couple spectacular saves...the game would have finished 6 - 3.
I will say that nerves came into play, a lack of fitness and cohesion between new players/system coach were all factors --- but have no doubt about it...we must be better for the next game. Some of these posts sound like people dont actually watch how football is played, or is it that our level has been so poor over these last 5 yrs that we will accept anything?
Next game: same back 4, Hyland, Birchall, Edwards, Roberts, Daniel in midfield, Jones up front .... need men that comfortable on the ball, understand DEFENSIVE SHAPE and have the work rate to compete at this level.
Come on people, this is the national team - expect more.
Bless.