Soca Warriors Online Discussion Forum

Sports => Football => Topic started by: E-man on August 13, 2009, 10:42:10 PM

Title: Players will pick themselves
Post by: E-man on August 13, 2009, 10:42:10 PM
Players will pick themselves.
By: Ian Prescott (T&T Express).


"We have four more games to go and we will try to win all four of them."

This was Trinidad & Tobago coach Russell Latapy's plain statement following Wednesday night's gut-wrenching 1-0 World Cup qualifying victory over El Salvador which came via an eighth minute Cornell Glen goal at an almost packed Hasely Crawford Stadium.

"We know it's going to be four Cup Finals. It was five, but we got this one out of the way. We will think about Honduras and start preparing for them and hopefully go there and get a result as well."

Looking on in the stands while his former assistant picked up a first victory in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying, was former head coach Francisco Maturana, who traveled from Colombia to see the match. Asked how he has been since quitting the job on April 9 amidst a storm of criticism, Maturana said: "Am good. Today am fine. Tomorrow? Who knows."

Though not receiving as much stick as Maturana did for doing the same thing, Latapy, also chose to give five home-based players a start-Trent Noel, Keon Daniel, Clyde Leon and a pair of relative newcomers, Radanfah Abu Bakr and Keston Williams. At a media briefing after the match, the 41-year-old former Porto midfielder said that the players he picked to start were the ones who were showing him something in the training camp before the match.

"Players are going to play based on form. The form that I see in the training sessions, players are going to play based on that. And that is why the team is going to change on occasions," Latapy said. "The squad that I picked for tonight's game was the one that I thought would have won us the game, and fortunately they did. Every single player from Trinidad & Tobago is in contention if they can help the team to go forward. Everybody is going to get their opportunity. So, I will say to some of the upcoming players, if they play their football, then they will make the decision for me."

Latapy was pleased to get three points and also with keeping a clean sheet. He also defended the use of young players Abu Bakr and Defence Force central defender Keston Williams whom he used as a left back.

Latapy commended them for coming through a pressure situation and explained that the introduction of veteran Dwight Yorke was a tactical move late in the match.

"We have a lot of players who are getting to an age where we have to start to blood the young players. So once those players come to front and show that they are capable and they have the potential to play, I will like to give some of these players the opportunity," Latapy said.

"Dwight came on because as I saw they (El Salvador) were overloading the midfield and I thought we were playing with two in midfield which was Trent (Noel) and Chrisie (Birchall) at the time and we were getting overrun a bit. So, we put on an extra one in midfield and take off an extra one (Keon Daniel) from the wing. We could still use Carlos down the right side and we would try and defend the left side as best as possible."

Meanwhile, El Salvador's coach Carlos de los Cobos felt they were unlucky not to pick up at least a point. The Mexican felt that his side dominated the second half, and had many chances, but simply did not score.

T&T Player Ratings:

Clayton Ince (Goalkeeper) The obvious Man-of-the-Match. If T&T reach South Africa, it will be because of some of the saves "Incey" made against El Salvador. Has continued the excellent form he showed against Mexico.

Carlos Edwards (Right midfield) Worked his socks off against El Salvador. Showed that when on his game he is undoubtedly the best winger in CONCACAF. Tends to hit too many floated crosses, and needs to whip some in towards the strikers.

Cornell Glen (Striker) Best game for national team since World Cup 2006. Got a little over-enthusiastic, and had he looked for his strike partner a few times instead of shooting, would have gotten T&T another goal.

Keon Daniel (left midfield) Too good a player for these sub-par performances. Everyone-especially this reporter-wanted Daniel to come good. Like the West Indies cricketers, Daniel is full of potential. But, he fears physical activity. He doesn't tackle and only pretends to mark.

He can dribble, and has one of sweetest left-feet in the business, but doesn't take on anyone. How many crosses has he swung in at the big striker Kenwyne Jones? So, why is he a left-midfielder again?

Time for Daniel to put in a full shift for the team or be dropped permanently. Nothing personal. Make way for a Kendell Jagdeosingh, who may not be as gifted, but will give solid performances in the same position.

Radanfah Abu Bakr (Central defense) The future for T&T in the position if he continues to develop. Admitted to having some nervous moments before the home crowd. Made some mistakes but also put in timely tackles.

Keston Williams (Left back) A solid centre-back for many years with Defence Force in the Pro League and asked to play left-back by Latapy. Played well in first half, but had no help in the second period and was under the gun. Latapy admitted in the media conference afterwards that he sacrificed the left side and strengthened the middle when El Salvador poured men into midfield. He hoped that the left side would hold the best it could. Williams thus came under real second half pressure.

Dennis Lawrence (Central defence) Captained the team but did not take command at the back. Most times, left newcomer Abu Bakr to shoulder most of the responsibility by being the last man at the back.

Clyde Leon (Defensive midfield) Did a lot of work first half. Has a good shot and needs to take a crack at goal from atop the box more often. Show him a Kerry Jamerson video.

Silvio Spann (Right-back) Good showing. Worked well with Carlos Edwards.

Trent Noel (Central midfield) Looked good early on but was walking midway through first half. Perhaps some fitness issues, but also needs to pace himself, and the game.

Kenwyne Jones (Striker) Still no goals. But refreshing that he is willing to put in some physical work for the team. Still needs a better first touch.

Jason Scotland (Striker) Little playing time. But it was disappointing that an English Premier League prospect could not hold up the ball.

Chris Birchall (Defensive midfield) Thought he would get a red card. A little bit over-enthusiastic. Hard worker, but didn't make much impression on coming on.

Dwight Yorke (central midfield) Brought on to calm things. But El Salvador were in top gear by then, and appeared too quick for him. Put in one telling tackle.

(http://www.trinidadexpress.com/shared/images/2009/08/14/s4.jpg)
New face: Young new defender Radanfah Abu Bakr (left), midfielder Keon Daniel (centre) and right-back Silvio Spann line up at the start of Trinidad & Tobago World Cup qualifier against El Salvador on Wednesday night at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. Ab u Bakr made a good impiression, Daniel less so. An eighth minute Cornell Glen goal gave T&T a 1-0 victory. -Photo: Abraham Diaz
Title: Re: Players will pick themselves
Post by: Sam on August 14, 2009, 04:51:14 AM
So who pick Yorke ? certainly not he self....
Title: Re: Players will pick themselves
Post by: madness on August 14, 2009, 06:26:30 AM
latas needs to change the left winger. tnt needs a winger that can work hard like carlos. keon is fine but needs to be aggressive
Title: Re: Players will pick themselves
Post by: trini warrior on August 14, 2009, 06:41:21 AM
how maturana end up here watching the game??
Title: Re: Players will pick themselves
Post by: Dinner Mints on August 14, 2009, 06:46:01 AM
how maturana end up here watching the game??
You never spend de day sitting in de parking lot at yuh ex-girl job?
Title: Re: Players will pick themselves
Post by: noize on August 14, 2009, 07:01:52 AM
Based on what Latas say and the performances in the last game, the fact that William's natural position is Center back and Samuel should be available..the back line for me in the next game should be
 


Spann  Lawrence/Dog  Williams  JL.Samuel


Title: Re: Players will pick themselves
Post by: just cool on August 14, 2009, 07:04:34 AM
how maturana end up here watching the game??
You never spend de day sitting in de parking lot at yuh ex-girl job?
NO!
Title: Re: Players will pick themselves
Post by: just cool on August 14, 2009, 07:05:45 AM
Based on what Latas say and the performances in the last game, the fact that William's natural position is Center back and Samuel should be available..the back line for me in the next game should be
   

Spann  Lawrence/Dog  Williams  JL.Samuel



NO way!!
Title: Re: Players will pick themselves
Post by: injunchile on August 14, 2009, 07:11:21 AM
Like yuh did not read that Jack Warner said ABU Bakr had a great game. How yuh leaving out the man. The only addition to the back line is J lloyd Samuel. With respect to players picking themselves. Latapy should know by now that there are big game players and practice specialist. Additionally those invited to practice is the key to unlock this problem. For example- If yuh dont invite Jagdeo/ samuel/ James/ then you are limiting your choices. One can now see the wisdom in warm up games. Jack give Venezuela a call up.
Title: Re: Players will pick themselves
Post by: STEUPS!! on August 14, 2009, 07:13:53 AM
how maturana end up here watching the game??
You never spend de day sitting in de parking lot at yuh ex-girl job?

 :o :o
Title: Re: Players will pick themselves
Post by: Cowen on August 14, 2009, 07:22:55 AM
Based on what Latas say and the performances in the last game, the fact that William's natural position is Center back and Samuel should be available..the back line for me in the next game should be
   

Spann  Lawrence/Dog  Williams  JL.Samuel



NO way!!

agreed

 :beermug:
Title: Re: Players will pick themselves
Post by: Dinner Mints on August 14, 2009, 07:25:56 AM
how maturana end up here watching the game??
You never spend de day sitting in de parking lot at yuh ex-girl job?

 :o :o
Ah bet he duck down under de dashboard real fast when anybody on de bench turn around.

Ah mean de seats.
Title: Re: Players will pick themselves
Post by: grskywalker on August 14, 2009, 09:05:30 AM
I like how Latas talk, men have to make it hard for him to pick by giving 100% in training and on the field
Title: Re: Players will pick themselves
Post by: davidephraim on August 14, 2009, 09:22:47 AM
how maturana end up here watching the game??
You never spend de day sitting in de parking lot at yuh ex-girl job?
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Title: Re: Players will pick themselves
Post by: dinho on August 14, 2009, 09:31:50 AM
how maturana end up here watching the game??
You never spend de day sitting in de parking lot at yuh ex-girl job?

 :rotfl: :-\

ummm no... I haven't.

have you ???
Title: Re: Players will pick themselves
Post by: davidephraim on August 14, 2009, 09:33:11 AM
Based on what Latas say and the performances in the last game, the fact that William's natural position is Center back and Samuel should be available..the back line for me in the next game should be
 


Spann  Lawrence/Dog  Williams  JL.Samuel




Carlos  Abu Bakr   Dog     JL Samuel


Title: Re: Players will pick themselves
Post by: Preacher on August 14, 2009, 10:33:30 AM
Based on what Latas say and the performances in the last game, the fact that William's natural position is Center back and Samuel should be available..the back line for me in the next game should be
   

Spann  Lawrence/Dog  Williams  JL.Samuel



NO way!!

Absolutely not he just talking.
Title: Re: Players will pick themselves
Post by: elan on August 14, 2009, 10:58:06 AM
Players will pick themselves.
By: Ian Prescott (T&T Express).


Jason Scotland (Striker) Little playing time. But it was disappointing that an English Premier League prospect could not hold up the ball.



He apparently heard about the game and did not see it.
Title: Re: Players will pick themselves
Post by: just cool on August 14, 2009, 06:20:04 PM
In reality , latas real lucky to get the win with that bunch ah labourers he picked for that game!
ah hope he doh bounce his head like that again, BC that game was abbysmal to say the least!

latas keep doing shyte just like pancho! ah wonder what dem boy see in spann and leon boy? hear nah, dem boy real incompetant boy, imagine them fellas cyar even make ah simple stress free pass, and tuh add insult, latas gone and pick another left back labourer! sttuueeppsss. we still yet tuh see we best players, ah wonder if that would ever happen.
Title: Re: Players will pick themselves
Post by: fatimarima on August 14, 2009, 07:41:04 PM
Any of our defenders on the left side who have to play with Keon Daniel as the wing midfielder infront of them will have to work a double shift.  If Keon steps up his defensive game and becomes more of a ball winner then and only then will there be some balance.  Until then, all of our left backs will be under pressure.    If the entire team continues to improve both their ball winning abilities and attacking abilities, we will have a good chance of progressing
Title: Re: Players will pick themselves
Post by: Flex on August 14, 2009, 07:47:28 PM
I just realised that Keston Williams made his debut vs El Salvador (2007) and his world cup debut vs El Salvador (2009) and have a total of 4 caps 3, of whom are against El Salvador. With no losses, 2 wins and 1 draw....  ;D

Maybe its an El Salvador thing....  :angel:
Title: Re: Players will pick themselves
Post by: weary1969 on August 15, 2009, 08:43:23 PM
how maturana end up here watching the game??
You never spend de day sitting in de parking lot at yuh ex-girl job?

Ouch
Title: Re: Players will pick themselves
Post by: asylumseeker on August 15, 2009, 10:06:02 PM
Well, I should go back to the TT v El Salvador thread and unearth any of the naysayers who were not inclined to call Cornell for this game or who expressed a preference for him coming off the bench. He certainly picked himself.

As I suggested during that pre-game discussion, his exclusion likely would have been amusing to observers (non-Trini). Ah glad it didn't come to that.

And yes .... this is the closest I've come to commenting on national team selection in my time on the forum.
Title: Re: Players will pick themselves
Post by: Daft Trini on August 15, 2009, 11:06:54 PM
Did Zamora pick his spot by scoring today...!
Title: Re: Players will pick themselves
Post by: asylumseeker on August 16, 2009, 09:35:45 AM
Did Zamora pick his spot by scoring today...!

He picked his spot by being an England-based professional ... with eligibility for Trinidad & Tobago ... playing in the top flight. Now, think of someone in a similar position who couldn't/can't get a call up.
Title: Re: Players will pick themselves
Post by: Weh-it-is on August 16, 2009, 08:36:32 PM
how maturana end up here watching the game??

He come back to chek ah ting, he doh care about we football. He come back to see we slid down de ditch so he could laugh at we but we prove him wrong...that goat.   :heehee:   
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