1
General Discussion / Re: The 30 Most Important Women Under 30 In Tech
« on: May 24, 2013, 04:54:28 AM »
Not redtrinigirl, not retired. Just lurking.
And thanks!
And thanks!
April 23, 2024, 01:40:16 AM
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2
Cricket Anyone / Sir Clive Lloyd longs for a Windies revival - but the youths choose football
« on: May 16, 2007, 02:06:19 PM »
Source: Daily Telegraph (UK) May 16 2007
Link: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2007/05/16/scphil16.xml
Author: Robert Philip
Fifty years ago on every back street, every patch of waste ground, every tourist-free beach on every Caribbean island, scores of small boys could be seen playing cricket, often armed with no more than a 'bat' fashioned from the bark of a tree and a discarded tennis ball.
Their common dream, whether they hailed from Jamaica, Barbados or Trinidad, was to emulate Clyde Walcott, Everton Weekes and Frank Worrell, or Wes Hall, Rohan Kanhai and Gary Sobers by pulling on the iconic maroon cap of the West Indies, preferably against England, preferably at Lord's. They might never have heard of Harold Pinter but they were the joyous embodiment of the playwright's belief that "cricket is the greatest thing God ever created on earth . . ."
Visitors can still come across the occasional 'Lord's Test' being enacted in all sorts of unexpected corners but truth be told, athletics, basketball and football have come to challenge cricket's hold on the hearts and minds of the youngsters of the Caribbean; alternative local heroes have emerged in 100 metres world record holder Asafa Powell from Jamaica, the US Virgin Islands' Tim Duncan, a basketball superstar with the San Antonio Spurs, or Dwight Yorke, who left Tobago to find fame with Manchester United before playing in the World Cup finals.
The once invincible West Indian cricketers, meanwhile, have slumped to a humiliating eighth place in the International Cricket Council world rankings, and Brian Lara has decided he would rather play golf and read John Grisham novels than add the 47 runs needed to reach the 12,000 mark in internationals, leaving the tourists to go into tomorrow's first Test at Lord's as 10-1 underdogs to win the four-match series. All of which inspires a resigned sigh from Sir Clive Lloyd, the famously hunched shoulders on this 6ft 5in giant drooping even further. "Kids still play cricket but not to the same extent as when I was growing up in Guyana. They're gravitating towards other sports as well these days which is why we're producing world-class boxers, world-class runners, world-class footballers, squash players, hockey players. When we were youngsters it was cricket, cricket, cricket, interrupted by the occasional game of football."
As a player, Lloyd was in his pomp during the golden age of West Indies' cricket, captaining the side from 1974-85 during which time they lost only one series against the Lillee-Thomson-inspired Australia of 1975-76 when he averaged 46.9 with the bat despite the 5-1 defeat, enjoying one run of 28 Tests without defeat (including 11 successive victories) and winning two World Cups. In the four series against England in that time, Lloyd led his West Indians to 11 Test victories and eight draws in their 19 meetings, highlighted by a 5-0 'blackwash' in England in 1984. Two decades on, by contrast, the West Indies have recorded five wins from their last 50 away Tests.
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Are such things cyclical, can the West Indies regain their former glory or are those days gone forever? "I don't know . . .you never say 'never' and you never use the word 'can't' but it all depends what you put in place. Ten years or more ago, I suggested that we launch an academy to which someone in power asked, 'Why should we want to copy the Australians?' Only now are they looking at the proposal again whereas if an academy was already in place then we'd have had a much deeper pool of talent to choose from."
Half a century ago, the West Indies unleashed the unknown spinners Sonny Ramadhin (21) and Alf Valentine (20) against an unsuspecting England, marking the tourists' arrival as a major force by winning their first series on these shores 3-1. Are there another couple of surprise packets among the current crop poised to wreak similar havoc?
"Well, unlike Ramadhin and Valentine, we don't have a single spinner in the party which is a bit of a worry at the start of a three-month tour. And sadly, I don't think we have too many young players coming through who have the stamp of greatness. Some bowlers, maybe, but I don't really see a lot of batters. I think the wicketkeeper guy Denesh Ramdin is a good little cricketer, Dwayne Bravo looks good but has still to prove himself at Test level, there's Ramnaresh Sarwan but, no, I don't think there are any real superstars waiting in the wings."
When Lloyd, now 62, was leading the West Indies towards global domination of the game, the team were packed full of real superstars: Viv Richards, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Alvin Kallicharran, Richie Richardson and Lloyd, himself, made the runs while Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, Joel Garner, Colin Croft, Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh did not so much take wickets as reduce them to sawdust with their leather missiles.
Critics would jest that a pantomime horse could captain those particular players but let no one question Lloyd's influence on the myriad talents in his midst. "It was a challenge in many ways, not least because the players came from all the different islands, from different cultures and from different backgrounds so you had to earn their trust. I'd learned a lot from watching Jack Bond at Lancashire, who showed me how to be a disciplinarian, psychologist, a diplomat, all the skills you need to be a successful captain."
The younger cousin of spin bowler Lance Gibbs, much of Lloyd's childhood was spent with one ear pressed to the wireless, following the West Indies' fortunes on their sojourns abroad. "My mother - like mothers all over the world - always insisted that education was more precious than gold or silver so I was always very conscientious about my homework. But I was able to listen to all the Tests overseas and when England or Australia, or whoever, came to Guyana, then we were allowed out of school at 11 o'clock so we could go along to the Bourda Oval in Georgetown.
"For weeks beforehand we'd read up on all the players so by the time Colin Cowdrey or Ted Dexter walked out to bat, or Brian Statham or Alec Bedser came on to bowl, we could recite their every statistic, how many Test centuries, how many five-wicket innings. Of course, throughout the Caribbean we all dreamed that one day we would be chosen to play for the West Indies. I was very lucky because our family home was only 120 yards from the school which was next door to the cricket ground where we all played - my big cousin Lance, Roy Fredericks, Robert Christiani, Berkeley Gaskin, Rohan Kanhai, Alvin Kallicharan. We boasted three Test cricketers in our street alone and I don't think there's another street in the world can say that."
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For many years now, Lloyd has lived in his adopted county of Lancashire, but there can be no doubting where his sentiments will lie when he takes his place in the Sky commentary box at Lord's tomorrow morning.
"Although Australia are clearly the best team in the world right now, every cricketing nation loves beating England - for all the nicest of reasons. England is cricket's mother country, they've always had a tradition of great players, so we want to beat them out of a respect for their position in the game.
"I loved pitting my wits against Jeff Thomson and Dennis Lillee, the best fast bowler I ever played against, but there is something very, very special about the first morning of a Lord's Test. It doesn't matter where you're born - Guyana, Sydney, Johannesburg, Calcutta - one of your greatest ambitions is to play at Lord's. You couldn't get a better stage, it's like playing in one of the great opera houses or theatres. Just as every footballer wants to play at Wembley, and every tennis player at Wimbledon, it doesn't get any better than walking out to play for your country at Lord's."
Cricket has changed greatly since Lloyd was a lad listening to the deeds of Walcott, Weekes and Worrell via the airwaves with the advent of limited overs one-day games, coloured clothing, betting scams, sledging and the like, yet he remains a starry-eyed romantic.
"I have so many wonderful memories - making a hundred at Lord's, captaining one of the greatest sides in history, World Cups, and Lancashire - but I think what makes cricket so special are the friendships you form while visiting other countries or welcoming visitors to yours. When you make a friend through cricket then he becomes a friend for life so, yes, the game has changed, yet in many ways it hasn't changed at all. That's why all these years on, cricket still excites and enchants me every bit as much as it did when I was a child."
Link: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2007/05/16/scphil16.xml
Author: Robert Philip
Fifty years ago on every back street, every patch of waste ground, every tourist-free beach on every Caribbean island, scores of small boys could be seen playing cricket, often armed with no more than a 'bat' fashioned from the bark of a tree and a discarded tennis ball.
Their common dream, whether they hailed from Jamaica, Barbados or Trinidad, was to emulate Clyde Walcott, Everton Weekes and Frank Worrell, or Wes Hall, Rohan Kanhai and Gary Sobers by pulling on the iconic maroon cap of the West Indies, preferably against England, preferably at Lord's. They might never have heard of Harold Pinter but they were the joyous embodiment of the playwright's belief that "cricket is the greatest thing God ever created on earth . . ."
Visitors can still come across the occasional 'Lord's Test' being enacted in all sorts of unexpected corners but truth be told, athletics, basketball and football have come to challenge cricket's hold on the hearts and minds of the youngsters of the Caribbean; alternative local heroes have emerged in 100 metres world record holder Asafa Powell from Jamaica, the US Virgin Islands' Tim Duncan, a basketball superstar with the San Antonio Spurs, or Dwight Yorke, who left Tobago to find fame with Manchester United before playing in the World Cup finals.
The once invincible West Indian cricketers, meanwhile, have slumped to a humiliating eighth place in the International Cricket Council world rankings, and Brian Lara has decided he would rather play golf and read John Grisham novels than add the 47 runs needed to reach the 12,000 mark in internationals, leaving the tourists to go into tomorrow's first Test at Lord's as 10-1 underdogs to win the four-match series. All of which inspires a resigned sigh from Sir Clive Lloyd, the famously hunched shoulders on this 6ft 5in giant drooping even further. "Kids still play cricket but not to the same extent as when I was growing up in Guyana. They're gravitating towards other sports as well these days which is why we're producing world-class boxers, world-class runners, world-class footballers, squash players, hockey players. When we were youngsters it was cricket, cricket, cricket, interrupted by the occasional game of football."
As a player, Lloyd was in his pomp during the golden age of West Indies' cricket, captaining the side from 1974-85 during which time they lost only one series against the Lillee-Thomson-inspired Australia of 1975-76 when he averaged 46.9 with the bat despite the 5-1 defeat, enjoying one run of 28 Tests without defeat (including 11 successive victories) and winning two World Cups. In the four series against England in that time, Lloyd led his West Indians to 11 Test victories and eight draws in their 19 meetings, highlighted by a 5-0 'blackwash' in England in 1984. Two decades on, by contrast, the West Indies have recorded five wins from their last 50 away Tests.
advertisement
Are such things cyclical, can the West Indies regain their former glory or are those days gone forever? "I don't know . . .you never say 'never' and you never use the word 'can't' but it all depends what you put in place. Ten years or more ago, I suggested that we launch an academy to which someone in power asked, 'Why should we want to copy the Australians?' Only now are they looking at the proposal again whereas if an academy was already in place then we'd have had a much deeper pool of talent to choose from."
Half a century ago, the West Indies unleashed the unknown spinners Sonny Ramadhin (21) and Alf Valentine (20) against an unsuspecting England, marking the tourists' arrival as a major force by winning their first series on these shores 3-1. Are there another couple of surprise packets among the current crop poised to wreak similar havoc?
"Well, unlike Ramadhin and Valentine, we don't have a single spinner in the party which is a bit of a worry at the start of a three-month tour. And sadly, I don't think we have too many young players coming through who have the stamp of greatness. Some bowlers, maybe, but I don't really see a lot of batters. I think the wicketkeeper guy Denesh Ramdin is a good little cricketer, Dwayne Bravo looks good but has still to prove himself at Test level, there's Ramnaresh Sarwan but, no, I don't think there are any real superstars waiting in the wings."
When Lloyd, now 62, was leading the West Indies towards global domination of the game, the team were packed full of real superstars: Viv Richards, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Alvin Kallicharran, Richie Richardson and Lloyd, himself, made the runs while Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, Joel Garner, Colin Croft, Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh did not so much take wickets as reduce them to sawdust with their leather missiles.
Critics would jest that a pantomime horse could captain those particular players but let no one question Lloyd's influence on the myriad talents in his midst. "It was a challenge in many ways, not least because the players came from all the different islands, from different cultures and from different backgrounds so you had to earn their trust. I'd learned a lot from watching Jack Bond at Lancashire, who showed me how to be a disciplinarian, psychologist, a diplomat, all the skills you need to be a successful captain."
The younger cousin of spin bowler Lance Gibbs, much of Lloyd's childhood was spent with one ear pressed to the wireless, following the West Indies' fortunes on their sojourns abroad. "My mother - like mothers all over the world - always insisted that education was more precious than gold or silver so I was always very conscientious about my homework. But I was able to listen to all the Tests overseas and when England or Australia, or whoever, came to Guyana, then we were allowed out of school at 11 o'clock so we could go along to the Bourda Oval in Georgetown.
"For weeks beforehand we'd read up on all the players so by the time Colin Cowdrey or Ted Dexter walked out to bat, or Brian Statham or Alec Bedser came on to bowl, we could recite their every statistic, how many Test centuries, how many five-wicket innings. Of course, throughout the Caribbean we all dreamed that one day we would be chosen to play for the West Indies. I was very lucky because our family home was only 120 yards from the school which was next door to the cricket ground where we all played - my big cousin Lance, Roy Fredericks, Robert Christiani, Berkeley Gaskin, Rohan Kanhai, Alvin Kallicharan. We boasted three Test cricketers in our street alone and I don't think there's another street in the world can say that."
advertisement
For many years now, Lloyd has lived in his adopted county of Lancashire, but there can be no doubting where his sentiments will lie when he takes his place in the Sky commentary box at Lord's tomorrow morning.
"Although Australia are clearly the best team in the world right now, every cricketing nation loves beating England - for all the nicest of reasons. England is cricket's mother country, they've always had a tradition of great players, so we want to beat them out of a respect for their position in the game.
"I loved pitting my wits against Jeff Thomson and Dennis Lillee, the best fast bowler I ever played against, but there is something very, very special about the first morning of a Lord's Test. It doesn't matter where you're born - Guyana, Sydney, Johannesburg, Calcutta - one of your greatest ambitions is to play at Lord's. You couldn't get a better stage, it's like playing in one of the great opera houses or theatres. Just as every footballer wants to play at Wembley, and every tennis player at Wimbledon, it doesn't get any better than walking out to play for your country at Lord's."
Cricket has changed greatly since Lloyd was a lad listening to the deeds of Walcott, Weekes and Worrell via the airwaves with the advent of limited overs one-day games, coloured clothing, betting scams, sledging and the like, yet he remains a starry-eyed romantic.
"I have so many wonderful memories - making a hundred at Lord's, captaining one of the greatest sides in history, World Cups, and Lancashire - but I think what makes cricket so special are the friendships you form while visiting other countries or welcoming visitors to yours. When you make a friend through cricket then he becomes a friend for life so, yes, the game has changed, yet in many ways it hasn't changed at all. That's why all these years on, cricket still excites and enchants me every bit as much as it did when I was a child."
3
Football / Re: Warriors available for Gold Cup.
« on: May 07, 2007, 02:05:56 PM »
I know, I know. I disappeared into the world of full-time employment - I miss those heady student days when I actually wanted to stare at a screen all day 
Sin, weh yuh been??!!
haven't heard from you forever.This is the full text of the press release from Kevin Harrison of FPATT:
4
Football / Re: Warriors available for Gold Cup.
« on: May 07, 2007, 03:59:47 AM »
This is the full text of the press release from Kevin Harrison of FPATT:
FPATT help Camps with selection crisis.
FPATT, the Football Players Association of Trinidad & Tobago, have rushed to the aid of the TTFF national president Oliver Camps in the controversy over World Cup players thought to be unavailable for selection for the national team, because of the dispute over non payments of World Cup bonuses.
UK based FPATT special adviser, Kevin Harrison, said that following Mr Camps statements in the Trinidad media, FPATTS legal advisers immediately looked to see if they could overcome the legal barriers that were preventing TTFF from making some of the players available to Mr Rijsbergen.
Harrison said “Mr Rijsbergens comments on April 30th in the Express, in which he stated that “we can only use the players made available to him by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF).”, and Mr Camps statement that “Anybody who takes their Federation to court is in violation of FIFA rules. Once that threat is in the making we cannot deal with them”, led us to search for a way for the TTFF to make the players available to Mr Rijsbergen.
Our legal advisers have told us that this kind of industrial dispute is covered under employment laws, and therefore is not a “sporting dispute”. Harrison went on to say “ It is every employees democratic right to challenge their employer if they believe an employment contract, be it written or verbal, is not adhered to. Obviously, it is now down to TTFF’s legal advisers to discuss this in more detail with FIFA, but it is our understanding that the barrier to selection is non existent.”
Harrison went on to say “This is precisely the reason that FPATT has been formed. Disputes of this kind should be settled around a table and not in court rooms. This dispute has festered because the federation need a point of contact to deal with directly. It is clear that by trying to negotiate with 16 people, the federation have been able to divide and conquer. This only leads to disputes within the group and does not address the initial issue. It would be wise for all Trinidad and Tobago internationals, both present and future, to recognise that their needs are best protected by negotiating future contracts through FPATT. This way, there is anonymity for the players and a dispute will not lead to reprisals and non selection. Clearly in this instance, Mr Camps stance on selection is not based on any form of reprisal, but stems from his duty to ensure TTFF adheres to FIFA rules. It appears that FPATT have been able to help resolve this selection issue and everyone can concentrate on Gold Cup success.”
FPATT help Camps with selection crisis.
FPATT, the Football Players Association of Trinidad & Tobago, have rushed to the aid of the TTFF national president Oliver Camps in the controversy over World Cup players thought to be unavailable for selection for the national team, because of the dispute over non payments of World Cup bonuses.
UK based FPATT special adviser, Kevin Harrison, said that following Mr Camps statements in the Trinidad media, FPATTS legal advisers immediately looked to see if they could overcome the legal barriers that were preventing TTFF from making some of the players available to Mr Rijsbergen.
Harrison said “Mr Rijsbergens comments on April 30th in the Express, in which he stated that “we can only use the players made available to him by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF).”, and Mr Camps statement that “Anybody who takes their Federation to court is in violation of FIFA rules. Once that threat is in the making we cannot deal with them”, led us to search for a way for the TTFF to make the players available to Mr Rijsbergen.
Our legal advisers have told us that this kind of industrial dispute is covered under employment laws, and therefore is not a “sporting dispute”. Harrison went on to say “ It is every employees democratic right to challenge their employer if they believe an employment contract, be it written or verbal, is not adhered to. Obviously, it is now down to TTFF’s legal advisers to discuss this in more detail with FIFA, but it is our understanding that the barrier to selection is non existent.”
Harrison went on to say “This is precisely the reason that FPATT has been formed. Disputes of this kind should be settled around a table and not in court rooms. This dispute has festered because the federation need a point of contact to deal with directly. It is clear that by trying to negotiate with 16 people, the federation have been able to divide and conquer. This only leads to disputes within the group and does not address the initial issue. It would be wise for all Trinidad and Tobago internationals, both present and future, to recognise that their needs are best protected by negotiating future contracts through FPATT. This way, there is anonymity for the players and a dispute will not lead to reprisals and non selection. Clearly in this instance, Mr Camps stance on selection is not based on any form of reprisal, but stems from his duty to ensure TTFF adheres to FIFA rules. It appears that FPATT have been able to help resolve this selection issue and everyone can concentrate on Gold Cup success.”
5
Football / Re: Who allyuh Know currently playing another sport,was ah boss footballer?
« on: August 15, 2006, 01:42:58 PM »Kwandwayne Browne, the Pele of hockey worldwide, was a good footballer. He play with Hector Sam up to u-16 at QRC and was the creative midfielder on the side, but then he started playing for the men's national hockey team at 14 so it was really a no-brainer as to which sport to choose.
Allyuh ever notice that men is play the same way no matter what sport they playing? For example, if a man is dribble plenty in football, u know he will dribble plenty in basketball and try to play all kinda fancy shot in cricket ?
On that, Darren Cowie - one of the national hockey players - used to be QRC captain.
6
Football / Re: best intercol team .........
« on: August 13, 2006, 06:55:05 AM »Allyuh young boys ain't have a clue wha allyuh talking bout. Intercol since 1985 has been heading steadily downhill. Teams were older, bigger, better back in de day. When John D and Sando Tech get throw out and dey start clamping down on man repeating 3 and 4 times, de football change. Couple top players on a team doh make dat team great. Compre 77, 78; St. Augustine 81, Sando Tech 85, signall hill, el dorado 86 was de last set of powerhouse teams. College ball in de 90's on is like wha u-16 used to be like back in de day.
These kind ah responses does real get on mih nerves. How you expect us to "know what we talking bout" when you can't find any trace of all these mythical matches and players anywhere?
As far as i concerned the point of this thread was for everyone to make reference to their personal memories. Not all of we was born in the age of dinosaurs where unscrupulous principals used to let big hardback men sit O and A levels just for the sake of having a good football team.
Whats the point of it all if none of these powerhouse players (Latapy and then Dwight excepted) never make it on the international scene?
As such we will continue to talk about our pissing tail teams of the 90's even those that never win ah thing but just make up an integral part of our growing experience, and we don't really give a damn if the older heads continue to shake from side to side incredulously at our ignorance...
Mr. Midknight, thanks for this. From Standard 5 to my last year in Trinidad I was taking in Intercol matches, and my favourite teams are indeed those 'pissing tail teams of the 90s;' I remember being torn between supporting Pres (the school next door, and the one attended by my brother/father/cousins) and Naps (our 'brother' school, and the one attended by most of my liming partners), being equally awed by men like DeVo and McKnight and Sean "Super Indian" Siloch, laughing at Hoyte's antics on the field ("see Hoyte run / run Hoyte run"), crying my eyes out when Naps lost to Scarborough in 2000, running from various incidents of bottle pelting in Skinner Park...
If we don't have a clue what we talking about, it's because we have no frame of reference. We might not know our history, but it is not through a lack of trying. There is a general culture of short-termism in Trinidad, both the cause and consequence of a wider and appalling lack of historical awareness. This board is one of the few sources of footballing history; let us not alienate those of us who do want to know by making us feel that we 'shoulda know better' in the first place. Many of us are here to learn - but for that to work, those who know must be willing to teach.
7
FAQ & Crew Meet Up. / Re: SWN and WN peeps....lemme hear allyuh....TRinidad Lime
« on: July 20, 2006, 09:31:59 AM »
ok people...due to the PFL Fixtures having been changed...d whole plan now change...it is as follows....
Saturday 29 July 6:00pm Defence Force United Petrotrin Hasely Crawford Stadium
Meeting Time: 5.00pm - Main Entrance
AfterLime: SHAKERS at MOVIE TOWNE
Anybody want to volunteer
*Edited to avoid confusion
8
Football / Germany 2006: The final ranking (Warriors 27th).
« on: July 19, 2006, 03:54:29 PM »
T&T finish 27 in 2006 world cup.
T&T Newsday Reports.[/size]
Out of the 32 nations that participated in the World Cup, Trinidad and Tobago ranked 27, according to a release of ranking released by FIFA recently.
Germany 2006: The final ranking.
Italy, France, Germany and Portugal. After the high drama of the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ Final in Berlin's Olympiastadion between the Azzurri and Les Bleus, and the top-class match for third place between the host nation and Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Portugal, it does not take a genius to recall the top four sides at this summer’s tournament in Germany. But what about those nations who failed to make it into this very select group?
The same criteria used to separate the sides in the group phase at Germany 2006 were used to produce a definitive ranking of every team involved. These were: the number of points obtained; total goal difference; number of goals scored.
It is for this very reason that Luis Aragones's flamboyant Spain side, who failed to make it past the Round of 16, have taken ninth place in the overall tournament classification. La Roja picked up nine points from their group matches, and ended their stay in Germany with a overall goal difference of +5, having scored nine and conceded four. The established criteria have been unable to separate a number of particularly well-matched teams. These include the USA and Iran, who are tied in 25th place.
The results obtained in Germany 2006 have been incorporated into the all-time FIFA World Cup ranking. This ranking can be used to compare the records of every team to have taken part in the greatest competition in world football. The all-time ranking appears in the usual league table format, with points allocated in the same way (three points for a win, one point for a draw and none for a defeat).
The rankings from this summer’s tournament have given rise to a number of interesting FIFA World Cup facts. Despite their four world titles, a number only bettered by five-time winners Brazil, Italy are only third in the all-time standings. Beating them to second place are Germany, whose seven matches on home soil brought them level with Brazil's record of 92 matches played at FIFA World Cup finals.
Germany 2006 ranking/ All-time FIFA World Cupâ„¢ ranking in brackets
1- Italy (3)
2- France (6)
3- Germany (2)
4- Portugal (20)
5- Brazil (1)
6- Argentina (4)
7- England (5)
8- Ukraine (46)
9- Spain (7)
10- Switzerland (22)
11- Netherlands (9)
12- Ecuador (40)
13- Ghana (49)
14- Sweden [8]
15- Mexico (15)
16- Australia (52)
17- Korea Republic (30)
18- Paraguay (24)
19- Côte d'Ivoire (56)
20- Czech Republic (16)
21- Poland (13)
22- Croatia (27)
23- Angola (59)
24- Tunisia (48)
25- USA (26)
25- Iran (53)
27- Trinidad and Tobago (63)
28- Japan (44)
28- Saudi Arabia (45)
30- Togo (68)
31- Costa Rica (38)
32- Serbia and Montenegro (11)
T&T Newsday Reports.[/size]
Out of the 32 nations that participated in the World Cup, Trinidad and Tobago ranked 27, according to a release of ranking released by FIFA recently.
Germany 2006: The final ranking.
Italy, France, Germany and Portugal. After the high drama of the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ Final in Berlin's Olympiastadion between the Azzurri and Les Bleus, and the top-class match for third place between the host nation and Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Portugal, it does not take a genius to recall the top four sides at this summer’s tournament in Germany. But what about those nations who failed to make it into this very select group?
The same criteria used to separate the sides in the group phase at Germany 2006 were used to produce a definitive ranking of every team involved. These were: the number of points obtained; total goal difference; number of goals scored.
It is for this very reason that Luis Aragones's flamboyant Spain side, who failed to make it past the Round of 16, have taken ninth place in the overall tournament classification. La Roja picked up nine points from their group matches, and ended their stay in Germany with a overall goal difference of +5, having scored nine and conceded four. The established criteria have been unable to separate a number of particularly well-matched teams. These include the USA and Iran, who are tied in 25th place.
The results obtained in Germany 2006 have been incorporated into the all-time FIFA World Cup ranking. This ranking can be used to compare the records of every team to have taken part in the greatest competition in world football. The all-time ranking appears in the usual league table format, with points allocated in the same way (three points for a win, one point for a draw and none for a defeat).
The rankings from this summer’s tournament have given rise to a number of interesting FIFA World Cup facts. Despite their four world titles, a number only bettered by five-time winners Brazil, Italy are only third in the all-time standings. Beating them to second place are Germany, whose seven matches on home soil brought them level with Brazil's record of 92 matches played at FIFA World Cup finals.
Germany 2006 ranking/ All-time FIFA World Cupâ„¢ ranking in brackets
1- Italy (3)
2- France (6)
3- Germany (2)
4- Portugal (20)
5- Brazil (1)
6- Argentina (4)
7- England (5)
8- Ukraine (46)
9- Spain (7)
10- Switzerland (22)
11- Netherlands (9)
12- Ecuador (40)
13- Ghana (49)
14- Sweden [8]
15- Mexico (15)
16- Australia (52)
17- Korea Republic (30)
18- Paraguay (24)
19- Côte d'Ivoire (56)
20- Czech Republic (16)
21- Poland (13)
22- Croatia (27)
23- Angola (59)
24- Tunisia (48)
25- USA (26)
25- Iran (53)
27- Trinidad and Tobago (63)
28- Japan (44)
28- Saudi Arabia (45)
30- Togo (68)
31- Costa Rica (38)
32- Serbia and Montenegro (11)
9
Football / Pro League Symposium: July 20 2006
« on: July 19, 2006, 03:48:21 PM »
Pro League hold symposium
Wednesday, July 19th 2006
Trinidad Express
The T&T Pro League will be hosting a symposium from 6.30 p.m. tomorrow at the San Fernando Room of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain.
This symposium, entitled "World Cup 2006-Review and Recommendations", will analyse and evaluate Trinidad and Tobago's World Cup effort and discuss the way forward.
The target audience includes national team staff and players, all coaches, referees, match commissioners, administrators, sponsors and media personnel.
Due to the limited seating available, those interested in attending the symposium are asked to reserve a spot by calling 645-4489/356-0629 or email administration@ttproleague.com on or before 4 p.m. today.
---
I now reach home, so I now see this. If anyone going - TAKE NOTES FOR ME! Please
Wednesday, July 19th 2006
Trinidad Express
The T&T Pro League will be hosting a symposium from 6.30 p.m. tomorrow at the San Fernando Room of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain.
This symposium, entitled "World Cup 2006-Review and Recommendations", will analyse and evaluate Trinidad and Tobago's World Cup effort and discuss the way forward.
The target audience includes national team staff and players, all coaches, referees, match commissioners, administrators, sponsors and media personnel.
Due to the limited seating available, those interested in attending the symposium are asked to reserve a spot by calling 645-4489/356-0629 or email administration@ttproleague.com on or before 4 p.m. today.
---
I now reach home, so I now see this. If anyone going - TAKE NOTES FOR ME! Please
10
Football / Re: Whim's biggest challenge
« on: July 12, 2006, 06:47:47 PM »I think Wim biggest challenge is to get allyuh to spell his name right...
You are a mind reader. Same thing I was thinking.
11
Football / The Amerindian Roots of the "Native American" Soca Warriors costumes
« on: July 12, 2006, 04:36:33 PM »
Published by the Caribbean Amerindian Centrelink
Soca Warriors, Amerindian Masking
While Italy's dubious "victory" over France in Sunday's World Cup Final helped to immediately forestall any possible nostalgia for the end of what was otherwise an often exciting month of play, I have to confess that I will sorely miss seeing those beloved Soca Warrior fans singing and dancing in the stadiums of Germany.
I collected a number of images from various sources, each of which reinforces the theme that the Soca Warriors (I don't mean just the team here, I mean the fans especially) conceived of themselves as Native Indian warriors, a theme that has run through the length of Trinidad's Carnival, from the mid-1800s.
The Santa Rosa Carib Community, whose members ardently cheered the Soca Warriors, once had a research officer by the name of Elma Reyes who insisted that the Native Indian figure in Trinidad's Carnival was not just some carbon copy of images imported from North America, but that there was also an indigenous Trinidadian-Venezuelan input behind the figures of Indians becoming and remaining prevalent in Trinidad's Carnival. Her attempt to "reclaim" the Indian of Carnival finds some support in the following research article which even observes that many of these Indian costumes were worn by individuals who in cases were themselves Amerindians of the region:
"Amerindian Masking in Trinidad's Carnival: The House of Black Elk in San Fernando", by Helene Bellour and Samuel Kinser, in The Drama Review, Vol. 42, No. 3, Trinidad and Tobago Carnival (Autumn, 1998), pp. 147-169.
Others have in the past observed that the national colours of Trinidad and Tobago--red, black and white--also mimic the natural body dyes and chalk used by Amerindians to paint their faces, as noted by a number of chroniclers in the Caribbean region. Some pottery styles also used red and black, or red and white, as decorative colours. Thus the appearance of individuals in the images that follow can seem more stunning to some of us than the reader might have expected.
For my part, as a tribute to both this theme, the team I long to see in action again, and the many wonderful fans, I offer this small collage (which can be enlarged by clicking on this link). [Link broken]
Until South Africa 2010!
Soca Warriors, Amerindian Masking
While Italy's dubious "victory" over France in Sunday's World Cup Final helped to immediately forestall any possible nostalgia for the end of what was otherwise an often exciting month of play, I have to confess that I will sorely miss seeing those beloved Soca Warrior fans singing and dancing in the stadiums of Germany.
I collected a number of images from various sources, each of which reinforces the theme that the Soca Warriors (I don't mean just the team here, I mean the fans especially) conceived of themselves as Native Indian warriors, a theme that has run through the length of Trinidad's Carnival, from the mid-1800s.
The Santa Rosa Carib Community, whose members ardently cheered the Soca Warriors, once had a research officer by the name of Elma Reyes who insisted that the Native Indian figure in Trinidad's Carnival was not just some carbon copy of images imported from North America, but that there was also an indigenous Trinidadian-Venezuelan input behind the figures of Indians becoming and remaining prevalent in Trinidad's Carnival. Her attempt to "reclaim" the Indian of Carnival finds some support in the following research article which even observes that many of these Indian costumes were worn by individuals who in cases were themselves Amerindians of the region:
"Amerindian Masking in Trinidad's Carnival: The House of Black Elk in San Fernando", by Helene Bellour and Samuel Kinser, in The Drama Review, Vol. 42, No. 3, Trinidad and Tobago Carnival (Autumn, 1998), pp. 147-169.
Others have in the past observed that the national colours of Trinidad and Tobago--red, black and white--also mimic the natural body dyes and chalk used by Amerindians to paint their faces, as noted by a number of chroniclers in the Caribbean region. Some pottery styles also used red and black, or red and white, as decorative colours. Thus the appearance of individuals in the images that follow can seem more stunning to some of us than the reader might have expected.
For my part, as a tribute to both this theme, the team I long to see in action again, and the many wonderful fans, I offer this small collage (which can be enlarged by clicking on this link). [Link broken]
Until South Africa 2010!
12
FAQ & Crew Meet Up. / Re: SWN and WN peeps....lemme hear allyuh....TRinidad Lime
« on: July 07, 2006, 11:39:27 AM »
I'll be in Trinidad from the 21st of July to the 4th of August, and I in Maracas from the 28-30th. If anybody want to make a beach lime, let me know.
13
Football / Re: Stern goes AWOL
« on: July 05, 2006, 06:24:17 AM »
Another angle:
Sportinglife.com
JOHN GETS EXTENDED BREAK
Coventry striker Stern John has been granted an extended break after his World Cup exploits with Trinidad and Tobago.
The 29-year-old will not join the rest of the squad as they jet off for a summer tour of America on Wednesday, instead John will report for pre-season training on July 17 when the team returns.
John played in all three of the Soca Warriors' games in Germany and Sky Blues boss Micky Adams believes his player deserves to spend some valuable time with those close to him.
"I had a call from Stern and although he is a little bit disappointed that Trinidad did not progress, he's looking forward to coming back to Coventry and preparing for the new season," Adams told the club's official website.
"Whereas the majority of players have had five or six weeks to spend with their family, Stern has only had a few days so we think it's only fitting that he reports back when the team returns from the States."
Sportinglife.com
JOHN GETS EXTENDED BREAK
Coventry striker Stern John has been granted an extended break after his World Cup exploits with Trinidad and Tobago.
The 29-year-old will not join the rest of the squad as they jet off for a summer tour of America on Wednesday, instead John will report for pre-season training on July 17 when the team returns.
John played in all three of the Soca Warriors' games in Germany and Sky Blues boss Micky Adams believes his player deserves to spend some valuable time with those close to him.
"I had a call from Stern and although he is a little bit disappointed that Trinidad did not progress, he's looking forward to coming back to Coventry and preparing for the new season," Adams told the club's official website.
"Whereas the majority of players have had five or six weeks to spend with their family, Stern has only had a few days so we think it's only fitting that he reports back when the team returns from the States."
14
Football / Re: What now for ‘Brand Beckham’?
« on: July 04, 2006, 05:26:36 PM »
Kingman, did you write this? I feel like I've read it before.
15
Football / Stern goes AWOL
« on: July 04, 2006, 11:41:53 AM »
Stern goes AWOL.
By: Andy Turner.
Stern John will feel the wrath of Coventry City boss Micky Adams after failing to report for pre-season training.
The striker was given extended leave after competing in the World Cup with Trinidad and Tobago last month but has since failed to make contact the Sky Blues, sparking speculation that he wants away.
And the 29-year-old will miss City's trip to America after the club had to complete their squad list for the trip by yesterday.
But despite falling foul of the manager, he claims he still part of his plans, although Adams is actively looking to recruit another centre-forward after missing out on Francis Jeffers.
"Stern played in the World Cup and I have not had any contact from him since," said Adams who got his seven new signings together for the first time at Ryton yesterday.
Asked if he was disappointed with the lack of communication, he added: "I don't want to comment on that, let's just say I have had no contact from him.
"We weren't sure when he was coming back and I would have thought he would have rung me up to find out when he needed to report back."
Asked if he is still part of his plans, he said: "He is contracted to Coventry City so yes, he's part of the plans."
But Adams is keen to strengthen up front and is determined to bring in competition to make John work for his place.
The player, meanwhile, may well be looking for a move away from the Ricoh Arena following his appearance in Germany, before which he admitted he hoped Coventry wouldn't stand in his way if he got a better offer this summer.
And, although he didn't set the World Cup alight, he will certainly have enhanced his profile just by being there.
Meanwhile, Adams revealed that he hopes to make two more new signings before the start of the season, another goalkeeper to compete with Andy Marshall, and a striker.
"Obviously we are trying to get another striker," he said. "We went for Francis Jeffers and have talked to other people as well.
"I wouldn't think anything will be done before we go to the States tomorrow because we have made the squad announcement for the flights.
"I hope to get at least another two faces into the club before the season starts. With the existing squad and the seven we have added to it so far, we are optimistic."
By: Andy Turner.
Stern John will feel the wrath of Coventry City boss Micky Adams after failing to report for pre-season training.
The striker was given extended leave after competing in the World Cup with Trinidad and Tobago last month but has since failed to make contact the Sky Blues, sparking speculation that he wants away.
And the 29-year-old will miss City's trip to America after the club had to complete their squad list for the trip by yesterday.
But despite falling foul of the manager, he claims he still part of his plans, although Adams is actively looking to recruit another centre-forward after missing out on Francis Jeffers.
"Stern played in the World Cup and I have not had any contact from him since," said Adams who got his seven new signings together for the first time at Ryton yesterday.
Asked if he was disappointed with the lack of communication, he added: "I don't want to comment on that, let's just say I have had no contact from him.
"We weren't sure when he was coming back and I would have thought he would have rung me up to find out when he needed to report back."
Asked if he is still part of his plans, he said: "He is contracted to Coventry City so yes, he's part of the plans."
But Adams is keen to strengthen up front and is determined to bring in competition to make John work for his place.
The player, meanwhile, may well be looking for a move away from the Ricoh Arena following his appearance in Germany, before which he admitted he hoped Coventry wouldn't stand in his way if he got a better offer this summer.
And, although he didn't set the World Cup alight, he will certainly have enhanced his profile just by being there.
Meanwhile, Adams revealed that he hopes to make two more new signings before the start of the season, another goalkeeper to compete with Andy Marshall, and a striker.
"Obviously we are trying to get another striker," he said. "We went for Francis Jeffers and have talked to other people as well.
"I wouldn't think anything will be done before we go to the States tomorrow because we have made the squad announcement for the flights.
"I hope to get at least another two faces into the club before the season starts. With the existing squad and the seven we have added to it so far, we are optimistic."
16
Football / Re: The Forgotten Warrior: where's Maximus' Chaconia Gold?
« on: July 02, 2006, 04:15:13 AM »
I want to know where is Maximus Dan’s Chaconia Gold. Where are his accolades for creating a song more resonant and emotive than the national anthem?[/b]
Ah eliminate much ah the post becuz ah wanted to highlight the 2 sentances that make most of what yuh just say day as pure TA TA.
Breds....wasn't Sin write de article. She jes repost here fuh we on de board. Ah tink wha yuh say should be directed to Attilah Springer. Now me eh know if Sin endorse wha Springer say or not but in de absence of dah knowledge...cyah say nutting else. Respeck.
Berris, relax yourself eh. This board is a place to discuss issues related to T&T football. I thought the article was interesting and topical, even if I don't agree with all of it.
17
Football / The Forgotten Warrior: where's Maximus' Chaconia Gold?
« on: July 01, 2006, 07:56:27 PM »
Attillah Springer
Trinidad Guardian
The forgotten warrior
Many a pilgrim trekking out east
Moving through trenches like soldiers
Like priests
The weak and humble desire to rise
The repentant sinners
Live up in his eyes.
—Thanks for D Music, Andre Tanker
All things considered, I suppose $1 million is sufficient. Not that you can put a dollar value on what the Soca Warriors have done for our sense of who we are.
Maybe I’m just too cantankerous and hard to please but I was hoping to hear the Government rushing to build national sporting academies.
Maybe a football scholarship to UWI or its new UTT in the name of Latas or Dwightie so that the good bright ballers from here don’t have to depend on grants from US universities to get a further education.
And yes, the guy gives me the heebie jeebies, but surely the Government was being just a little bit petty by not recognising the contribution of our big man in the football business, Jack Warner.
But thank Jah the men who made us so proud don’t just have ball skills. Thank Jah I’ve heard them talking about sporting academies and about using sport as an intervention for this nation’s much berated youth.
Because I watched the look on the father of the nation’s face and I see like Father Patrick don’t really have any idea of what it is to love his nation.
He knows nothing of spirits lifted when he appears on the news speaking through clenched teeth, denying us the pleasure of seeing those famed dimples.
But one thing that really upsets me in this whole self-stroking charade put on by the Government in a belated attempt at celebrating the achievements of the Soca Warriors is this.
The twelfth man on the side. The reason why so many of us really took this football thing to heart even with all the fear and trepidation and memory of November 19, 1989, still fresh in our tear ducts.
I want to know where is Maximus Dan’s Chaconia Gold. Where are his accolades for creating a song more resonant and emotive than the national anthem?
Fighter is more than just a praise song for the Soca Warriors. Fighter is a nation-building song, a God Bless our Nation or Our Nation’s Dawning for the soca generation that has no recollection of that first unfurling of the red, white and black.
It’s not very often that we can really say that we have a song that demonstrates that kind of newness, that kind of freshness that rescues this modern soca music from its mediocrity.
In any other civilization the artist holds a valuable place in the society. The griot is a decorated man or woman. The one who sings the story of his or her people is well respected and decorated for the beauty of his voice and the eloquence with which he depicts the nation’s history.
When the story of T&T is written and they recall the first time we went to the World Cup, what will be said of Fighter.
How will they capture the goosebumps on the arms of every Trinidadian/Tobagonian in those stadiums? How can they document the hoarseness of thousands of people roaring in one voice oh oooh oh, oh oh.
In this time of snack-box soca and regurgitated melodies, Fighter stands out as a clarion call to those of us whose spirits flag. Who are disillusioned and not at all hopeful about the soca, about the politics, about the society.
I only have words. I’m not an overpaid stuffed shirt and unfortunately I’m way too poor to make Maximus the kind of award he deserves.
So thank you, Maximus, for the upliftment. Thank you for being consistent in your words and never falling for the seduction of fluff and fakeness that keeps this local music industry alive.
Thank you for being yourself, and having the kind of humility that only true warriors understand.
Thank you for singing out before we even qualified, for not jumping belatedly on a theme song bandwagon.
Thanks for the music, Maximus and hopefully one day this society will give you the accolades more deserving of a warrior of your stature.
Trinidad Guardian
The forgotten warrior
Many a pilgrim trekking out east
Moving through trenches like soldiers
Like priests
The weak and humble desire to rise
The repentant sinners
Live up in his eyes.
—Thanks for D Music, Andre Tanker
All things considered, I suppose $1 million is sufficient. Not that you can put a dollar value on what the Soca Warriors have done for our sense of who we are.
Maybe I’m just too cantankerous and hard to please but I was hoping to hear the Government rushing to build national sporting academies.
Maybe a football scholarship to UWI or its new UTT in the name of Latas or Dwightie so that the good bright ballers from here don’t have to depend on grants from US universities to get a further education.
And yes, the guy gives me the heebie jeebies, but surely the Government was being just a little bit petty by not recognising the contribution of our big man in the football business, Jack Warner.
But thank Jah the men who made us so proud don’t just have ball skills. Thank Jah I’ve heard them talking about sporting academies and about using sport as an intervention for this nation’s much berated youth.
Because I watched the look on the father of the nation’s face and I see like Father Patrick don’t really have any idea of what it is to love his nation.
He knows nothing of spirits lifted when he appears on the news speaking through clenched teeth, denying us the pleasure of seeing those famed dimples.
But one thing that really upsets me in this whole self-stroking charade put on by the Government in a belated attempt at celebrating the achievements of the Soca Warriors is this.
The twelfth man on the side. The reason why so many of us really took this football thing to heart even with all the fear and trepidation and memory of November 19, 1989, still fresh in our tear ducts.
I want to know where is Maximus Dan’s Chaconia Gold. Where are his accolades for creating a song more resonant and emotive than the national anthem?
Fighter is more than just a praise song for the Soca Warriors. Fighter is a nation-building song, a God Bless our Nation or Our Nation’s Dawning for the soca generation that has no recollection of that first unfurling of the red, white and black.
It’s not very often that we can really say that we have a song that demonstrates that kind of newness, that kind of freshness that rescues this modern soca music from its mediocrity.
In any other civilization the artist holds a valuable place in the society. The griot is a decorated man or woman. The one who sings the story of his or her people is well respected and decorated for the beauty of his voice and the eloquence with which he depicts the nation’s history.
When the story of T&T is written and they recall the first time we went to the World Cup, what will be said of Fighter.
How will they capture the goosebumps on the arms of every Trinidadian/Tobagonian in those stadiums? How can they document the hoarseness of thousands of people roaring in one voice oh oooh oh, oh oh.
In this time of snack-box soca and regurgitated melodies, Fighter stands out as a clarion call to those of us whose spirits flag. Who are disillusioned and not at all hopeful about the soca, about the politics, about the society.
I only have words. I’m not an overpaid stuffed shirt and unfortunately I’m way too poor to make Maximus the kind of award he deserves.
So thank you, Maximus, for the upliftment. Thank you for being consistent in your words and never falling for the seduction of fluff and fakeness that keeps this local music industry alive.
Thank you for being yourself, and having the kind of humility that only true warriors understand.
Thank you for singing out before we even qualified, for not jumping belatedly on a theme song bandwagon.
Thanks for the music, Maximus and hopefully one day this society will give you the accolades more deserving of a warrior of your stature.
18
Football / Re: Beenhakker still in demand ( MEX, AUS, POL & USA)
« on: June 30, 2006, 03:51:58 PM »
Mods, could we please combine these Beenhakker threads?
And mandate that any "here's my exceedingly informed/controversial/all-knowing opinion/rant/summary of [whatever]" comments/posts/topics be combined under the relevant and pre-existing topic? For example, all those off-shoots with one post and one reply following a game/press conference/[whatever]
And so on, and so forth.
Sorting through the posts here is getting to be slightly nightmarish.
And mandate that any "here's my exceedingly informed/controversial/all-knowing opinion/rant/summary of [whatever]" comments/posts/topics be combined under the relevant and pre-existing topic? For example, all those off-shoots with one post and one reply following a game/press conference/[whatever]
And so on, and so forth.
Sorting through the posts here is getting to be slightly nightmarish.
20
Football / Soca Warriors to thank Scottish fans
« on: June 29, 2006, 02:05:28 AM »
WILLIAM TINNING
June 29 2006
The Herald
Their participation in the World Cup captured the imaginations of thousands of Scots across the country.
Now the government of Trinidad and Tobago wants to thank the people of Scotland for their "unwavering support" for the team by staging two events in Edinburgh and Glasgow featuring musicians from the Caribbean islands.
With Scotland failing to qualify for the World Cup the Tartan Army got behind Trinidad and Tobago in their game against group opponents England.
Jack McConnell, the First Minister, also controversially supported the so-called Soca Warriors against the Auld Enemy.
The support north of the Border for Trinidad and Tobago was due mainly to the fact that several of their players ply their trade in the Scottish leagues, including the aptly named Jason Scotland.
Trinidad and Tobago flags and bunting were put up at pubs and bars across Scotland in support of the team.
Even a CD - Scotland at the World Cup - in tribute to the St Johnstone player, was released.
A spokesman for Trinidad and Tobago Tourist Board, said: "Having bowed out gracefully from the World Cup, the Soca Warriors, Trinidad and Tobago' football squad, has helped to put the tiny Caribbean islands well and truly on the map.
"The government of Trinidad and Tobago would like to thank the people of Scotland for their unwavering support and has planned two events in Glasgow and Edinburgh featuring live entertainment by well-known musicians from Trinidad and Tobago as a special thank you."
The events, to be held in Glasgow's George Square and Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens on July 15 and 16 respectively, will feature the six-piece Soca, calypso and reggae band - Flame, limbo dancers, cultural dancers, and SW Storm.
An official T&T after World Cup party is also planned at the Corinthian nightclub in Glasgow on the Saturday from 7pm, where free glasses of rum punch will be available for the first 300 customers.
It is hoped that Falkirk players Russell Latapy and Denzil Theobald, and Jason Scotland, will attend the events.
June 29 2006
The Herald
Their participation in the World Cup captured the imaginations of thousands of Scots across the country.
Now the government of Trinidad and Tobago wants to thank the people of Scotland for their "unwavering support" for the team by staging two events in Edinburgh and Glasgow featuring musicians from the Caribbean islands.
With Scotland failing to qualify for the World Cup the Tartan Army got behind Trinidad and Tobago in their game against group opponents England.
Jack McConnell, the First Minister, also controversially supported the so-called Soca Warriors against the Auld Enemy.
The support north of the Border for Trinidad and Tobago was due mainly to the fact that several of their players ply their trade in the Scottish leagues, including the aptly named Jason Scotland.
Trinidad and Tobago flags and bunting were put up at pubs and bars across Scotland in support of the team.
Even a CD - Scotland at the World Cup - in tribute to the St Johnstone player, was released.
A spokesman for Trinidad and Tobago Tourist Board, said: "Having bowed out gracefully from the World Cup, the Soca Warriors, Trinidad and Tobago' football squad, has helped to put the tiny Caribbean islands well and truly on the map.
"The government of Trinidad and Tobago would like to thank the people of Scotland for their unwavering support and has planned two events in Glasgow and Edinburgh featuring live entertainment by well-known musicians from Trinidad and Tobago as a special thank you."
The events, to be held in Glasgow's George Square and Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens on July 15 and 16 respectively, will feature the six-piece Soca, calypso and reggae band - Flame, limbo dancers, cultural dancers, and SW Storm.
An official T&T after World Cup party is also planned at the Corinthian nightclub in Glasgow on the Saturday from 7pm, where free glasses of rum punch will be available for the first 300 customers.
It is hoped that Falkirk players Russell Latapy and Denzil Theobald, and Jason Scotland, will attend the events.
21
Football / Re: WC worst player and or most disappointing player ?
« on: June 29, 2006, 02:01:35 AM »
Sorry darling. Will you let me make up for my absolute lack of tact and discernment by having the honour of buying you a drink?
Tu t'es passés trop de temps avec les français monsieur Midknight ;p
Is every topic it have all yuh does twist into ah Stern John post....we Trini really good oui!!! outta all de hundred n sumtin players in de WC de only man all yuh cud come up wid is TnT leading goal scorer,yuh eh see all yuh only hatin all yuh self ....ah guess becuz crouch 'score' ah goal he was'nt one ah de 'worst' players or most 'dissappointing' in de WC........
........we still pelting kick at we own stones !!!!
And no, Berris, it is not "every topic" that I look to twist into a Stern John post. This is the first time I've really criticised John (or any player, other than Kelvin Jack...) on this forum. John was my most disappointing player. I was banging my head too at all them offsides, at his loafing, at his blasted stupid grin when he threw away opportunities. He might be our leading goal scorer, but he did nothing for three games to deserve my praise or my admiration. Is he the best we have to offer to the world? Will he lead us to goal-scoring glory in 2010? I doubt.
That is not self-hatred. That is a rational appraisal of the facts.
22
Football / Re: WC worst player and or most disappointing player ?
« on: June 28, 2006, 06:03:29 PM »Stern John.
Talk done.
de man beat disgruntled to it...
I'm a FEMALE. And I never jump on the anti-stern bandwagon, but T&T had only SEVEN shots on goal for the whole world cup - a couple from glen, and oh look, a buncha offsides...
23
Football / Re: WC worst player and or most disappointing player ?
« on: June 28, 2006, 05:51:11 PM »
Stern John.
Talk done.
Talk done.
24
Football / Re: BEENIE STAYS!!!!...KINDA...
« on: June 28, 2006, 05:33:05 PM »
Beenhakker stays
Warner: Dutchman returns till 2010
Wednesday, June 28th 2006
Trinidad Express
National senior football coach Dutchman Leo Beenhakker is to stay on as head of the Trinidad and Tobago technical staff, at least for the next World Cup campaign.
This was announced by T&T Football Federation special adviser and FIFA vice-president Jack Warner yesterday in an interview on TV6's Morning Edition programme, when asked about the immediate future of the national team.
Warner explained he had held talks with the former Real Madrid coach, who had indicated his willingness to continue with the team.
"Beenhakker is willing and ready to come back," he said, "and we discussed briefly a strategy whereby his assistant Whim (Rijsbergen) will take over for the first two years," adding that Beenhakker himself would resume the head coach role for the following two years.
The next World Cup Finals will be in 2010 in South Africa.
Warner last week indicated he would no longer be assuming the task of financing the team.
"It is the end of the line... I have funded the team for the past two years. I have many things to be thankful for, I have no regrets," he told the Express last week.
He said, however, that if the Government assumes the financial responsibility for the team, as well as the technical staff, they will have to collaborate with the T&TFF.
"The Government will have to work with the Federation," Warner said. "It cannot do it on its own because Mr Beenhakker cannot sign a contract with the Government, he can sign one with the Federation, and the Federation can guarantee his payment via the Government."
Warner also feels that although Jamaica have failed to progress to the two subsequent World Cup finals after their maiden success in France 1998, Trinidad and Tobago have what it takes to consistently qualify for the world's biggest football tournament.
"In Trinidad we can do so, because we have natural talent. There is no other country in the Caribbean that has more talent than we have. What we have to do is to develop it, to have it disciplined, as it were.
"...we have shown it can be done by bringing coach Beenhakker on board."
Warner: Dutchman returns till 2010
Wednesday, June 28th 2006
Trinidad Express
National senior football coach Dutchman Leo Beenhakker is to stay on as head of the Trinidad and Tobago technical staff, at least for the next World Cup campaign.
This was announced by T&T Football Federation special adviser and FIFA vice-president Jack Warner yesterday in an interview on TV6's Morning Edition programme, when asked about the immediate future of the national team.
Warner explained he had held talks with the former Real Madrid coach, who had indicated his willingness to continue with the team.
"Beenhakker is willing and ready to come back," he said, "and we discussed briefly a strategy whereby his assistant Whim (Rijsbergen) will take over for the first two years," adding that Beenhakker himself would resume the head coach role for the following two years.
The next World Cup Finals will be in 2010 in South Africa.
Warner last week indicated he would no longer be assuming the task of financing the team.
"It is the end of the line... I have funded the team for the past two years. I have many things to be thankful for, I have no regrets," he told the Express last week.
He said, however, that if the Government assumes the financial responsibility for the team, as well as the technical staff, they will have to collaborate with the T&TFF.
"The Government will have to work with the Federation," Warner said. "It cannot do it on its own because Mr Beenhakker cannot sign a contract with the Government, he can sign one with the Federation, and the Federation can guarantee his payment via the Government."
Warner also feels that although Jamaica have failed to progress to the two subsequent World Cup finals after their maiden success in France 1998, Trinidad and Tobago have what it takes to consistently qualify for the world's biggest football tournament.
"In Trinidad we can do so, because we have natural talent. There is no other country in the Caribbean that has more talent than we have. What we have to do is to develop it, to have it disciplined, as it were.
"...we have shown it can be done by bringing coach Beenhakker on board."
25
Football / Time and Date in Threads
« on: June 26, 2006, 12:39:48 PM »
Just a thought/suggestion - whenever there are time-sensitive posts, it might be helpful to put the date in the subject line. "Now" is only useful to people who happen to be online when the topic is posted. The practice would also make threads easier to find in future.
26
Football / T&T set to start Russell in bid to keep their dream alive
« on: June 19, 2006, 08:23:00 AM »
Dailyrecord.co.uk
19 June 2006
LATAPLAY
WORLD CUP 2006 T&T set to start Russell in bid to keep their dream alive
By Alan Marshall
FALKIRK midfielder Russell Latapy will make his World Cup debut tomorrow against Paraguay with one instruction from coach Leo Beenhakker - keep Trinidad and Tobago's dream alive.
The Dutch manager is preparing to hand the "Little Magician" the specialist job of creating the goals that will see off the South Americans.
T&T need a victory in Kaiserslautern and an England win over Sweden in Cologne. There is even the fraught possibility the Caribbeans may have to draw lots with Sweden should a single-goal success over Paraguay be paired with a two-nil win for Sven Goran Eriksson's side.
Whatever the permutations though, in an all-too familiar echo of past Scottish campaigns, above all Trinidad still need to put the ball in the back of the net. And both Beenhakker and team-mate DwightYorke reckon Latapy is the man who can make that happen.
T&T skipper Yorke said: "There's no secret Russell is a friend as well as great player - always has been and always will be in my eyes.
"He's not had the chance yet to show what he can do, even allowing for the age he is right now. He's been training well but just hasn't had the chance.
"But he may have that opportunity now against Paraguay because we need to get goals.
"And the type of game you'd expect this one to be might fit his style more than the others. South American opposition is probably right up his street. They tend to play a slower, more technical game.
"It's an important game and we know we need goals. Here is someone we know can create the openings we need."
Record Sport columnist Latapy has had to look on in frustration as Beenhakker tried to contain Sweden and England in the first two Group B matches in a preplanned tournament strategy.
But the coach said: "This could be the game for him. The problem with Sweden and England was not Russell's talent but what you have to do when bringing someone with his skills into the team.
"You need the right mix in the side and a big part of our requirements against Sweden and England was getting the ball back.
"We probably only had about 20 per cent of the ball against those two, and winning the ball back is not the strongest part of Russell's game.
"But in general, South American football is not played as fast as it is in Europe.
"They have great skills and technique, whereas Sweden go long and England ended up doing the same with Peter Crouch in their team.
"It's not easy to win a game in midfield when you have to first win the aerial battle in defence but hopefully we will have more time on the ball in this match.
"In that sense, hopefully we can use Russell against Paraguay."
19 June 2006
LATAPLAY
WORLD CUP 2006 T&T set to start Russell in bid to keep their dream alive
By Alan Marshall
FALKIRK midfielder Russell Latapy will make his World Cup debut tomorrow against Paraguay with one instruction from coach Leo Beenhakker - keep Trinidad and Tobago's dream alive.
The Dutch manager is preparing to hand the "Little Magician" the specialist job of creating the goals that will see off the South Americans.
T&T need a victory in Kaiserslautern and an England win over Sweden in Cologne. There is even the fraught possibility the Caribbeans may have to draw lots with Sweden should a single-goal success over Paraguay be paired with a two-nil win for Sven Goran Eriksson's side.
Whatever the permutations though, in an all-too familiar echo of past Scottish campaigns, above all Trinidad still need to put the ball in the back of the net. And both Beenhakker and team-mate DwightYorke reckon Latapy is the man who can make that happen.
T&T skipper Yorke said: "There's no secret Russell is a friend as well as great player - always has been and always will be in my eyes.
"He's not had the chance yet to show what he can do, even allowing for the age he is right now. He's been training well but just hasn't had the chance.
"But he may have that opportunity now against Paraguay because we need to get goals.
"And the type of game you'd expect this one to be might fit his style more than the others. South American opposition is probably right up his street. They tend to play a slower, more technical game.
"It's an important game and we know we need goals. Here is someone we know can create the openings we need."
Record Sport columnist Latapy has had to look on in frustration as Beenhakker tried to contain Sweden and England in the first two Group B matches in a preplanned tournament strategy.
But the coach said: "This could be the game for him. The problem with Sweden and England was not Russell's talent but what you have to do when bringing someone with his skills into the team.
"You need the right mix in the side and a big part of our requirements against Sweden and England was getting the ball back.
"We probably only had about 20 per cent of the ball against those two, and winning the ball back is not the strongest part of Russell's game.
"But in general, South American football is not played as fast as it is in Europe.
"They have great skills and technique, whereas Sweden go long and England ended up doing the same with Peter Crouch in their team.
"It's not easy to win a game in midfield when you have to first win the aerial battle in defence but hopefully we will have more time on the ball in this match.
"In that sense, hopefully we can use Russell against Paraguay."
27
Football / BBC 1Xtra Documentary on Soca Warriors (featuring the Warrior Nation)
« on: June 19, 2006, 07:20:29 AM »
Vibes it here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/tx/documentaries/soca_warriors.shtml
Listen out for truetrini, Fli ! and SocaPro english accent...
Listen out for truetrini, Fli ! and SocaPro english accent...
28
Football / Re: Is Bertille St. Clair right: Sancho should cut hair
« on: June 18, 2006, 05:25:26 AM »Den tell all dem Argentinian players to cut dey locks!
EXACTLY !! If Crouch had jump over Sorin back and pull his hair, it woulda been a different story! I still can't believe the commentators and england fans blaming sancho. It's akin to blaming a girl for getting rape for wearing a skirt, she look for it right, she should have worn jeans! STEUPS
I've been avoiding this thread, and numerous other ridiculous 'discussions' that have cropped up in the past couple of days, but Fli, you get on there.
29
Football / Tallman/WN in the UK Guardian
« on: June 16, 2006, 04:26:26 PM »Soca Warriors' festival of colour and sound comes to Franconia
Andrew Culf in Nuremberg
Friday June 16, 2006
The Guardian
Carnival arrived at the World Cup yesterday as the supporters of Trinidad & Tobago brought a touch of the Caribbean to the Frankenstadion. The Franconian city has been sweltering in heat more associated with Port of Spain for the past few weeks but it does not normally reverberate to the thumping beat of ghetto-blasting sound systems.
Heavily outnumbered by the massive influx of England supporters, Soca Warriors followers were making their presence felt inside the stadium and in the centre of Nuremberg. Dion Neil, from Trincity, said the atmosphere was "awesome" and estimated that some 8,000 supporters were in Germany, some making the 9½-hour flight from Trinidad, others travelling from the United States and across Europe.
Dressed in the the red and black kit of his country, Neil said: "We will make more noise than the English. We are a small country but we have a big passion - that is our motto."
Already encouraged by the omen of victory over a team of England supporters in a Twenty20 cricket friendly on Wednesday, dancers and steel bands brought colourful scenes to the Hauptmarkt in Nuremberg yesterday, where the Caribbean contingent mingled happily with amiable England supporters under the benign gaze of uniformed British police officers patrolling alongside German colleagues.
Nigel Myers, who comes from San Fernando in Trinidad but now lives in Miami and is president of the Warrior Nation supporters club, said about 3,500 Trinidadians would be in the stadium.
"In Frankfurt we saw a bit of bottle- throwing in the main square but we have not encountered any animosity," he said. "In the hotel it is cool we talk football and drink with the English at the bar."
Many English supporters who arrived early at the stadium yesterday made their way to the disintegrating grandstand of the Zeppelinfeld, the former Nazi parade ground where Hitler addresses mass rallies. The Trinny posse made their way to a mobile stage and sound system inside the ground, for some rhythmic dancing (not of the Peter Crouch school). The supporters sang along to their two World Cup anthems - "Soca Tune" and "I am a Soca Warrior"- which have a more upbeat tempo but are about as repetitive as "Three Lions" or "Inger-land, Inger-land".
Supporters who made the journey from Trinidad are likely to have spent some $TT30,000 (£2,577) on their official travel packages to watch their country compete in the World Cup for the first time.
Ian Walters, originally from San Fernando and now living in Orlando, Florida, said the opening match against Sweden, when 10-man Trinidad held on for a 0-0 draw, had been unbelievable. "It was the match of a lifetime - our expectations had been so low. Now we are having a lot of friendly banter with the English and have been singing, 'There's only one Shaka Hislop'."
Similarly impressed with the experience was Natasha Draper-West, from south-east London, who had travelled to the match with three of her family from London and nine from Trinidad. "We are having a fantastic time. The atmosphere is great and the camaraderie is even better."
Ian Atherly, mayor of San Fernando, said: "We feel great. We are extremely proud of what our team has achieved and we are getting tremendous support from other countries." Before the match he was buoyed with optimism about his side's prospects. "I'm here for the three group matches but, if we can go further, I will have to fly back for the second round."
Atherly agrees that football is taking over from cricket as the favoured sport of younger West Indians. "Football is developing as more popular. The footballers are doing us proud," he said.
The sentiments were shared by a retired BP worker, Carlyle Spencer, from San Fernando, who claimed to be having the party of a lifetime. "Football is attracting more young people. There is a short supply of young cricketers . Brian Lara may be the last really great player. Football is taking over."
30
Football / Re: I believe. DO YOU?
« on: June 16, 2006, 04:08:12 PM »
I believe. I haven't believed in anything this much in about 15 years. Come on Warriors. Vibes it up all the way.