31
Football / Re: Thread for the T&T vs Panama Game (24-Mar-2017)
« on: March 24, 2017, 05:11:38 PM »
I already hate this referee allowing this physical plays from panama unpunished. freaking hispanics always looking out for their own
April 24, 2024, 02:33:47 PM
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32
Football / Re: Thread for the T&T vs Panama Game (24-Mar-2017)
« on: March 24, 2017, 04:59:48 PM »
here u go boyz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5FR0KtHb8g
33
Football / Re: Thread for the T&T vs Panama Game (24-Mar-2017)
« on: March 24, 2017, 04:32:13 PM »
No pressure, just would love a good exciting football match I can walk away from and feel proud win or lose.
34
Football / Re: Thread for T&T vs Barbados Game (10-Mar-2017)
« on: March 11, 2017, 06:31:16 PM »
Sean with a clear hand ball on the line or was there a call to stop play before he did that?
35
Football / Re: Thread for T&T vs Suriname Game (10-March-2017)
« on: February 16, 2017, 04:06:41 PM »
wow this is the best local squad i've seen in a long long time. things already looking up. good to see leston, sean and cummings back in the setup.
37
Football / Re: Local coach vs foreign coach.
« on: January 16, 2017, 01:16:09 AM »
Bob Bradley 
Military coach ftw :DDD
Military coach ftw :DDD
38
Football / Re: Comedy central, TTFA takes center-stage.
« on: January 12, 2017, 06:41:37 PM »
This is the best thread in the history of this forum 
39
Football / Re: Thread for T&T vs Haiti Game (08-Jan-2017)
« on: January 05, 2017, 11:59:06 AM »
Honestly, I am done supporting this senior team. I fed up with the likes of Kevan George and Winchester/Trevin Cesar in this team, if this is the best we have to offer then it's best to follow our under 17's, and 20 team. Fed up of these lame tactical decisions and player selections..They are not improving it's the same wildman football, same ole direct football - no kind of composure or any kind of style just plain ole run down and try to score tactics like jungle football from Bangladesh with love. Why have a scorer like Glen on the bench and down a goal is beyond me.. bring in a man like Winchester who never completed a pass in he life much less score ah goal. Kevan George.. Jeez.. this guy better they play with 10 men... and Cesar the only time I see this name is on the player list - never on a scoresheet of any kind - they all suck and need to know it, now more than ever.
I would banish all 3 of them to the quantum zone if I was antSman. How many more times do these players have to get tested at this level for administration to realize they are not good enough for the national team... Please it would be better to use some of the under 20's give them the experience rather than using these guys to watch the fail over and over again.. it is super depressing to have these skallywags represent this country -this shame will not go away. Better fire Saintfiet now and let Shabazz take over... bc it seems to me he is the one who making these selections and forcing the tactics BECAUSE WE LOOK BAD like Guyana.
DJW is overly honest. His introduction to the new coach was embarrassing, shocking and super unprofessional to say the very least. The people who elect this man as Director should be ashamed of themselves - he means well but his decisions are making things alot worse.
I would banish all 3 of them to the quantum zone if I was antSman. How many more times do these players have to get tested at this level for administration to realize they are not good enough for the national team... Please it would be better to use some of the under 20's give them the experience rather than using these guys to watch the fail over and over again.. it is super depressing to have these skallywags represent this country -this shame will not go away. Better fire Saintfiet now and let Shabazz take over... bc it seems to me he is the one who making these selections and forcing the tactics BECAUSE WE LOOK BAD like Guyana.
DJW is overly honest. His introduction to the new coach was embarrassing, shocking and super unprofessional to say the very least. The people who elect this man as Director should be ashamed of themselves - he means well but his decisions are making things alot worse.
40
Football / Re: Thread for T&T vs Nicaragua Games (27 & 30 -Dec-2016)
« on: December 28, 2016, 01:38:10 PM »
Yep he sure did. I am really happy to see this squad shape and the player selection. I like the tactical change - much needed, not everyone is Mexico there is alot of grind soccer these days from the likes of Panama, Honduras, Costa rica and for sure USA. This game was super duper importante - it shows there is a tremendous amount of work still to be done in order to fine tune this team to possibly get results in our upcoming home games. Forget about WCQ - the Gold Cup is far more important and realistic. If you are judging our new coach - it has to be via qualifying for Gold Cup. Teams like Haiti and Suriname with all due respect should never have an edge over us b.c our pro league is far more superior to theirs, they have won vs us in the past with some clever tactics and good call ups - like Millein from India etc.
Lets hope the guys show the same heart and determination in the next game on friday this will give us valuable information on this team.
Lets hope the guys show the same heart and determination in the next game on friday this will give us valuable information on this team.
41
Football / Re: Trinidad and Tobago downed 2-1 by Nicaragua in First Friendly
« on: December 28, 2016, 01:32:11 PM »
I thought maybe our goalie could of done a bit better with the 2 goals score on us. But ofc it's easy for me to criticize him but generally anticipation especially getting string up from 30 yards out - and out of position to boot.. screams inexperience or lack of foresight something mandatory for any goalkeeper.
Other than that, thought Edwards was solid as usual.. this guy don't seem to age at all, and a welcome sight of one of our heroes Cornbread Glenn <3
Love that guy.
Other than that, thought Edwards was solid as usual.. this guy don't seem to age at all, and a welcome sight of one of our heroes Cornbread Glenn <3
Love that guy.
42
Football / Re: Saintfiet gets the ball rolling
« on: December 21, 2016, 09:43:01 PM »
I like the Glenn/Edwards call up, these guys know each other well. Edwards can organised that backline with his experience and glenn is a proven goal scorer with alot of confidence plus his jokes in the dressing room will be an instant comic relief in order to bring this group together.
On the other hand I dont see why Kevan George and Winchester on this team.
On the other hand I dont see why Kevan George and Winchester on this team.
43
Football / Re: Squad named - Hart's Red Army hoping to end 2016 on a high note.
« on: November 04, 2016, 02:04:16 PM »
Would of liked to see Johnathon Glenn instead of Trevin. It also would be worth it to look at Dominic Adams as well.
44
Football / Re: 2016 CFU Men's U-17 Championship Thread
« on: September 17, 2016, 03:00:46 PM »
I was happy with the performance of the TNT under 17 players- very colorful bunch of kids - they showed alot of grit and heart vs haiti - who were strong, physical - they absorbed alot of pressure - was patient in defense and they picked their moments carefully. I also saw the time wasting tactics just to kill off any momentum tnt had going forward - it was clever, they were away from home. You could tell they are a well nit group of guys that knows how to play in these types of matches.
Overall I can't be more pleased with the players in the squad, especially the back 4 and our midfield was really strong. I felt that we didn't have a good approach to the game - we played like we were the away team in some occasions - I saw alot of individual plays it wasn't until 80 minutes where the team found a rhythm but credit to haiti for doing everything to kill off the game. Also you have to respect your opponents - and this is important here - conserving energy and not overly exerting while pushing forward. This was totally going to be one of those grind games if we were going to get a result but instead it turned into a beats show.
It is so important in these qualifiers not to concede the first goal. Anytime u do that it allows the opposition to control the flow of the game - and this by no means should suggest parking the bus early but I was expecting the back 4 and midfield to be a little more patient pushing forward - they were too direct - and predictable at times. We were using the left flank alot not switching the ball to the right much and sometimes the guys tried to go straight down the middle. We got around this haitian team once.. and it was in the 90 minute.
I do like Latas as coach! I know he has more experience and knowledge of the game that any of his counterparts in this competition- and this gives the youths an advantage. What we saw was not a polished finished prepared team but a ragtag effort to last minute a surprise result. The referee didn't give us any calls - I saw many occasions where the haitians should of been booked and wasn't.. again we are not capable of dealing strong physical teams - not at the under 17 or senior level it seems. And the team has to learn how to pace themselves.
Still proud tho.. they looked good, were soundly beaten by a superior side well coached and determined /confident in themselves.. it showed .. onto next game.. Worried about Jamaica.. b.c they look really really technical and structured vs bermuda.
Overall I can't be more pleased with the players in the squad, especially the back 4 and our midfield was really strong. I felt that we didn't have a good approach to the game - we played like we were the away team in some occasions - I saw alot of individual plays it wasn't until 80 minutes where the team found a rhythm but credit to haiti for doing everything to kill off the game. Also you have to respect your opponents - and this is important here - conserving energy and not overly exerting while pushing forward. This was totally going to be one of those grind games if we were going to get a result but instead it turned into a beats show.
It is so important in these qualifiers not to concede the first goal. Anytime u do that it allows the opposition to control the flow of the game - and this by no means should suggest parking the bus early but I was expecting the back 4 and midfield to be a little more patient pushing forward - they were too direct - and predictable at times. We were using the left flank alot not switching the ball to the right much and sometimes the guys tried to go straight down the middle. We got around this haitian team once.. and it was in the 90 minute.
I do like Latas as coach! I know he has more experience and knowledge of the game that any of his counterparts in this competition- and this gives the youths an advantage. What we saw was not a polished finished prepared team but a ragtag effort to last minute a surprise result. The referee didn't give us any calls - I saw many occasions where the haitians should of been booked and wasn't.. again we are not capable of dealing strong physical teams - not at the under 17 or senior level it seems. And the team has to learn how to pace themselves.
Still proud tho.. they looked good, were soundly beaten by a superior side well coached and determined /confident in themselves.. it showed .. onto next game.. Worried about Jamaica.. b.c they look really really technical and structured vs bermuda.
45
Football / Re: TTFA fines Molino, Jones and Williams.
« on: September 13, 2016, 02:07:55 PM »
Sad
46
Football / Re: Thread for the T&T vs USA Game (6-Sept-2016)
« on: September 07, 2016, 10:55:12 PM »Quote
ya ... I mean cmon .. this team stringing passed together.. fighting hard even at 4-0 there is quality in this team - it is a far cry from the long hoping ball days. Be proud and support the team in good and bad ... this is our team for the hex - Save the negativity for the big teams who under achieve - our boys already over achieved by reaching the hex. Imagine Jamaica - Haiti, El Salvador, Canada all not there. Be proud and show your support and if u can contribute in a positive way do so.. but nothing good will ever come out of blasting your players - give them confidence.. yes Hyland made a bad pass in big games thats all it takes to lose a game - he was the one that scored against Guatemala away u forget that? or you guys just have selective memory??.. we have no yorke no latas and to be honest this group played way better than any other I can remember in history in terms of attacking in the modern game. The 06 warriors were solid at the back and they still get hit for 7 against mexico. remember that?
Allyuh men gone mad or wha... A game that didn't matter in terms of qualifying and you're ready to hang him out to dry..
Don't be foolish..
I gorn dey.. And I am very very proud. This team will make us proud even if they dont qualify I am satisfied.
47
Football / Re: Thread for the T&T vs USA Game (6-Sept-2016)
« on: September 07, 2016, 10:18:37 PM »Guys, I did not see the game, but .......
Cmon.. I was hearing Klinnsman cussing dem men in the first half saying "you want Jamaica all over again" etc he was really harsh. Face it, USA wanted the win more - and our guys was playing the game just for fun trying not to get injured. It was a good game- I thought this tnt side kept the ball well and moved it well for the majority of the game- However, USA was quicker to the ball and YES we came out hard then after 40 mins we bun. So it's not that we didnt play well, we just didnt pace ourselves well. I saw the team opening 40 mins playing high up the pitch and forcing errors keeping the ball in the opposition area.. this is unprecedented and if it wasnt for some poor finishing and movement in the USA box we could of scored atleast 5.
Hart matched Jurgens team - we looked good. This scoreline flatters the USA - after the first goal momentum shifted and this is b.c US was solid at the back - it seemed like a mountain to climb - then the team became complacent in a 20 min span and gifted the game to a gasping desperate USA side. Moments I was worried about is when Alitdore went 1 on 1 with abu bakr and won the battle.. this should never happen.. gotta work on ur fitness... oh and Pulusic.. that kid is always in the gym he talked about it on his interview.. he is small so he is working hard on his physicality.. he is pacey good ball control and if u dont take him down he will keep running at u.
Gratz to USA and a good lesson learnt for TNT .. alot of data to process and areas to work on.. if we had won ... we wouldnt care to improve now we know what we have to do to qualify - concentration for full 95 mins..
48
Football / Re: Thread for the T&T vs USA Game (6-Sept-2016)
« on: September 03, 2016, 12:48:00 PM »
I had time today to watch some key moments vs Guatemala and if changes are not made it could be a painful experience in Jacksonville -45 mins away from my home.
I know this is the USA thread, however it's very important to understand what challenges affect this team. So let me get straight to it, and keep in mind I am overly critical when it comes to the National team. Maybe I expect too much or hoping somehow there is luck or more fingernails I can chew on.
Lets start with our captain - Kenwyne Jones has been a rock - maybe he realize this is potentially his last qualification campaign which is very important for his legacy. Thus he spends alot of time on the pitch organizing his team - you can see it after the first Guatemala goal clearly- this exerts alot of his energy because like most trinis they don't react until disaster strikes. If Jones and the staff can properly advise each and every player on their purpose before the game maybe it will relieve some of the work he has to do verbally.
Secondly and staying on topic with the captain - he is an outlet to release pressure from the backline - however been the point man of the attack means that the opposition can safely start from the back (offensive third) and start building from that. If you analyse any big team today you will find they don't allow defenders to easily come out of that position - this creates chaos and mistakes - it also helps keep the play higher up so the midfield can focus more on positing rather than been defensive which also creates mistakes like the one Kevan George made that allowed Guatemala to score their second. Because of the lack of offensive third pressure teams can completely bypass our midfield and get behind us to create an opportunity. Thus alot of you guys here will say "oh our middle sucks" it's not fair assumption... our problem is the offensive third. I always believe Jones is better off connected to the midfield as an outlet rather than a stand alone striker upfront.
With all of the above said it's hard to be critical when the team has qualifiedfor the hex but playing the usa at home is important because they themselves has opened their eyes especially from copa - they know the team is not structured well enough to deal with the physical high pressure teams from comebol. Understanding the dynamic of the Americans is paramount if our ambitions are to reach Russia. There will be no easy games - momentum is key. I don't endorse Kevan George in the middle he melted under pressure.. Also I didn't like changing the dynamic of the team when they were ahead - this team must be able to play for 90+ mins and the captain is expected to be there til the end -barring injuries. 90 mins is when you start changing personnel to kill off the stoppage time not 10 mins from time.
So lets hope these comments were taking as constructive criticism and not as derogatory comments. See you in Jacksonville.
Can't wait for "Touches" reports - I live for dem tings <3
I know this is the USA thread, however it's very important to understand what challenges affect this team. So let me get straight to it, and keep in mind I am overly critical when it comes to the National team. Maybe I expect too much or hoping somehow there is luck or more fingernails I can chew on.
Lets start with our captain - Kenwyne Jones has been a rock - maybe he realize this is potentially his last qualification campaign which is very important for his legacy. Thus he spends alot of time on the pitch organizing his team - you can see it after the first Guatemala goal clearly- this exerts alot of his energy because like most trinis they don't react until disaster strikes. If Jones and the staff can properly advise each and every player on their purpose before the game maybe it will relieve some of the work he has to do verbally.
Secondly and staying on topic with the captain - he is an outlet to release pressure from the backline - however been the point man of the attack means that the opposition can safely start from the back (offensive third) and start building from that. If you analyse any big team today you will find they don't allow defenders to easily come out of that position - this creates chaos and mistakes - it also helps keep the play higher up so the midfield can focus more on positing rather than been defensive which also creates mistakes like the one Kevan George made that allowed Guatemala to score their second. Because of the lack of offensive third pressure teams can completely bypass our midfield and get behind us to create an opportunity. Thus alot of you guys here will say "oh our middle sucks" it's not fair assumption... our problem is the offensive third. I always believe Jones is better off connected to the midfield as an outlet rather than a stand alone striker upfront.
With all of the above said it's hard to be critical when the team has qualifiedfor the hex but playing the usa at home is important because they themselves has opened their eyes especially from copa - they know the team is not structured well enough to deal with the physical high pressure teams from comebol. Understanding the dynamic of the Americans is paramount if our ambitions are to reach Russia. There will be no easy games - momentum is key. I don't endorse Kevan George in the middle he melted under pressure.. Also I didn't like changing the dynamic of the team when they were ahead - this team must be able to play for 90+ mins and the captain is expected to be there til the end -barring injuries. 90 mins is when you start changing personnel to kill off the stoppage time not 10 mins from time.
So lets hope these comments were taking as constructive criticism and not as derogatory comments. See you in Jacksonville.
Can't wait for "Touches" reports - I live for dem tings <3
49
Football / Re: Thread for the T&T vs Guatemala Game (2-Sept-2016)
« on: August 31, 2016, 12:22:59 PM »
Everyone knows we need a result against Guatemala. The important thing here is to focus on the team fitness and mental strength similar to the away game against Guatemala in the opener. I believe the squad is strong with a nice blend of youngsters and veteran players. I hope we don't play for a draw but rather remain patient and be disciplined throughout. Would like to see every player working with and for each other and not get tangled up or see solo plays that can lead to injuries. We are at home so it's important the supporters be vocal and it's important the team gets a good start and not conceed an early goal. We have a good advantage over them but this will be a very hard game so I am hoping the squad can make us all proud with a result not just for the country but for themselves. Nothing in life is given you must work hard for every inch of success and with a bit of luck and some magic let's go to USA as a country that has qualified for the hex.
50
Football / Re: 2016 Copa America Centenario Thead
« on: June 26, 2016, 04:37:11 PM »So given the success, once again, of an american hosted tournament. I want to think that somehow it is a clarion call in some quarters to take the 18 world cup away from Russia and give it to the US.They won't take 18' away from Russia- they already started the program over there in terms of preparations. The highlight for me is the officiating that seemed biased in some cases. The tournament itself served concacaf more than it hurt it. Gold cup will benefit much from this.
In terms of security this tournament was relatively incident free and it also set records for attendance which averaged 46 K. If it were compared to Brazil 14 whose average attendance per game was 53 K the highest since USA 94 a formidable argument can be presented.
51
Football / Re: David John Williams Thread.
« on: May 19, 2016, 01:23:45 PM »
darn it ur fast.. I edited that out it's cool.. I wrote what was on my mind.
it's cool.. I wrote what was on my mind.
52
Football / Re: David John Williams Thread.
« on: May 19, 2016, 01:20:13 PM »
This has to be a joke? I refuse to believe this is true.. if it is.. then it's disappointing to know our team is spearheaded by a man who has no respect for the management and by extension this team. The positives is - we could of had an exhibition match - generate some funds by doing so - however, it brings up the question as to why was this so important to bypass management in the first place, is there some sort of personal reason behind all this - are we looking at a potential dishonest man that wishes to use the team for his own agenda. Perhaps a young Jack Warner in the making.
With this said and considering the statements made to be facts, I am confident that this move was money driven - and it would not be funding the team but taking away from it. my 2 cents. I am sorry to think the worse but we have been soaked in this stuff for years with Jack Warner.. I can't think of this any differently.
Edit: How is it we end up with these guys in the first place? Who votes for these guys???
With this said and considering the statements made to be facts, I am confident that this move was money driven - and it would not be funding the team but taking away from it. my 2 cents. I am sorry to think the worse but we have been soaked in this stuff for years with Jack Warner.. I can't think of this any differently.
Edit: How is it we end up with these guys in the first place? Who votes for these guys???
53
Football / Re: Thread for the T&T vs St Vincent Game (29-Mar-2016)
« on: March 29, 2016, 09:57:34 PM »
Cant count on draw with Guatemala they have St.Vincent last.... and they can rack up the goals for that.. hopefully not tho.
54
Football / Re: Thread for the T&T vs St Vincent Game (29-Mar-2016)
« on: March 29, 2016, 08:21:37 PM »
any highlights ? had to work and missed the game 
55
Football / Re: Thread for the T&T vs St Vincent Game (29-Mar-2016)
« on: March 29, 2016, 12:26:13 PM »
If we up like 4 or 5 goals sean can get a run. but with all due respect to sean - he is untested at this level and we need these 3 points desperately.
56
Football / Re: Thread for the T&T vs St Vincent Game (29-Mar-2016)
« on: March 28, 2016, 03:34:55 PM »
Marvin Phillip
Daneil Cyrus ,Sheldon Bateau Mekeil Williams Aubrey David
Joevin Jones Andre Boucaud Khaleem Hyland Molino
Jones Plaza
To gamble on Sean can be risky- too important sorry - foncette too - Levi best of the bench good ignition for a team and fresh legs- Hyland too important to be left out
To score as many as possible would be ideal.. our goal difference is not as great as Guatemala or USA if it comes down to that- Remember we have USA away and tricky Guatemala side that has belief they can get a result against us after they recked USA. Cautious warriors don't play around with this one.
Daneil Cyrus ,Sheldon Bateau Mekeil Williams Aubrey David
Joevin Jones Andre Boucaud Khaleem Hyland Molino
Jones Plaza
To gamble on Sean can be risky- too important sorry - foncette too - Levi best of the bench good ignition for a team and fresh legs- Hyland too important to be left out
To score as many as possible would be ideal.. our goal difference is not as great as Guatemala or USA if it comes down to that- Remember we have USA away and tricky Guatemala side that has belief they can get a result against us after they recked USA. Cautious warriors don't play around with this one.
57
Football / Re: Levi Garcia Thread
« on: March 28, 2016, 12:37:33 PM »
Trinidad's lonely tulip in full bloom Levi Garcia
Fifa.com Reports
Trinidad and Tobago coach Stephen Hart had a problem. Down a goal in St. Vincent, his side was short on inspiration and in need of a spark. The boss looked up and down the bench, where one set of eyes gleamed sharper, more eager, than the rest. They were the eyes of a boy, barely old enough to drive. But Levi Garcia’s eyes were hungry.
“It was like a dream,” Garcia, just 18, told FIFA.com about being handed his senior debut with the game on the line, that golden moment when a player either becomes a hero or comes up short. “The coach just told me ‘go out and do what you came to do.’”
What Garcia did was score twice, crucial interventions in a game that proved far trickier than the pundits predicted. The 3-2 win sent the Soca Warriors to the top of their Russia 2018 qualifying group, ahead of giants USA. Garcia’s first goal came 13 minutes after taking the field. A series of blinding step-overs, reminiscent of his hero Neymar, bamboozled his marker out wide before the youngster cut inside and fired home a rocket of a right-footer. The second, a match-winner, was a calm tap-in on the end of a long ball. When the final whistle went at the Arnos Vale cricket ground in Kingstown, it was clear that something special had been glimpsed.
Hug of relief
The spiky-haired winger was hugged tightly by his coach as the players milled off the bumpy grass, warm smiles for their young teammate on his big day. The embrace was tinged with relief, and gratitude, the excitement of finding a rare gem in the dust of an overlooked drawer. Garcia’s class, a cut above everyone else on the pitch, was evident from his first touch.
It was this elegance, speed and sharpness that earned the teenager a move last year to the Netherlands, to Europe’s big stages where Trinidadians are in short supply. He was given a trial and was determined not to blow it. “I showed what I could do,” said the affable youngster, aware of his skills but falling short of over-confidence. He received special training from Dutch legend Marco van Basten, then assistant at AZ Alkmaar, and was soon handed a debut with the first team. 2016’s been a year of firsts for the boy.
“I felt a real fear then. It was a fright,” Garcia said about making his first appearance for AZ in one of Europe’s top leagues, not even two months ago, against Rotterdam giants Feyenoord. “Big stadium. Big crowd. It was all new and almost too exciting. But when I got my first touches, I settled into it and it was just like any other game.”
The first games Garcia remembers were in the back garden with his three older brothers in the tiny village of Santa Flora in Trinidad’s south. “They used to rough me up, if you know what I mean. I was the youngest so they kind of knocked me around,” he said, with a fond chuckle for home, knowing no one’s pushing him around now.
Those early tests served him well. He scored his first goal for Alkmaar last month and he’s already being called the biggest thing to come out of the dual-island national since Dwight Yorke. Born in 1997, two years before the legend Yorke won a famous treble with Manchester United, the young winger’s not even old enough to remember Trinidad’s historic appearance at Germany 2006, where his current captain Kenwyne Jones was the youngest player in the team. “I saw the clips on YouTube and people are always talking about it back home,” Garcia said, sheepishly.
Long way from home
Despite being a star on the rise, Garcia’s also a young man – often a long way from home – trying to make his way. “You miss your people a lot sometimes,” he said of his life in the Lowlands, a country far from the aromatic scent of Doubles, a local Trini delicacy of chickpeas and fried bread, and the tender goat meat of the roti shops that dot the island. “I’m the lonely Trinidad guy out there in Holland and that makes me feel like I have to make it. There’s no going home without making it, without going to the sky.”
Trinidad and Tobago head home on Tuesday to play St. Vincent again. The fans at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, having glimpsed a new hero, will be eager for their teenage sensation to make the starting XI. But it’s still the boss’s call.
“Home or away, we’re always looking to get the three points,” concluded Garcia, eager for a nap before training, with a clarity born of youth. “Home or away, anyway we get those points is the right way.”
Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2016/m=3/news=trinidad-s-lonely-tulip-in-full-bloom-2772888.html
Fifa.com Reports
Trinidad and Tobago coach Stephen Hart had a problem. Down a goal in St. Vincent, his side was short on inspiration and in need of a spark. The boss looked up and down the bench, where one set of eyes gleamed sharper, more eager, than the rest. They were the eyes of a boy, barely old enough to drive. But Levi Garcia’s eyes were hungry.
“It was like a dream,” Garcia, just 18, told FIFA.com about being handed his senior debut with the game on the line, that golden moment when a player either becomes a hero or comes up short. “The coach just told me ‘go out and do what you came to do.’”
What Garcia did was score twice, crucial interventions in a game that proved far trickier than the pundits predicted. The 3-2 win sent the Soca Warriors to the top of their Russia 2018 qualifying group, ahead of giants USA. Garcia’s first goal came 13 minutes after taking the field. A series of blinding step-overs, reminiscent of his hero Neymar, bamboozled his marker out wide before the youngster cut inside and fired home a rocket of a right-footer. The second, a match-winner, was a calm tap-in on the end of a long ball. When the final whistle went at the Arnos Vale cricket ground in Kingstown, it was clear that something special had been glimpsed.
Hug of relief
The spiky-haired winger was hugged tightly by his coach as the players milled off the bumpy grass, warm smiles for their young teammate on his big day. The embrace was tinged with relief, and gratitude, the excitement of finding a rare gem in the dust of an overlooked drawer. Garcia’s class, a cut above everyone else on the pitch, was evident from his first touch.
It was this elegance, speed and sharpness that earned the teenager a move last year to the Netherlands, to Europe’s big stages where Trinidadians are in short supply. He was given a trial and was determined not to blow it. “I showed what I could do,” said the affable youngster, aware of his skills but falling short of over-confidence. He received special training from Dutch legend Marco van Basten, then assistant at AZ Alkmaar, and was soon handed a debut with the first team. 2016’s been a year of firsts for the boy.
“I felt a real fear then. It was a fright,” Garcia said about making his first appearance for AZ in one of Europe’s top leagues, not even two months ago, against Rotterdam giants Feyenoord. “Big stadium. Big crowd. It was all new and almost too exciting. But when I got my first touches, I settled into it and it was just like any other game.”
The first games Garcia remembers were in the back garden with his three older brothers in the tiny village of Santa Flora in Trinidad’s south. “They used to rough me up, if you know what I mean. I was the youngest so they kind of knocked me around,” he said, with a fond chuckle for home, knowing no one’s pushing him around now.
Those early tests served him well. He scored his first goal for Alkmaar last month and he’s already being called the biggest thing to come out of the dual-island national since Dwight Yorke. Born in 1997, two years before the legend Yorke won a famous treble with Manchester United, the young winger’s not even old enough to remember Trinidad’s historic appearance at Germany 2006, where his current captain Kenwyne Jones was the youngest player in the team. “I saw the clips on YouTube and people are always talking about it back home,” Garcia said, sheepishly.
Long way from home
Despite being a star on the rise, Garcia’s also a young man – often a long way from home – trying to make his way. “You miss your people a lot sometimes,” he said of his life in the Lowlands, a country far from the aromatic scent of Doubles, a local Trini delicacy of chickpeas and fried bread, and the tender goat meat of the roti shops that dot the island. “I’m the lonely Trinidad guy out there in Holland and that makes me feel like I have to make it. There’s no going home without making it, without going to the sky.”
Trinidad and Tobago head home on Tuesday to play St. Vincent again. The fans at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, having glimpsed a new hero, will be eager for their teenage sensation to make the starting XI. But it’s still the boss’s call.
“Home or away, we’re always looking to get the three points,” concluded Garcia, eager for a nap before training, with a clarity born of youth. “Home or away, anyway we get those points is the right way.”
Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2016/m=3/news=trinidad-s-lonely-tulip-in-full-bloom-2772888.html
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Football / Re: Thread for the T&T vs St Vincent Game (25-Mar-2016)
« on: March 25, 2016, 12:42:54 AM »
Funny sean get called up after "guyana talk" lol. it's about time the kid got ah bligh central did well in the past couple years was kinda surprised he didnt make the squad back then.
it's about time the kid got ah bligh central did well in the past couple years was kinda surprised he didnt make the squad back then.
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Football / Re: Guyana eyes De Silva; Central star in spotlight for Caledonia Bowl final.
« on: February 20, 2016, 12:07:41 AM »
I thought for sure coach had looked at him before or he was capped at some point.. this is still shocking! He is still young though, international football wouldn't be a priority for me if I was in his position, it would be more focused on the club. If Sean is a pure trini then I don't see him playing for anyone else even if it never becomes a reality.
Who knows what can happen, maybe a new coach for tnt someday that will look at De Silva as an option, or Hart finds a way to fit him in somehow.. anything can happen. wish him the best.
Who knows what can happen, maybe a new coach for tnt someday that will look at De Silva as an option, or Hart finds a way to fit him in somehow.. anything can happen. wish him the best.
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Football / Re: Nick DeLeon declines T&T call-up.
« on: January 15, 2016, 05:28:32 PM »
Oh wow.. That's great news! Wish him well.