331
Flex I know you have some connections could you bring this question up when your in contact with Shaun Replica uniforms of the Strike Squad for the game against the US for Socawarriors on the 17th of Aug.
April 24, 2024, 09:17:08 AM
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332
Football / Warriors take another early Gold Cup exit
« on: July 12, 2005, 08:37:20 PM »
Warriors take another early Gold Cup exit
By Shaun Fuentes in Miami
Trinidad and Tobago’s senior team, for the second consecutive Gold Cup, crashed out in the first round when needing a draw to go through to the next stage, by giving a lackadaisical display and conceding two second half goals to lose 2-0 to Colombia.
The result knocked the “Warriors” out of the tournament as it meant they finished fourth in Group A.
Head coach Leo Beenhakker held his hands up after the match, saying it was clear that his team was badly out of sorts in the match. But all is not lost as the team still holds a decent chance of sneaking a spot in Germany and that journey continues on August 17 away to the United States.
“Colombia played well and they deserved the win,” Beenhakker conceded. “They also played well in the past two games but they didn’t get the luck. I think you could easily have seen that our team just couldn’t get prepared enough for this game which was 48 hours after the last game and it showed out there today. We didn’t have a lot of possession, we didn’t have much in offense and the truth is that our goalkeeper for the first seventy minutes saved the day for us,” Beenhakker told TTFF Media.
“Most of the time we never start too strong and today it was like that again. Colombia were strong from the first period of the match. Up to now I have not been able to change that. We played a little bit better in the second half but that doesn’t mean that we played well. Colombia played well and the deserved the win,”
Asked whether the conditions did not favour his team, Beenhakker said that should not be an excuse.
“I can’t change the heat and I can’t change the pressure. We have to be prepared to play these kind of matches. Once again, I am very pleased that everybody is going back to their clubs now especially the guys that play in Europe. They will start their preparation and start playing in their normal leagues so that for the next game we should not have any problems about players not being fully ready. At least we have half of August and then it’s off to the US for our next qualifying game.”
When questioned on how he will now get this team focused and ready for the next qualifier having seen what some players could offer in the Gold Cup which can now only be seen as three warm-up games, Beenhakker said a lot will tell inside the last week before the game.
“You know how it is. Everybody is going back to their clubs now and I have to get them back five days before the USA game. That’s all there is to it. Hopefully everyone will be in good shape and then we regroup to get ready. We already said this week that our power up front is with three players, Stern John, Dwight Yorke and Carlos Edwards. Two of them were not able to play in this tournament. Hopefully they will be with us next month and the only thing I can do now is to look at the few local players before the last week before the game, ” Beenhakker added.
Probably the only positive note coming out of the last game was that Marvin Andrews received a just a knock to his left ankle and not his knee as alarm bells were at first ringing especially after he went down a second time and had to be replaced by Atiba Charles in the second half. The ankle blow is not serious. When Andrews went down though, the Colombians continued to play around the penalty box, the Mexican referee Marco Rodriguez never blew his whistle until the play led to a foul atop the box which resulted in Colombia’s first goal.
On another note though, a rule in the Gold Cup showed that players who received two yellow cards in separate matches and did not serve the suspension in the same tournament, would have to do so in any other competition to follow which means that midfielder Chris Birchall and Avery John are both out of the next World Cup qualifier against United States. However, if a player picked up one yellow in the Gold Cup and already had a previous one from the World Cup qualifiers, he would have been allowed to play the next Gold Cup game as earlier cards were wiped out for the tournament. But those who had only one card before the Gold Cup and did not receive any during the tournament, still go back into the qualifiers with one caution to their name.
By Shaun Fuentes in Miami
Trinidad and Tobago’s senior team, for the second consecutive Gold Cup, crashed out in the first round when needing a draw to go through to the next stage, by giving a lackadaisical display and conceding two second half goals to lose 2-0 to Colombia.
The result knocked the “Warriors” out of the tournament as it meant they finished fourth in Group A.
Head coach Leo Beenhakker held his hands up after the match, saying it was clear that his team was badly out of sorts in the match. But all is not lost as the team still holds a decent chance of sneaking a spot in Germany and that journey continues on August 17 away to the United States.
“Colombia played well and they deserved the win,” Beenhakker conceded. “They also played well in the past two games but they didn’t get the luck. I think you could easily have seen that our team just couldn’t get prepared enough for this game which was 48 hours after the last game and it showed out there today. We didn’t have a lot of possession, we didn’t have much in offense and the truth is that our goalkeeper for the first seventy minutes saved the day for us,” Beenhakker told TTFF Media.
“Most of the time we never start too strong and today it was like that again. Colombia were strong from the first period of the match. Up to now I have not been able to change that. We played a little bit better in the second half but that doesn’t mean that we played well. Colombia played well and the deserved the win,”
Asked whether the conditions did not favour his team, Beenhakker said that should not be an excuse.
“I can’t change the heat and I can’t change the pressure. We have to be prepared to play these kind of matches. Once again, I am very pleased that everybody is going back to their clubs now especially the guys that play in Europe. They will start their preparation and start playing in their normal leagues so that for the next game we should not have any problems about players not being fully ready. At least we have half of August and then it’s off to the US for our next qualifying game.”
When questioned on how he will now get this team focused and ready for the next qualifier having seen what some players could offer in the Gold Cup which can now only be seen as three warm-up games, Beenhakker said a lot will tell inside the last week before the game.
“You know how it is. Everybody is going back to their clubs now and I have to get them back five days before the USA game. That’s all there is to it. Hopefully everyone will be in good shape and then we regroup to get ready. We already said this week that our power up front is with three players, Stern John, Dwight Yorke and Carlos Edwards. Two of them were not able to play in this tournament. Hopefully they will be with us next month and the only thing I can do now is to look at the few local players before the last week before the game, ” Beenhakker added.
Probably the only positive note coming out of the last game was that Marvin Andrews received a just a knock to his left ankle and not his knee as alarm bells were at first ringing especially after he went down a second time and had to be replaced by Atiba Charles in the second half. The ankle blow is not serious. When Andrews went down though, the Colombians continued to play around the penalty box, the Mexican referee Marco Rodriguez never blew his whistle until the play led to a foul atop the box which resulted in Colombia’s first goal.
On another note though, a rule in the Gold Cup showed that players who received two yellow cards in separate matches and did not serve the suspension in the same tournament, would have to do so in any other competition to follow which means that midfielder Chris Birchall and Avery John are both out of the next World Cup qualifier against United States. However, if a player picked up one yellow in the Gold Cup and already had a previous one from the World Cup qualifiers, he would have been allowed to play the next Gold Cup game as earlier cards were wiped out for the tournament. But those who had only one card before the Gold Cup and did not receive any during the tournament, still go back into the qualifiers with one caution to their name.
333
Football / Fire de Coach!!!!!
« on: July 12, 2005, 07:48:58 PM »
Just kidding this has been the most popular response after the team get a bad result but lets face our players are not that good it mite be hard to digest but that has to be the most logistical reason for our failures our midfield is stagnant no creativity and the bout to score John CAN’T SCORE if the pay him lets face we had the best of coaches and the worst of coaches we can’t continue to play poorly so the players have to step up, all is not lost SOCAWARRIORS AL THE WAY
334
Football / Replica uniforms of Strike Squad for Socawarriors
« on: July 12, 2005, 02:12:56 PM »
Fellas after seeing tallman’s post with the old strike squad uniform I came up with this idea for the game in the US we can where a replica uniform of the strike squad in Connecticut I’ve seen the US used there replicas before maybe it will inspire the players also the supports what you guy think
335
Football / Possible changes to the starting line up
« on: July 07, 2005, 11:48:39 AM »
I believe the coach is using the tournament to look at all the players I expect him to make some changes to the currant team. He should replace the two wing men with Cornell Glen on the left with Colin Samuel on the right. Stern would be replaced by Jones, Gray replaced by Atiba also Andrews need a break. And finally Spann could replace Autis Whitley.
336
Football / Q&A with Silvio Spann
« on: July 01, 2005, 01:55:52 PM »
Q&A with Silvio Spann
01-Jul-2005
Shaun Fuentes .
1.What’s your most memorable moment or match, whether for country or Club?
Scoring from half field in the 2001 FA Final for Vibe CT 105 W Connection against Arima Fire. For country, scoring the penalty against Jamaica to win match 2-1 in 2004 Olympic qualifier in Mexico.
2. Name two persons, whether relative or not who have been an inspiration to you.
My father Leroy and Mother Joyce
3.Any favourite player or team?
It’s between Russell Latapy and Zinedine Zidane. My favourite team is Brazil.
4. Any other favourite sport.
Basketball
5. What would be your preferred other profession.
Manager of my own business.
6. What do you hope to accomplish either in next 5 years or end of playing career. Qualifying and playing in a World Cup and playing professionally in Europe.
7. Who’s been among your most admired coaches and why?
Stuart Charles Fevirer because he helped me transform into a professional player after I came out of the Colleges League.
8. What do you think of T&T’s chances of making it to the 2006 World Cup. With God, anything is possible and I believe once we put all our minds and efforts together, we shall qualify.
9. What areas you think need improving on and how do you think this can be achieved.
We need to have more movement off the ball in the game which will enable quicker support and also not giving away the ball easily. Also we need more support from the people in the country.
10. Any instances or plays that you always reflect on.
When I earned my first overseas professional contract in Italy. I had to play three back to back games in one week and scored in every match for Perugia.
11. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received.
Hang onto God’s unchanging hands. I read that.
12. What do you do to relax away from the game.
Read the bible.
13. What’s your favorite dish?
Roti and pumpkin and anything else curried.
14. Favourite drink.
A tall glass of cold Grapefruit Juice
15. Favorite time of year?
Christmas.
16. Most comfortable football boot?
Total 90 Nike boots.
17. Name one thing about yourself you would change if given the chance? Even if it meant going back in time.
Coming back home after being offered another contract with ah Italian club in 2000. I should have signed and remained.
01-Jul-2005
Shaun Fuentes .
1.What’s your most memorable moment or match, whether for country or Club?
Scoring from half field in the 2001 FA Final for Vibe CT 105 W Connection against Arima Fire. For country, scoring the penalty against Jamaica to win match 2-1 in 2004 Olympic qualifier in Mexico.
2. Name two persons, whether relative or not who have been an inspiration to you.
My father Leroy and Mother Joyce
3.Any favourite player or team?
It’s between Russell Latapy and Zinedine Zidane. My favourite team is Brazil.
4. Any other favourite sport.
Basketball
5. What would be your preferred other profession.
Manager of my own business.
6. What do you hope to accomplish either in next 5 years or end of playing career. Qualifying and playing in a World Cup and playing professionally in Europe.
7. Who’s been among your most admired coaches and why?
Stuart Charles Fevirer because he helped me transform into a professional player after I came out of the Colleges League.
8. What do you think of T&T’s chances of making it to the 2006 World Cup. With God, anything is possible and I believe once we put all our minds and efforts together, we shall qualify.
9. What areas you think need improving on and how do you think this can be achieved.
We need to have more movement off the ball in the game which will enable quicker support and also not giving away the ball easily. Also we need more support from the people in the country.
10. Any instances or plays that you always reflect on.
When I earned my first overseas professional contract in Italy. I had to play three back to back games in one week and scored in every match for Perugia.
11. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received.
Hang onto God’s unchanging hands. I read that.
12. What do you do to relax away from the game.
Read the bible.
13. What’s your favorite dish?
Roti and pumpkin and anything else curried.
14. Favourite drink.
A tall glass of cold Grapefruit Juice
15. Favorite time of year?
Christmas.
16. Most comfortable football boot?
Total 90 Nike boots.
17. Name one thing about yourself you would change if given the chance? Even if it meant going back in time.
Coming back home after being offered another contract with ah Italian club in 2000. I should have signed and remained.
337
Football / South Africa selects depleted squad for CONCACAF championship
« on: June 30, 2005, 07:17:44 PM »South Africa selects depleted squad for CONCACAF championship
June 30, 2005
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AP) -- The South African national team will play in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the United States with a roster devoid of nearly all of its European-based players and without of some of its top domestic talent.
``We have to make the best of the situation,'' coach Stuart Baxter said Thursday in announcing the 19-player roster. ``It is a pity we could not have approached the Gold Cup with better planning, but we must now strive to get whatever we can out of the event as far as results are concerned -- and in unearthing talent for the future.''
The 12-team, 18-day continental championship for North and Central America and the Caribbean begins Wednesday in Miami. South Africa will open against Mexico on Friday in Los Angeles.
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Baxter said he would select four more players before the team departs for the United States on Sunday.
Injuries and club refusals have deprived Baxter of the likes of goalkeeper Hans Vonk, defenders Aaron Mokeona and Nasief Morris, midfielders Steven Pienaar and Delron Buckley, and forwards Benni McCarthy and Shaun Bartlett.
South African clubs Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns also held on to their first-choice players, saying they were needed for the unofficial Vodacom Challenge and Peace Cup tournaments.
The Orlando Pirates agreed to release several top players including Benedict Vilakazi, Gift Leremi and Lebohang Mokoena for the game against Mexico -- but will recall them for the Vodacom Challenge event.
338
Football / FIFA has suspended Barbados from any international activity read at bottom of po
« on: June 29, 2005, 11:59:17 AM »FIFA to crack down further on racism
FRANKFURT, June 29 (Reuters) - FIFA has given itself the power to punish member associations who fail to take proper disciplinary action following acts of racism.
The move, which effectively toughens its existing rules on dealing with racism issues, was ratified by FIFA's executive committee on Wednesday.
"FIFA has now been assured a legal tool with which to sanction member associations that fail to discipline racist incidents in accordance with the FIFA statutes and the FIFA disciplinary code," the game's ruling body said in a statement.
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FIFA president Sepp Blatter said: "Racism will now be dealt with in the same way as any other violation of the disciplinary code."
Blatter also told a news conference that the Ethics and Fair Play committee was considering proposals for a permanent memorial to Marc-Vivien Foe, the Cameroon midfielder who collapsed and died during the 2003 Confederations Cup in France.
"This is a matter very close to me and one that I have always felt emotional about. We will make a decision in due course," Blatter said.
The committee also agreed that FIFA's Code of Ethics would be amended to prohibit anyone directly involved in a match from betting on any aspect of it. It is also going to set up "an early warning system" that will alert the authorities to irregular betting on matches.
FIFA has suspended Barbados from any international activity because one of its members is violating the ruling body's statutes. The case will be dealt with by FIFA's disciplinary committee.
The executive committee also gave the go-ahead for the introduction of a women's under-17 World Cup.
Updated
339
Football / Good news for Jones
« on: June 29, 2005, 11:21:07 AM »Phillips makes immediate Premiership return with Villa
June 29, 2005
LONDON (AFP) - Former England striker Kevin Phillips is poised to make an immediate return to the Premiership with a move to Aston Villa.
The Midlanders have agreed a fee of 750,000 pounds (1.35 million dollars) with Southampton for the 31-year-old who was due to undergo a medical on Wednesday afternoon.
Villa manager David O'Leary has made strengthening his forward line a priority this summer after his team scored just 45 goals in the Premier League last season.
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No player managed to score double figures and midfielder Nolberto Solano finished as top scorer with just nine goals in all competitions.
Phillips made his name at Sunderland where he was a hot-shot in the old First Division before earning an England call-up after the Black Cats won promotion to the Premiership.
He then moved to St Mary's in August 2003 for 3.25 million pounds (5.85 million dollars) after Sunderland suffered relegation.
He scored 23 goals in 64 top flight appearances for the Saints, including 13 last season, but becomes the first big-name player to leave Harry Redknapp's men since their relegation to the Championship in May.
Updated on Wednesday, Jun 29, 2005 11:19 am EDT
340
Football / FIFA says Mexico confirms positive doping tests
« on: June 24, 2005, 01:56:55 PM »BERLIN, June 24 (Reuters) - Two Mexican soccer players who were expelled from the Confederations Cup this week tested positive for banned substances, FIFA said on Friday.
"According to the Mexican football association's initial report, which has yet to be completed, two players, Aaron Galindo and Salvador Carmona, tested positive," the world governing body said in a staetment.
Updated
341
Football / Arena selects most regulars for Gold Cup
« on: June 23, 2005, 12:15:01 PM »
Arena selects most regulars for Gold Cup
June 23, 2005
CHICAGO (AP) -- Landon Donovan, DaMarcus Beasley, Eddie Johnson and Kasey Keller headlined the 23-man roster picked Thursday by U.S. coach Bruce Arena for next month's CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Midfielder Chris Armas, who has not played with the national team since last Aug. 18 because of injuries, is on the roster for the tournament, the championship of soccer's North and Central American and Caribbean region.
Also picked were oft-injured midfielder John O'Brien, who has played just one game for the United States since the 2002 World Cup, and defender Tony Sanneh, who also has been sidelined by injuries.
Three players with no international experience were selected: Kansas City defender Jimmy Conrad, San Jose midfielder Brad Davis, New England goalkeeper Matt Reis.
U.S. captain Claudio Reyna, who is taking time off to prepare for his upcoming English Premier League season with Manchester City, is skipping the tournament along with Fulham's Brian McBride and Carlos Bocanegra; Preston North End's Eddie Lewis; and Reading's Bobby Convey. Manchester United goalkeeper Tim Howard, rehabilitating a shoulder injury, also is not on the roster.
Defenders Cory Gibbs of the Netherlands' Feyenoord, who is rehabbing a left knee injury, and Gregg Berhalter of Germany's Energie Cottbus also were bypassed.
The Americans, who won the title in 1991 and 2002, are in Group B in the 12-nation tournament, will gather June 26 in Portland, Ore. They open with a pair of games in Seattle, against Cuba on July 7 and Canada on July 9, then play Costa Rica on July 12 at Foxboro, Mass. The final is July 24 at East Rutherford, N.J.
The complete roster:
Goalkeepers: Marcus Hahnemann (Reading, England), Kasey Keller (Borussia Moenchengladbach, Germany), Matt Reis (New England)
Defenders: Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96, Germany), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liege, Belgium), Eddie Pope (Salt Lake), Tony Sanneh (Chicago), Greg Vanney (Dallas)
Midfielders: Chris Armas (Chicago), DaMarcus Beasley (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands), Brad Davis (San Jose), Clint Dempsey (New England), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado), John OBrien (ADO Den Haag, Netherlands), Ben Olsen (D.C.), Steve Ralston (New England)
Forwards: Conor Casey (FSV Mainz, Germany), Eddie Johnson (Dallas), Pat Noonan (New England), Josh Wolff (Kansas City)
June 23, 2005
CHICAGO (AP) -- Landon Donovan, DaMarcus Beasley, Eddie Johnson and Kasey Keller headlined the 23-man roster picked Thursday by U.S. coach Bruce Arena for next month's CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Midfielder Chris Armas, who has not played with the national team since last Aug. 18 because of injuries, is on the roster for the tournament, the championship of soccer's North and Central American and Caribbean region.
Also picked were oft-injured midfielder John O'Brien, who has played just one game for the United States since the 2002 World Cup, and defender Tony Sanneh, who also has been sidelined by injuries.
Three players with no international experience were selected: Kansas City defender Jimmy Conrad, San Jose midfielder Brad Davis, New England goalkeeper Matt Reis.
U.S. captain Claudio Reyna, who is taking time off to prepare for his upcoming English Premier League season with Manchester City, is skipping the tournament along with Fulham's Brian McBride and Carlos Bocanegra; Preston North End's Eddie Lewis; and Reading's Bobby Convey. Manchester United goalkeeper Tim Howard, rehabilitating a shoulder injury, also is not on the roster.
Defenders Cory Gibbs of the Netherlands' Feyenoord, who is rehabbing a left knee injury, and Gregg Berhalter of Germany's Energie Cottbus also were bypassed.
The Americans, who won the title in 1991 and 2002, are in Group B in the 12-nation tournament, will gather June 26 in Portland, Ore. They open with a pair of games in Seattle, against Cuba on July 7 and Canada on July 9, then play Costa Rica on July 12 at Foxboro, Mass. The final is July 24 at East Rutherford, N.J.
The complete roster:
Goalkeepers: Marcus Hahnemann (Reading, England), Kasey Keller (Borussia Moenchengladbach, Germany), Matt Reis (New England)
Defenders: Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96, Germany), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liege, Belgium), Eddie Pope (Salt Lake), Tony Sanneh (Chicago), Greg Vanney (Dallas)
Midfielders: Chris Armas (Chicago), DaMarcus Beasley (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands), Brad Davis (San Jose), Clint Dempsey (New England), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado), John OBrien (ADO Den Haag, Netherlands), Ben Olsen (D.C.), Steve Ralston (New England)
Forwards: Conor Casey (FSV Mainz, Germany), Eddie Johnson (Dallas), Pat Noonan (New England), Josh Wolff (Kansas City)
342
Football / Senegal sports minister sacked as World Cup hopes fade
« on: June 22, 2005, 05:44:59 PM »
Senegal sports minister sacked as World Cup hopes fade
DAKAR, June 22 (Reuters) - Senegal President Abdoulaye Wade has sacked Sports Minister Youssoupha Ndiaye following the national soccer team's 2-2 draw against Togo last weekend that jeopardised their chances of reaching the 2006 World Cup.
"The duties of Youssoupha Wade as Minister of State and Sports Minister have been ended," said a Presidential decree on Wednesday. "The duties of Sports Minister are carried by the Prime Minister (Macky Sall)."
President Wade took the decision after mounting criticism of the team's performances in the press this week and calls for the sacking of the sports minister, Senegal's coach Frenchman Guy Stephan, and other officials within the soccer governing body.
"Things falls apart," said one headline after the draw with Group One leaders Togo left Senegal third, two points adrift of their opponents on Saturday and a point behind Zambia with two matches left in the race to reach the finals in Germany.
Senegal beat former colonial power France, who were the reigning world champions, in the opening game of the 2002 World Cup on their way to the quarter-finals. Only the winners from the five African zone groups will qualify for the World Cup.
DAKAR, June 22 (Reuters) - Senegal President Abdoulaye Wade has sacked Sports Minister Youssoupha Ndiaye following the national soccer team's 2-2 draw against Togo last weekend that jeopardised their chances of reaching the 2006 World Cup.
"The duties of Youssoupha Wade as Minister of State and Sports Minister have been ended," said a Presidential decree on Wednesday. "The duties of Sports Minister are carried by the Prime Minister (Macky Sall)."
President Wade took the decision after mounting criticism of the team's performances in the press this week and calls for the sacking of the sports minister, Senegal's coach Frenchman Guy Stephan, and other officials within the soccer governing body.
"Things falls apart," said one headline after the draw with Group One leaders Togo left Senegal third, two points adrift of their opponents on Saturday and a point behind Zambia with two matches left in the race to reach the finals in Germany.
Senegal beat former colonial power France, who were the reigning world champions, in the opening game of the 2002 World Cup on their way to the quarter-finals. Only the winners from the five African zone groups will qualify for the World Cup.
343
Football / China 2, Costa Rica 0
« on: June 22, 2005, 05:21:44 PM »
China 2, Costa Rica 0
June 22, 2005
AP - Jun 19, 7:44 pm EDT
More Photos
GUANGZHOU, China (AP) -- Costa Rica completed a two-game exhibition tour Wednesday with a 2-0 loss to China.
Zheng Zhi converted a penalty kick in the 45th minute after Xie Hui was brought down in the penalty area, and Xie scored 10 minutes into the second half off a pass from Wang Liang.
China, eliminated last year in World Cup qualifying, got its first win since Zhu Guanghu took over as coach in March. The teams tied 2-2 in Beijing on Sunday,
Costa Rica is third in the final round of World Cup qualifying in the North and Central American and Caribbean region with seven points, six behind Mexico and five back of the United States. The top three teams earn berths in next year's tournament.
June 22, 2005
AP - Jun 19, 7:44 pm EDT
More Photos
GUANGZHOU, China (AP) -- Costa Rica completed a two-game exhibition tour Wednesday with a 2-0 loss to China.
Zheng Zhi converted a penalty kick in the 45th minute after Xie Hui was brought down in the penalty area, and Xie scored 10 minutes into the second half off a pass from Wang Liang.
China, eliminated last year in World Cup qualifying, got its first win since Zhu Guanghu took over as coach in March. The teams tied 2-2 in Beijing on Sunday,
Costa Rica is third in the final round of World Cup qualifying in the North and Central American and Caribbean region with seven points, six behind Mexico and five back of the United States. The top three teams earn berths in next year's tournament.
344
Football / Mexico1 Brazil 0
« on: June 20, 2005, 12:37:24 PM »
HANOVER, Germany, June 19 (Reuters) - Jared Borgetti turned from villain to hero as his goal gave Mexico a stunning 1-0 win over world champions Brazil to seal a place in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup on Sunday.
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Borgetti, who failed to score in the first half despite taking a penalty three times, emerged as Mexico's match-winner by glancing home a 59th-minute header when he escaped his marker Kaka and left goalkeeper Dida stranded.
Mexico, who defended superbly and in goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez had the man of the match, are now unbeaten in 19 matches since Brazil beat them 4-0 in the Copa America last July.
Mexico, who face Greece in their last group match in Frankfurt on Wednesday, join hosts Germany and Argentina in the semi-finals, after they qualified from Group A on Saturday.
Brazil will meet Japan in Cologne, also on Wednesday, to decide who takes the remaining place in the last four.
"I've been the coach of the Mexican team for three years and it is very satisfying to see we are growing and able to beat the very big teams," said Argentine Ricardo La Volpe.
"We're getting better yet we play with the same style. We play the same way whether its against a small or big country."
DIFFICULT MATCH
Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, who according to some records was in charge of his 100th international, said:
"They made it a very difficult match for us. They are in except physical condition and they have very good coordination on the ball as well. Very good ball skills.
"At the same time we had several opportunities that could have been converted and changed the game but we simply didn't convert them."
A superb match full of attacking and creative soccer played on a balmy night in northern Germany ended with Mexico top of Group B with six points followed by Brazil and Japan on three and Greece, who are bottom with none.
Both teams had plenty of chances on Sunday with a total of 27 shots or headers on goal but while Mexico found the net the Brazilians squandered all of their 19 goal attempts.
They were unfortunate to be denied an equaliser after 68 minutes, though, when Adriano was ruled just offside after powering in a header from a Kaka cross.
Ronaldinho, who tried to inspire his team without much reward, summed up their night afterwards.
"We created lots of chances but they took advantage of a set piece and scored. We have to train hard to avoid making the same mistakes again."
PENALTY DRAMA
All that was missing from a first half full of attacking football and chances for both teams was a goal, although one should have been scored after 30 minutes.
Mexico were awarded a penalty by Italian referee Roberto Rosetti after Roque Junior clumsily bundled Borgetti over as they chased down a loose ball.
Borgetti slammed the penalty past goalkeeper Dida but Rosetti ruled that Mexico's Francisco Fonseca had encroached on the kick and ordered a re-take.
As he did before the first kick, Borgetti looked to the skies for inspiration but then slammed his spot kick against the bar. Rosetti again signalled a re-take because Dida had moved off his line.
So for the third time Borgetti glanced upwards for help but Dida was the one whose prayers were answered as he saved the third penalty by diving high to his right and punching the ball out for a corner.
At the other end Adriano had two clear-cut chances and was denied only by Sanchez's fingertips after 39 minutes when racing through on goal, the keeper turning his low shot just round the post.
The striker should have done better with another effort when he sent the ball high and wide with time and space on his side.
Robinho, Ronaldinho and Adriano all wasted chances with some wayward shooting or were thwarted by excellent defending.
Aaron Galindo, Ricardo Osorio and Carlos Salcido were outstanding at the back for Mexico who finished by far the stronger team, brimming with confidence and elated at a job well done.
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Borgetti, who failed to score in the first half despite taking a penalty three times, emerged as Mexico's match-winner by glancing home a 59th-minute header when he escaped his marker Kaka and left goalkeeper Dida stranded.
Mexico, who defended superbly and in goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez had the man of the match, are now unbeaten in 19 matches since Brazil beat them 4-0 in the Copa America last July.
Mexico, who face Greece in their last group match in Frankfurt on Wednesday, join hosts Germany and Argentina in the semi-finals, after they qualified from Group A on Saturday.
Brazil will meet Japan in Cologne, also on Wednesday, to decide who takes the remaining place in the last four.
"I've been the coach of the Mexican team for three years and it is very satisfying to see we are growing and able to beat the very big teams," said Argentine Ricardo La Volpe.
"We're getting better yet we play with the same style. We play the same way whether its against a small or big country."
DIFFICULT MATCH
Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, who according to some records was in charge of his 100th international, said:
"They made it a very difficult match for us. They are in except physical condition and they have very good coordination on the ball as well. Very good ball skills.
"At the same time we had several opportunities that could have been converted and changed the game but we simply didn't convert them."
A superb match full of attacking and creative soccer played on a balmy night in northern Germany ended with Mexico top of Group B with six points followed by Brazil and Japan on three and Greece, who are bottom with none.
Both teams had plenty of chances on Sunday with a total of 27 shots or headers on goal but while Mexico found the net the Brazilians squandered all of their 19 goal attempts.
They were unfortunate to be denied an equaliser after 68 minutes, though, when Adriano was ruled just offside after powering in a header from a Kaka cross.
Ronaldinho, who tried to inspire his team without much reward, summed up their night afterwards.
"We created lots of chances but they took advantage of a set piece and scored. We have to train hard to avoid making the same mistakes again."
PENALTY DRAMA
All that was missing from a first half full of attacking football and chances for both teams was a goal, although one should have been scored after 30 minutes.
Mexico were awarded a penalty by Italian referee Roberto Rosetti after Roque Junior clumsily bundled Borgetti over as they chased down a loose ball.
Borgetti slammed the penalty past goalkeeper Dida but Rosetti ruled that Mexico's Francisco Fonseca had encroached on the kick and ordered a re-take.
As he did before the first kick, Borgetti looked to the skies for inspiration but then slammed his spot kick against the bar. Rosetti again signalled a re-take because Dida had moved off his line.
So for the third time Borgetti glanced upwards for help but Dida was the one whose prayers were answered as he saved the third penalty by diving high to his right and punching the ball out for a corner.
At the other end Adriano had two clear-cut chances and was denied only by Sanchez's fingertips after 39 minutes when racing through on goal, the keeper turning his low shot just round the post.
The striker should have done better with another effort when he sent the ball high and wide with time and space on his side.
Robinho, Ronaldinho and Adriano all wasted chances with some wayward shooting or were thwarted by excellent defending.
Aaron Galindo, Ricardo Osorio and Carlos Salcido were outstanding at the back for Mexico who finished by far the stronger team, brimming with confidence and elated at a job well done.
345
Football / Unity Cup organisers blame Ghana FA
« on: June 16, 2005, 06:22:41 AM »
Unity Cup organisers blame Ghana FA
16-Jun-2005 from TTFF
The organisers of the postponed Unity Cup tournament in London claim that undue delay by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) largely accounted for the fiasco and not because they defaulted in payment of appearance fees for the Ghanaian team.
Last week Ghana pulled out of the four-nation tournament because the organisers provided a “dud cheque” and also failed to provide agreed return air tickets for their flight to London in addition to a failure to guarantee the team a decent hotel for the tournament.
Officials of Optima Sports Management International, organisers of the annual Unity Cup, were appalled at the GFA’s explanation for the fiasco. They jetted into the country at the weekend to seek audience with the GFA and clarify the situation, the facts of which they claim have been misrepresented and distorted by the GFA.
Mr Alex Dokun, a FIFA-licensed match Agent and a director of Optima Sports, was enraged at the GFA’s accusations that they issued a dud cheque and challenged the GFA to become clean on the issue.
He denied ever issuing a dud cheque and explained that the GFA insisted on receiving cash to prepare the team rather than wait for a two-week maturity period of the cheque.
And while Optima Sports had dispatched officials to meet the GFA new demands, it was reported that Ghana had withdrawn from the tourney at a time the three other invited teams, Nigeria, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, had arrived in London for the tournament.
Mr Dokun said that a delay by the GFA to sign their part of the contract and also forward to the organisers the team list, culminated in the tournament’s postponement because of their inability to secure insurance cover from the Newham Police in London.
“The problems fall at the doorstep of the GFA because on May 28, I presented a cheque of $50,000 to acting GFA Chairman, Mr Kwasi Nyantakyi, in the presence of the Deputy Sports Minister here at Novotel, and it would have matured after two weeks but the FA said they could not wait.
The facts can be ascertained from the GFA’s bankers, CAL Bank, in Accra,” said Mr Dokun in the presence of Optima Sports’ local agent, Mr Hornsby-Odoi.
He also claimed that 28 British Airways return air tickets were ready to be issued by Connect Travels Limited, a private travel agency located at Dzorwulu in Accra.
Meanwhile, the tournament has been rescheduled for September in the hope that all the problems encountered would be sorted out for Ghana and the other participating nations to compete in the tourney at London’s Upton Park, Home of English Premiership side West Ham United. (Soccer News of Wednesday)
Note: The T&T team was in Monterrey for its World Cup qualifier against Mexico at the time of the decision to push back the Unity Cup until further notice.
16-Jun-2005 from TTFF
The organisers of the postponed Unity Cup tournament in London claim that undue delay by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) largely accounted for the fiasco and not because they defaulted in payment of appearance fees for the Ghanaian team.
Last week Ghana pulled out of the four-nation tournament because the organisers provided a “dud cheque” and also failed to provide agreed return air tickets for their flight to London in addition to a failure to guarantee the team a decent hotel for the tournament.
Officials of Optima Sports Management International, organisers of the annual Unity Cup, were appalled at the GFA’s explanation for the fiasco. They jetted into the country at the weekend to seek audience with the GFA and clarify the situation, the facts of which they claim have been misrepresented and distorted by the GFA.
Mr Alex Dokun, a FIFA-licensed match Agent and a director of Optima Sports, was enraged at the GFA’s accusations that they issued a dud cheque and challenged the GFA to become clean on the issue.
He denied ever issuing a dud cheque and explained that the GFA insisted on receiving cash to prepare the team rather than wait for a two-week maturity period of the cheque.
And while Optima Sports had dispatched officials to meet the GFA new demands, it was reported that Ghana had withdrawn from the tourney at a time the three other invited teams, Nigeria, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, had arrived in London for the tournament.
Mr Dokun said that a delay by the GFA to sign their part of the contract and also forward to the organisers the team list, culminated in the tournament’s postponement because of their inability to secure insurance cover from the Newham Police in London.
“The problems fall at the doorstep of the GFA because on May 28, I presented a cheque of $50,000 to acting GFA Chairman, Mr Kwasi Nyantakyi, in the presence of the Deputy Sports Minister here at Novotel, and it would have matured after two weeks but the FA said they could not wait.
The facts can be ascertained from the GFA’s bankers, CAL Bank, in Accra,” said Mr Dokun in the presence of Optima Sports’ local agent, Mr Hornsby-Odoi.
He also claimed that 28 British Airways return air tickets were ready to be issued by Connect Travels Limited, a private travel agency located at Dzorwulu in Accra.
Meanwhile, the tournament has been rescheduled for September in the hope that all the problems encountered would be sorted out for Ghana and the other participating nations to compete in the tourney at London’s Upton Park, Home of English Premiership side West Ham United. (Soccer News of Wednesday)
Note: The T&T team was in Monterrey for its World Cup qualifier against Mexico at the time of the decision to push back the Unity Cup until further notice.
346
Football / Under 20 Gold Cup
« on: June 13, 2005, 08:38:03 PM »
I was watching Fox soccer channel and the commentator said something I was asking myself for a long time why our federation does not have a youth cup maybe a under20 Gold Cup, while we at it add under17 and a Caribbean youth cup as well, this will expose our youth teams to international games, so when World Cup qualifiers come around their better prepared.
347
Football / T&T Government and sports
« on: June 11, 2005, 09:50:26 AM »
Ladies and Gentle I have a major concern about the currant crime situation in Trinidad now this not an attempt to bash any government because to me they all the same try to divide the country with issue about race.
The present Government has a development plan for 2010 to be a modernize country, with next year budget 27 billon!!!! Yes 27 billon yet our footballers and sports men in general have to beg for money, this is the most disturbing because sports can unite the country better the any other facet of society investing in sports is a win win situation.
The Pro is essential to our society right now because young players can earn a live by playing football, with Basketball and Cricket attempting to become Pro its a very good opportunity for more youths to peruse there dreams of becoming the next Yorke, Lara or Jordan.
My question is why after all theses years off begging the Government can’t increase the amount off money in their budget for sports?
The present Government has a development plan for 2010 to be a modernize country, with next year budget 27 billon!!!! Yes 27 billon yet our footballers and sports men in general have to beg for money, this is the most disturbing because sports can unite the country better the any other facet of society investing in sports is a win win situation.
The Pro is essential to our society right now because young players can earn a live by playing football, with Basketball and Cricket attempting to become Pro its a very good opportunity for more youths to peruse there dreams of becoming the next Yorke, Lara or Jordan.
My question is why after all theses years off begging the Government can’t increase the amount off money in their budget for sports?
348
Football / Should T&T host the next Gold Cup
« on: June 10, 2005, 10:50:19 AM »
I had a conversation with friend earlier about the Gold Cup and I figured I will ask you guys, he said that Trinidad should try to host the Goal Cup since we have so much stadiums also we did a good job with the under 17 world cup why not try USA has hosted the tournament since its inception.
349
Football / Warriors heads still high
« on: June 09, 2005, 02:06:59 PM »Warriors heads still high
09-Jun-2005
S Fuentes in Monterrey
Trinidad and Tobago head coach Leo Beenhakker has credited his players for a courageous performance and is firm on his belief that such displays will be transferred into winning results as the “Warriors” continue their journey to the Germany 2006 World Cup.
Beenhakker let his feelings out moments after T&T’s 2-0 loss to Mexico in Monterrey on Wednesday night.
“Mexico is a very strong team and we proved that we could play with them but unfortunately it didn’t take us to the end,” Beenhakker told TTFF Media.
“They were better than us . We tried to compensate with a lot of work but we couldn’t stop them. We did a good job but we need to have more ball possession to manage a team like Mexico. No one likes to lose but I think the team did everything it could after having been together for only ten days I don’t think I could ask for much more form the boys and it’s just unfortunate that we are not leaving with something to show from this match,” he added. “I don’t know for sure and maybe I will have to see the replays but the first goal for them looked a bit questionable but that’s the game.”
The general feeling is that the T&T team, despite the loss, is now a revamped one as was also the consensus among those who saw the match live including the Mexican media. They indicated their thoughts during the post match press conference. The Dutchman also spoke well of his players while substitutes Brent Rahim, Gary Glasgow and Hector Sam added some juice to the attack after coming off the bench. Rahim replaced Aurtis Whitley who picked up a groin strain after receiving a tackle in the first half.
Beenhakker replied to that by saying, “From the DVDs that I saw of the earlier matches and from what I am seeing now there seems to be a difference in the way the team is playing and that means credit must go to the guys because they are doing a better job. But the problem is whether it’s good enough to realize our dream and that’s where we must pull ourselves up even more to ensure that we do realize our dream because it’s still alive. You look at the other teams aside from Mexico and the USA you see that it’s still up for grabs.
“I think this game came a little bit early but at least you can see some progress from the team. We are playing to a philosophy and everyone is trying to do the same thing and do what is asked of them and that really is the win for us up to now ad hopefully we could turn into results at the end.”
Striker Stern John said he swore his header was in just before Mexico took the lead.
“I think we showed character and it was obvious by the way home crowd was reacting at times. When the ball came across I had to move in to get room and the header just went so close I thought it was in. That extra bit of movement I think caused the ball to just miss it. But we have a lot to look forward to I can assure you,” John told TTFF Media.
Rahim said it was a hard result to accept. “It’s one of those things that gets to you because we were so close to coming away with something but it went in a matter of minutes. Fortunately for us the table shows that we are still in the race and I think once we can keep up this type of play then we definitely will make it.”
Beenhakker added that the next focus will be on the CONCACAF Gold Cup which he sees as a useful build up to the August 17 World Cup qualifier away to United States.
“Now we must look to the Gold Cup and ensure that we take full advantage of it because it definitely will give us a chance to put things together for the matches in the campaign to follow,” he said. T&T opens their campaign on July 6 against Honduras in Miami and then has matches against Colombia and Panama to close off the first round. The team is also expected to take up base in Miami at least a week in advance to the tournament kick off.
The T&T team is scheduled to arrive home on Friday evening at 1:30pm out of Miami . Midielder Chris Birchall, Dwight Yorke, Hector Sam and Carlos Edwards all returned to England on Thursday while American-based trio Marlon Rojas, Avery John and Leslie Fitzpatrick returned to their respective clubs.
350
Football / Assessment of the game
« on: June 09, 2005, 11:33:46 AM »
Ok fellas I will attempt to give an assessment of the game the first player I noticed was out of place was Densill Theobald on the left side of midfield, he can'nt cross with his left foot bad tactic the other was Stern John and Dwight Yorke play to high up with there back turn away from goal. I believe the reason for this was the wing players played a more defensive role so they didn’t venture up the wings when the ball was play up from goal kicks. Birchall play ok but give the ball away too easy when we were on the counter attack. His corners was not all that I was expecting more from him but all and all he had a good game Aurtis Whitley was out of the game but help out in defense, and specking of which he isn’t a number 10 player he lacks vision and creativity note this game would have been ideal for Dwarika . On to Stern John this guy was playing like he have worms chest trap pass off the ball and stand up no runs off the ball, this a critical part of the game which our players lack they never ever make runs off the ball into space and this is what makes or brakes a team. Let me explain when you have a good number 10 with vision and a forward constantly making runs off the ball towards goal you will create havoc to an opposing defense because if he times his runs properly he can beat the offside trap and score, just take a look at ED Johnson of the US he has mastered the art of off the ball runs. We tend to give Mexico too much respect yes Mexico is the best team in the region but that don’t say we can take the game to them our winger didn’t even try to beat down the wing and give the forwards some service Trinidad can’t just sit back and defend for 90 mins and expect to get a result against Mexico that will never happen because they will keep pressure on the defense until they crack an that was exactly what happen last night we had a good game plan but lack the mental toughness to pull it off maybe a team like Italy could play that way a get a good result not T&T. NOTE Costa Rica tried to play with 5 defenders against USA and it back fired. (PS. Kelvin Jack should off save both goals. )
351
Football / 'Warriors' get it right against Panama
« on: June 05, 2005, 12:10:52 PM »
'Warriors' get it right against Panama
05-Jun-2005 FROM TTFA
Trinidad and Tobago are firmly back in the 2006 World Cup qualifying picture after claiming a 2-0 victory over Panama at the Hasely Crawford Stadium yesterday, their first success in the final round.
The Warriors' maiden victory in the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying means they leave here tomorrow in fourth place and with four points going into Wednesday's equally-important match against Mexico in Monterey.
A 34th minute strike by experienced forward Stern John and a second in the 71st minute from overlapping stopper Dennis Lawrence set up a fabulous win as the home team gave their best performance of the entire qualifying campaign.
Playing their first competitive game under Dutchman Leo Beenhakker, the T&T Warriors looked a significantly improved team against Panama, who themselves were quick, skilful and extremely dangerous on the counter-attack. The Warriors had marginally the better of the first half in what was a good game.
Struggling striker John might have had two goals in the first half alone when presented with excellent goal-scoring opportunities.
Carlos Edwards had an excellent game and was a constant threat down the Panamanian right where he breezed past Carlos Rivera-who later had to be substituted-at will.
Edwards set up John's first chance with a square pass on the platter in the 23rd minute after ghosting past Rivera, but John stabbed the excellent opportunity wide.
However, the Coventry City striker made amends 11 minutes later when scooping a low pass from striker partner Dwight Yorke past Panama keeper Donald Gonzales to give T&T their opening goal.
And a sea of red exploded into euphoria in a near-packed Hasely Crawford Stadium.
There was much to like about the Warriors' performance. Beenhakker had no surprises in his squad except including Kelvin Jack in goal at the expense of Clayton Ince, while Densil Theobald got the nod over Leslie Fitzpatrick at left midfield.
The Dutchman got a polished performance from all of his Warriors, who stroked the ball around the park like few in Trinidad and Tobago had seen in recent times. Panama always looked dangerous but credit must go to the T&T midfield and defence.
At the back, T&T battled doggedly, while Chris Birchall, Aurtis Whitley, Theobald and Edwards had excellent runs in midfield.
After a spell of second half pressure, a superb Trinidad and Tobago performance was sealed in the 71st minute with a second goal from lanky defender Lawrence.
The Wrexham player started the move in midfield and also finished it with aplomb.
Collecting in centre field, the overlapping stopper hit the ball wide to Yorke and then ran into space to collect the return pass atop the penalty area, where he eluded a retreating defender and stroked the ball low past keeper Gonzales. It completed a well-deserved victory for Trinidad and Tobago. (Ian Prescott)
Trinidad & Tobago:Kelvin Jack; Dennis Lawrence, Marvin Andrews, Avery John, David Atiba Charles; Carlos Edwards, Christopher Birchall, Aurtis Whitley, Densill Theobald; Dwight Yorke (capt), Stern John (Kenwyne Jones 71st).
Subs Not Used:
Hector Sam, Leslie Fitzpatrick, Marlon Rojas, Brent Rahim, Clayton Ince, Anton Pierre.
Panama:
Donaldo Gonzalez; Jose Anthony (capt), Luis Moreno, Joel Solanilla, Carlos Rivera (Joel Jiminez 72nd); Gabriel Gomez, Ricardo Phillips, Julio Medina, Alberto Blanco; Luis Tejada, Roberto Brown (Jose Garces 46th).
More to follow soon.
Return
05-Jun-2005 FROM TTFA
Trinidad and Tobago are firmly back in the 2006 World Cup qualifying picture after claiming a 2-0 victory over Panama at the Hasely Crawford Stadium yesterday, their first success in the final round.
The Warriors' maiden victory in the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying means they leave here tomorrow in fourth place and with four points going into Wednesday's equally-important match against Mexico in Monterey.
A 34th minute strike by experienced forward Stern John and a second in the 71st minute from overlapping stopper Dennis Lawrence set up a fabulous win as the home team gave their best performance of the entire qualifying campaign.
Playing their first competitive game under Dutchman Leo Beenhakker, the T&T Warriors looked a significantly improved team against Panama, who themselves were quick, skilful and extremely dangerous on the counter-attack. The Warriors had marginally the better of the first half in what was a good game.
Struggling striker John might have had two goals in the first half alone when presented with excellent goal-scoring opportunities.
Carlos Edwards had an excellent game and was a constant threat down the Panamanian right where he breezed past Carlos Rivera-who later had to be substituted-at will.
Edwards set up John's first chance with a square pass on the platter in the 23rd minute after ghosting past Rivera, but John stabbed the excellent opportunity wide.
However, the Coventry City striker made amends 11 minutes later when scooping a low pass from striker partner Dwight Yorke past Panama keeper Donald Gonzales to give T&T their opening goal.
And a sea of red exploded into euphoria in a near-packed Hasely Crawford Stadium.
There was much to like about the Warriors' performance. Beenhakker had no surprises in his squad except including Kelvin Jack in goal at the expense of Clayton Ince, while Densil Theobald got the nod over Leslie Fitzpatrick at left midfield.
The Dutchman got a polished performance from all of his Warriors, who stroked the ball around the park like few in Trinidad and Tobago had seen in recent times. Panama always looked dangerous but credit must go to the T&T midfield and defence.
At the back, T&T battled doggedly, while Chris Birchall, Aurtis Whitley, Theobald and Edwards had excellent runs in midfield.
After a spell of second half pressure, a superb Trinidad and Tobago performance was sealed in the 71st minute with a second goal from lanky defender Lawrence.
The Wrexham player started the move in midfield and also finished it with aplomb.
Collecting in centre field, the overlapping stopper hit the ball wide to Yorke and then ran into space to collect the return pass atop the penalty area, where he eluded a retreating defender and stroked the ball low past keeper Gonzales. It completed a well-deserved victory for Trinidad and Tobago. (Ian Prescott)
Trinidad & Tobago:Kelvin Jack; Dennis Lawrence, Marvin Andrews, Avery John, David Atiba Charles; Carlos Edwards, Christopher Birchall, Aurtis Whitley, Densill Theobald; Dwight Yorke (capt), Stern John (Kenwyne Jones 71st).
Subs Not Used:
Hector Sam, Leslie Fitzpatrick, Marlon Rojas, Brent Rahim, Clayton Ince, Anton Pierre.
Panama:
Donaldo Gonzalez; Jose Anthony (capt), Luis Moreno, Joel Solanilla, Carlos Rivera (Joel Jiminez 72nd); Gabriel Gomez, Ricardo Phillips, Julio Medina, Alberto Blanco; Luis Tejada, Roberto Brown (Jose Garces 46th).
More to follow soon.
Return
352
Football / new stadium
« on: June 03, 2005, 01:36:26 PM »
With this new stadium being built will it allow Trinidad to host a under 20 world cup if we so chose if so this would be grate because we hosted one of the best world youth cups in 2002 speaking of which is there any one out there with tapes of the under 17 world cup games?
353
Football / Panama coach confident while Andrews holds on to W/Cup dream
« on: May 31, 2005, 03:25:12 PM »
Panama coach confident while Andrews holds on to W/Cup dream
By Shaun Fuentes
Panama coach Jose Hernandez says his team is not worried about aerial strength in the Trinidad and Tobago outfit as his team possesses similar attributes and he is confident they can hold off the “Warriors” in Saturday’s World Cup qualifying affair at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
And aware of Panama’s confident mood, T&T’s Scottish-based defender Marvin Andrews, noted for his towering strength said it would come down to who wanted Saturday’s three points more and he was holding on to his dream of making a World Cup with this country.
Colombian-born Hernandez selected 18 players for closed door training sessions at the Rommel Fernández Stadium before their arrival in Port of Spain on Thursday to take up base at the Marriot Hotel.
“We have done our work and I am sure that Trinidad has as well,” Hernandez said. “Trinidad has aerial game and strength, just like Panama. That does not mean a problem for us in facing them on Saturday"
Hernandez included 33-year-old midfielder Neftalí Díaz and their dangerous forward Luis Tejada of Colombian side Envigado. José Luis Garcés and team topscorer Roberto Brown of club San Francisco are also in the team.
T&T head coach Leo Beenhakker conducted a session under the hot sun for roughly 90 minutes at the Larry Gomes Stadium on Tuesday morning. Team skipper Dwight Yorke arrived about 45 minutes before and went through his own drills before the actual session commenced.
Midfielder Brent Rahim seemed to be recovering from his ankle blow and should be fit for Saturday after doing some rehab work in the morning session with team sports physio Zeph Nicholas. Defender Brent Sancho however has been ruled out of both the Panama and Mexico matches. The rest of the team remained injury free and pumped up ahead of battle.
Strong believer Marvin Andrews attested to this as he warmed down following the session.
“Everyone is saying this is such a crucial game but I am not really thinking about it that way. We have seven more games to go and they are all vital to our chances. We just have to forget about the past three games and consider how much the one point we have now means to our chances. I wasn’t here for the past two games but I heard from the boys that we did really well against Costa Rica and I feel very good about our chances on Saturday,” Andrews told TTFF Media.
“We cannot underestimate Panama because they would not have been here if they weren’t a decent team. With God all things are possible. I’ve said before that he knows the result and it’s up to us to live up to it. My dream and desire is to see Trinidad and Tobago in a World Cup and for me to be in that team. I pray all the time for our results to be positive. To be back in the team now playing is another part of the dream because a lot has been said recently about the injury but I’ve done everything correct and it is showing. Now to help this country to get to Germany is my dream and I believe in it with all my heart,” added the Glasgow Rangers 2005 “Player of the Year”.
T&T Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Clayton Ince (Crewe Alexandra), Kelvin Jack (Dundee)
Defenders:
Dennis Lawrence (Wrexham), Marvin Andrews (Glasgow Rangers), Anton Pierre (Defence Force), Marlon Rojas (Real Salt Lake), Avery John (New England Revolution), Atiba Charles(Vibe CT 105 W Connection),
Midfielders:
Glenton Wolfe (National Quarries NE Stars), Carlos Edwards (Luton Town), Chris Birchall (Port Vale), Leslie Fitzpatrick (Real Salt Lake), Aurtis Whitley (CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh), Brent Rahim (unattached), Densill Theobald (Caledonia AIA Fire)
Forwards:
Gary Glasgow (Unattached), Kenwyne Jones (Southampton), Stern John (Coventry City), Hector Sam (Wrexham), Dwight Yorke (Sydney FC)
Panama squad
Goalkeepers:
Donaldo González (Maratón, Honduras), Jaime Penedo (Deportivo Árabe Unido).
Defenders:
Carlos Rivera (Deportivo Independiente Medellín, Colombia), Luis Moreno (Envigado, Colombia), José Mario Anthony Torres (Maratón, Honduras), Joel Jiménez (Plaza Amador), Joel Solanilla (Plaza Amador).
Midfielders:
Ricardo Phillips (Tauro), Amilcar Henríquez (Deportivo Árabe Unido), Julio Medina III (Aguila, El Salvador), Gustavo Avila (Deportivo Árabe Unido), Alberto Blanco (Alania, Russia), Gabriel Gómez (Tauro), Neftalí Díaz (Alianza)
Forwards:
José Luis Garcés (San Francisco), Roberto Luis Tejada (Envigado, Colombia), Blas Pérez (Deportivo Cali, Colombia), Roberto Brown (San Francisco)
By Shaun Fuentes
Panama coach Jose Hernandez says his team is not worried about aerial strength in the Trinidad and Tobago outfit as his team possesses similar attributes and he is confident they can hold off the “Warriors” in Saturday’s World Cup qualifying affair at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
And aware of Panama’s confident mood, T&T’s Scottish-based defender Marvin Andrews, noted for his towering strength said it would come down to who wanted Saturday’s three points more and he was holding on to his dream of making a World Cup with this country.
Colombian-born Hernandez selected 18 players for closed door training sessions at the Rommel Fernández Stadium before their arrival in Port of Spain on Thursday to take up base at the Marriot Hotel.
“We have done our work and I am sure that Trinidad has as well,” Hernandez said. “Trinidad has aerial game and strength, just like Panama. That does not mean a problem for us in facing them on Saturday"
Hernandez included 33-year-old midfielder Neftalí Díaz and their dangerous forward Luis Tejada of Colombian side Envigado. José Luis Garcés and team topscorer Roberto Brown of club San Francisco are also in the team.
T&T head coach Leo Beenhakker conducted a session under the hot sun for roughly 90 minutes at the Larry Gomes Stadium on Tuesday morning. Team skipper Dwight Yorke arrived about 45 minutes before and went through his own drills before the actual session commenced.
Midfielder Brent Rahim seemed to be recovering from his ankle blow and should be fit for Saturday after doing some rehab work in the morning session with team sports physio Zeph Nicholas. Defender Brent Sancho however has been ruled out of both the Panama and Mexico matches. The rest of the team remained injury free and pumped up ahead of battle.
Strong believer Marvin Andrews attested to this as he warmed down following the session.
“Everyone is saying this is such a crucial game but I am not really thinking about it that way. We have seven more games to go and they are all vital to our chances. We just have to forget about the past three games and consider how much the one point we have now means to our chances. I wasn’t here for the past two games but I heard from the boys that we did really well against Costa Rica and I feel very good about our chances on Saturday,” Andrews told TTFF Media.
“We cannot underestimate Panama because they would not have been here if they weren’t a decent team. With God all things are possible. I’ve said before that he knows the result and it’s up to us to live up to it. My dream and desire is to see Trinidad and Tobago in a World Cup and for me to be in that team. I pray all the time for our results to be positive. To be back in the team now playing is another part of the dream because a lot has been said recently about the injury but I’ve done everything correct and it is showing. Now to help this country to get to Germany is my dream and I believe in it with all my heart,” added the Glasgow Rangers 2005 “Player of the Year”.
T&T Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Clayton Ince (Crewe Alexandra), Kelvin Jack (Dundee)
Defenders:
Dennis Lawrence (Wrexham), Marvin Andrews (Glasgow Rangers), Anton Pierre (Defence Force), Marlon Rojas (Real Salt Lake), Avery John (New England Revolution), Atiba Charles(Vibe CT 105 W Connection),
Midfielders:
Glenton Wolfe (National Quarries NE Stars), Carlos Edwards (Luton Town), Chris Birchall (Port Vale), Leslie Fitzpatrick (Real Salt Lake), Aurtis Whitley (CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh), Brent Rahim (unattached), Densill Theobald (Caledonia AIA Fire)
Forwards:
Gary Glasgow (Unattached), Kenwyne Jones (Southampton), Stern John (Coventry City), Hector Sam (Wrexham), Dwight Yorke (Sydney FC)
Panama squad
Goalkeepers:
Donaldo González (Maratón, Honduras), Jaime Penedo (Deportivo Árabe Unido).
Defenders:
Carlos Rivera (Deportivo Independiente Medellín, Colombia), Luis Moreno (Envigado, Colombia), José Mario Anthony Torres (Maratón, Honduras), Joel Jiménez (Plaza Amador), Joel Solanilla (Plaza Amador).
Midfielders:
Ricardo Phillips (Tauro), Amilcar Henríquez (Deportivo Árabe Unido), Julio Medina III (Aguila, El Salvador), Gustavo Avila (Deportivo Árabe Unido), Alberto Blanco (Alania, Russia), Gabriel Gómez (Tauro), Neftalí Díaz (Alianza)
Forwards:
José Luis Garcés (San Francisco), Roberto Luis Tejada (Envigado, Colombia), Blas Pérez (Deportivo Cali, Colombia), Roberto Brown (San Francisco)
354
Football / Panama's weakness
« on: May 31, 2005, 11:41:30 AM »
Fellas I viewed the game Panama played the US when they hit them 6 they played hard in the first half but the second half was the deciding half because the Americans figured the weakness of the Panamanians and it was crosses the keeper was terrible, ones the US. Saw that keeper could not handle the crosses they keep peppering him it was gold after gold this is there weakness. I hope we scouted this team because at the end of the day the team that is better prepared will win.
355
Football / Jloyd Samuel stop dreaming
« on: May 30, 2005, 02:03:38 PM »
Jloyd Samuel didn’t even make and England second squad for the US tour how he can’t possibility think England will call him now. Come on back to your mother country and play with pride for T&T the dream is over we have a good coach now and were serious about qualifying all good reasons for joining the campaign.
356
Football / Best league in the world
« on: May 27, 2005, 11:34:09 AM »
What league is the best in the world England, Spain, Germany or Italy? I say England because its one of the hardest league to play in, the pase of the game is much faster than any other league out there, the other teams are full of depth too not just the top 3
357
Football / Leo says T&T a little closer to being ready for Panama
« on: May 26, 2005, 01:26:03 PM »
Leo says T&T a little closer to being ready for Panama
26-May-2005
Shaun Fuentes
National football coach Leo Beenhakker says he was not particularly happy with the wayward finishing in Wednesday’s 4-0 defeat of Bermuda but has hinted that he is well aware of how the “Warriors” will approach their June 4 World Cup qualifier against Panama.
Less than two weeks before the big clash at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, T&T warmed up with a comfortable 4-0 win over the visiting Bermudans and will get a second chance to do more damage to the inexperienced side and hopefully sharpen up further when they clash again at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium from 6pm on Friday.
Speaking after the match in which he attained his first win since taking over as coach, Beenhakker was not particularly pleased.
Leo Beenhakker
“Well no I was not particularly pleased but we got a win and this match gives us some guarantees for the matches against Panama and Mexico. We worked hard in the camp and you can see we are getting better little by little. It was a useful match for us especially in relation to last week’s match against Lima. We tried to play more in front and get more time in the box. We had several good chances and even though we didn’t make use of them, that could happen now, it’s not a problem.
“This is just a game to take us one step ahead,” Beenhakker said, adding that he was not concerned over the low rating of the Bermudans.
“We try to play with more possession and play football from behind. We also try to use every player and get on front based on football and not with the long ball coming back as soon as you play it down there. We are trying to understand each other very well.”
When asked whether he has put a team together for the match against Panama by a local reporter, Beenhakker replied without giving any details of the actual squad.
“Yes I know how we are going to play on the 4th. I still have more than a week to go and I will work with all of the players. I will build a team that will be ready to play every match because we have the Gold Cup so the focus is not just the Panama game but right now you can say that the most important game is the Panama one. I know more or less all the overseas players. I had my first impression with Brent Sancho, Marvin Andrews and Kelvin Jack today (in training). I know them and that’s a big advantage.
"This Friday we will give an opportunity to the other players in the camp in Friday’s game and then we start our final preparation on Monday. From my side it’s clear how we have to play Panama and with what team we have to do that.”
Finally asked about whether he now has confidence in the team’s chances following the win on Wednesday, Beenhakker said: “ I had confidence from the first day here because if I didn’t then I would not come over here. Little by little we are doing better. We still have a long way to go before we play at the level of Milan or Liverpool or I don’t know who but everyday you see some players picking up some details and playing better individually and then we are getting it better as a team. And if it’s enough to beat Panama and Mexico, I don’t know but at least we are playing more like a team now.”
26-May-2005
Shaun Fuentes
National football coach Leo Beenhakker says he was not particularly happy with the wayward finishing in Wednesday’s 4-0 defeat of Bermuda but has hinted that he is well aware of how the “Warriors” will approach their June 4 World Cup qualifier against Panama.
Less than two weeks before the big clash at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, T&T warmed up with a comfortable 4-0 win over the visiting Bermudans and will get a second chance to do more damage to the inexperienced side and hopefully sharpen up further when they clash again at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium from 6pm on Friday.
Speaking after the match in which he attained his first win since taking over as coach, Beenhakker was not particularly pleased.
Leo Beenhakker
“Well no I was not particularly pleased but we got a win and this match gives us some guarantees for the matches against Panama and Mexico. We worked hard in the camp and you can see we are getting better little by little. It was a useful match for us especially in relation to last week’s match against Lima. We tried to play more in front and get more time in the box. We had several good chances and even though we didn’t make use of them, that could happen now, it’s not a problem.
“This is just a game to take us one step ahead,” Beenhakker said, adding that he was not concerned over the low rating of the Bermudans.
“We try to play with more possession and play football from behind. We also try to use every player and get on front based on football and not with the long ball coming back as soon as you play it down there. We are trying to understand each other very well.”
When asked whether he has put a team together for the match against Panama by a local reporter, Beenhakker replied without giving any details of the actual squad.
“Yes I know how we are going to play on the 4th. I still have more than a week to go and I will work with all of the players. I will build a team that will be ready to play every match because we have the Gold Cup so the focus is not just the Panama game but right now you can say that the most important game is the Panama one. I know more or less all the overseas players. I had my first impression with Brent Sancho, Marvin Andrews and Kelvin Jack today (in training). I know them and that’s a big advantage.
"This Friday we will give an opportunity to the other players in the camp in Friday’s game and then we start our final preparation on Monday. From my side it’s clear how we have to play Panama and with what team we have to do that.”
Finally asked about whether he now has confidence in the team’s chances following the win on Wednesday, Beenhakker said: “ I had confidence from the first day here because if I didn’t then I would not come over here. Little by little we are doing better. We still have a long way to go before we play at the level of Milan or Liverpool or I don’t know who but everyday you see some players picking up some details and playing better individually and then we are getting it better as a team. And if it’s enough to beat Panama and Mexico, I don’t know but at least we are playing more like a team now.”
358
Football / 55 years later, US victory still resonates
« on: May 25, 2005, 05:52:38 PM »55 years later, US victory still resonates
By NANCY ARMOUR, AP National Writer
May 25, 2005
CHICAGO (AP) -- The English played on with the trademark cool and intensity that had made them one of the world's best soccer teams, not even flinching when the upstart Americans took the lead.
It wasn't until the closing minutes of that 1950 World Cup game that panic set in: What was supposed to be an easy victory over the Americans was about to become an unthinkable catastrophe.
``They could see it slipping from them,'' U.S. defender Harry Keough recalled. ``They didn't ever dream we could beat them. Neither did we, for that matter.''
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It's been 55 years since the United States stunned England 1-0 in the World Cup in Brazil. Many of the men who played in that game are dead, and the United States has come so far on the field that England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson predicts it's only a matter of time before the Americans win a World Cup.
But as the United States prepares to meet England on Saturday in an exhibition game, the impact of that upset carries on.
The victory is still considered the greatest in U.S. soccer history, and is the subject of a new movie, ``The Game of Their Lives.'' To this day, the English won't wear dark blue shirts like the ones they wore in Brazil, and a generation cringes at the mere mention of 1950.
``As a kid growing up there, we were all told that England was well nigh invincible. ... For me, it was a terrible shock because I expected England to win, as did everybody else,'' said Soccer Hall of Fame historian Colin Jose, who was 13 in 1950.
``Friends of mine are still horrified,'' he added. ``And it's the same for some of the players who are still alive, kind of a nightmare that's lasted for the rest of their lives.''
After skipping the first three World Cups because of political squabbles, England went to Brazil as one of the favorites to win. The English were, after all, the ones who invented the sport, and few played it better. They had a roster of stars, too, including Billy Wright, Tom Finney and Stanley Mortensen.
The Americans, on the other hand, weren't even considered afterthoughts. They had good players, sure. Walter Bahr played professionally for 25 years, and John ``Clarkie'' Souza made a World Cup all-star team selected by Brazil's top sports newspaper. Several players were on the 1948 Olympic team.
But they didn't have much experience playing together as a team. Though five of the starters were from St. Louis, the Americans didn't have regular, extended training camps like the national squad does today. There weren't a series of warmups, either.
Before they left for Brazil, the Americans played a Turkish team and an English ``B'' team that had just finished a tour of Canada.
They lost both games.
``I think our team was probably a little better than people gave us credit for,'' Bahr said. ``I think a lot of us felt if we could go down there and keep the game close, we could hold our heads up.''
The United States played well in its first game in Brazil, leading Spain until the last 10 minutes before falling 3-1. Next up was mighty England, which had beaten Chile in its opener.
``We knew we weren't in the same class as the English team,'' Bahr said. ``But anybody worth their salt when they go out onto the field, they always think there's some possibility that something can happen, that they could steal a victory.''
Keough wasn't as certain.
``England, in my own thoughts, was way up high and we were down a little lower,'' he said. ``Anybody if they beat me, they had to really work hard to beat me. But I didn't entertain any thoughts that we were going to beat them.''
The game was played in Belo Horizonte, a mining town about 350 miles north of Rio de Janeiro, and England was in control much of the day.
But in the 37th minute, Bahr collected a throw-in from Ed McIlvenny and took a shot from about 25 yards out. The ball was heading for the far post and England goalkeeper Bert Williams was already moving to his right when Joe Gaetjens deflected it with a diving header, sending the ball into the opposite side of the goal.
United States 1, England 0.
``I thought, `These guys are sleeping until now.' And they weren't sleeping. They were outplaying us. We were chasing them most of the time,'' Keough said. ``My thought was ..., `They're really going to come down on us hard.'
``For us to be ahead at the half was one thing,'' he added. ``For us to hold it was another.''
Hold it, though, they did. U.S. goalie Frank Borghi made some spectacular saves, and the Americans pulled off the upset.
``As much as we were very thrilled and pleased to win the game, most of us felt the same way: `How's that English club going to go back home and face their fans?''' Bahr said. ``It was a lot easier for us to explain the victory than for them to go back and explain that defeat.''
And there really was no way to explain it, Bahr added. While England would win the 1966 World Cup at home, the Americans wouldn't return until 1990. When the teams met in 1953 in New York for an exhibition, England won 6-3.
England is 5-2 overall against the United States, losing 2-0 at Foxboro, Mass., in 1993, and winning by the same score the next year at Wembley.
Still, the exhibitions don't have the impact of that meeting in the World Cup.
``We were lucky and won the game,'' Bahr said. ``The best team doesn't always win. I don't know how to explain the game any other way than the best team doesn't always win.''
359
Football / Norway 1, Costa Rica 0
« on: May 24, 2005, 07:21:16 PM »Norway 1, Costa Rica 0
May 24, 2005
AP - May 24, 2:05 pm EDT
More Photos
OSLO, Norway (AP) -- Frode Johnsen scored on a header with 12 minutes remaining to give Norway a 1-0 victory over Costa Rica in an exhibition game on Tuesday night.
Costa Rica was playing for the first time since Alexandre Guimaraes returned as coach. He led the team during the 2002 World Cup.
Johnsen's goal came following a long throw-in from Morten Gamst Pedersen. Johnsen, left virtually unmarked in front of the goal, headed the ball past goalkeeper Alvaro Mesen.
Costa Rica's best chance came seven minutes in when Paolo Wanchope's shot off a pass from Jafeth Soto deflected off a Norwegian and went just wide.
Costa Rica, which plays the United States in a World Cup qualifier at Salt Lake City on June 4, is 1-1-1 in the final round of the North and Central American and Caribbean region, three points behind Mexico (2-0-1), two back of the United States and even with Guatemala, which it trails on goal difference. Panama (0-1-2) is fifth, and Trinidad and Tobago (0-2-1) is last.
The top three nations qualify for next year's World Cup, and the No. 4 team advances to a playoff against an Asian nation.
Norway, is second in Europe Group Five at 2-1-2, four points behind Italy, which plays in Oslo on June 4.
Before the start of the match at Ullevaal Stadium, a moment of silence was observed by the crowd of 21,251 for Whayne Wilson, a 29-year-old Costa Rican player killed a week ago in a car crash in Costa Rica.
360
Football / Scott Sealy scored in the 88th minute for the Wizards
« on: May 22, 2005, 11:06:32 AM »
United 3, Wizards 2
May 21, 2005
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Christian Gomez scored two goals and D.C. United beat the Kansas City Wizards 3-2 on Saturday in a rematch of last year's MLS Cup.
Gomez scored his second goal in the 80th minute off an assist from Freddy Adu, who entered three minutes earlier, to give D.C. United (3-3-2) a 3-1 lead.
Scott Sealy scored in the 88th minute for the Wizards (2-2-3).
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D.C. United also won the 2004 MLS championship with a 3-2 victory over Kansas City last November.
After Alecko Eskandarian drew a penalty Saturday, Jaime Moreno's penalty kick gave D.C. United a 1-0 lead in the 29th minute. It was Moreno's fourth goal of the season.
Kansas City tied it 1-1 in the 64th minute when Wizards midfielder Chris Klein's crossing pass, intended for Alex Zotinca, was cleared into the net by D.C United defender Bobby Boswell.
Gomez, who has three goals this season, just missed scoring his third of the night when his breakaway shot soared just over the goal in the 86th minute.
May 21, 2005
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Christian Gomez scored two goals and D.C. United beat the Kansas City Wizards 3-2 on Saturday in a rematch of last year's MLS Cup.
Gomez scored his second goal in the 80th minute off an assist from Freddy Adu, who entered three minutes earlier, to give D.C. United (3-3-2) a 3-1 lead.
Scott Sealy scored in the 88th minute for the Wizards (2-2-3).
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D.C. United also won the 2004 MLS championship with a 3-2 victory over Kansas City last November.
After Alecko Eskandarian drew a penalty Saturday, Jaime Moreno's penalty kick gave D.C. United a 1-0 lead in the 29th minute. It was Moreno's fourth goal of the season.
Kansas City tied it 1-1 in the 64th minute when Wizards midfielder Chris Klein's crossing pass, intended for Alex Zotinca, was cleared into the net by D.C United defender Bobby Boswell.
Gomez, who has three goals this season, just missed scoring his third of the night when his breakaway shot soared just over the goal in the 86th minute.