Just arrived back from L.A. two hours ago and I needed to get this off meh mind so here I go. Just adding my perspectives on the historical participation of TNT at the 2007 Gold Cup. Was this a historic moment? In so far at one time it appeared that a 'football civil strife' would threaten to keep us out. This appearance by the 'upstart Warriors' had some fans cringing as to what awaited this team; some fans simply expected the worst and hoped for the best.
Besides the game itself this event presented an opportunity to meet up with the likes of 'Feliziano'; thanks for the organization with the tickets, the small lime and the generosity; Ricky another Trini in Alberta; thanks for the ole talk , the job you did with reporting, Patriot good to hook up again; E-man and the madam in full force;Desowa ; Trini out west in Socal; good to link up and Tallman; pleasure to meet one of the site's generals.
From a team's make up, it is unfair to compare this team with teams of the past but interestingly from the standpoint of match results, one could see that this team so far has achieved comparative results to a 'star- studded' Warriors team. Our last appearance at the Gold Cup was filled with high expectations; this one was the opposite.
Some victories are not measurable in wins and loses; this one for me was being present to see my national flag; to hear the national anthem; to see and support the national team and to see once more TNT nationals in all parts of the Globe coming out to wave the 'flag' and adorn the red white and black!!!! I know that despite the results,
I rather see these colours at these events than a yellow cross and green flag!From my humble perspective, I want to add my 2 cents.
Game one versus El Salvador: This was the game of the tournament that we should have won. We held our own for most parts and had opportunities.
Very spirited performance; TNT moved the ball well; Glasgow ran at the defense and with Roberts, they had chances which did not materialize. This is one game where I actually thought that our forwards shoot needed to shoot more when we hit the top of the box rather than try to dribble
more.
The team passing and ball movement showed flashes of disciplined and controlled. There is a sense of 'team' play and build up from the back. The defense held their own except for a few lapses/breakdowns which resulted in goals.
By far one of the best goals of the tournament so far was the one by Spann. Outstanding player performance Williams in goal; this goalie saved us from embarrassing scores.
Areas for Improvement:1. Pace: I read where Wim stated prior to the tournament that our players were not as physically fit as they ought to be. This was evident at times. We have to make a commitment to team conditioning. At the international level---run run run boy run; is like the old song /game I lost my gloves on Saturday night and found them Sunday morning run run..alalallalalllall look nah them Latin players is all about speed.
2. Strength on the ball: too many times our players lost the 50/50 challenges or got pushed off the ball. Man too thin; physical development and strength training have to be part of these players development. Ah mean some players still have they mother's milk flowing off they face!!!
3. Defense: Left back; we need one. Powers coverage is not all they as yet. Noreiga is strong and will get better.
4. Midfield: we need a play maker and a defensive specialist. One to support the forwards by pushing the ball up and one to come back and help out the defense.
Versus U.S.A.: 'Cat and Mouse'; The result was flattering. The U.S came out with scuds we have pellet guns. Williams in goal saved the day!!!! this man looked like he was part of a circus outfit with the saves he had to make ; the clowns out in front of him was doing their best to cause a laughter for the majority of U.S supporters. The early injuries we suffered did not help matters.
Areas for Improvement:Toussiant looked like a high school boy going up against the taller and more physical defense. Poor Wim must have looked down the bench and saw no alternatives. Toussiant as a striker in the international game is not effective!!!!! Too small; too weak on the ball.
Same sh..t different game: forwards need to shoot more.
Intensity / passion/ determination lacking; imagine on the second goal, midfielder standing and hoping that the U.S player would get caught in the off side trap!!! man running by you and yuh just stand up and watch the man go by? steupssssssss
There were parts of this game where we just stood and let the U.S . move the ball at will. Our youth, inexperience and the inability to match the physical challenges were exposed in this game.
Time and added experience will alleviate some of our flaws. Thank goodness we have a few years till 2010. I know there were no illusions of winning this tournament but I beg the question how did this team do at this Gold Cup so far compared historically to teams of the past?
My humble opinions
Win or lose we are fighters; that is a Warrior!!!
For the record, check this out:
http://www.socawarriors.net/forum/index.php?topic=28305.msg320414#msg320414So how did this team match up? history will tell.
