Soca Warriors stunned 2-1.
By: Walter Alibey (Newsday).A double strike by John Nusum earned Bermuda a shock 2-1 victory over an ineffective Soca Warriors in this country’s opening CONCACAF zone World Cup 2010 qualifier at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Dr Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence, Macoya, Tunapuna, yesterday.
This means the Soca Warriors, qualifiers at the last World Cup Finals in Germany in 2006, need to beat the Bermudans by two clear goals in the return leg to be played in Bermuda on Sunday, to move on in the qualifiers.
The Soca Warriors looked far from the unit that drew 1-1 with the Jamaica Reggae Boyz at the same venue a week ago and the only bright spark was Stern John’s equalising goal which tied with Germany’s Gerd Muller for sixth on the all-time World Cup goal-scoring list.
His goal which came in the 22nd minute was his 68th in World Cup action in his 101st appearance. But it could not help the Soca Warriors from a disappointing defeat, on a night when a large crowd including a rhythm section supporting all the way could not lift them.
John was guilty of numerous missed chances, especially a simple one in the 89th minute which would have levelled the score. Lanky defender Dennis Lawrence joined the attack and headed down a ball into unmarked John’s path well inside the six-yard box and with only Bermuda goalkeeper Timmy Figuerido to beat, he shot wide.
John missed several other chances which, had he taken them, could well have seen him net a hat-trick. As early as the 7th minute, Nusum stunned the partisan crowd when he was found unmarked by Khano Smith who eluded defender Kareem Smith on the left flank and sent a perfect centre for him to easily steer the ball into the net.
The Bermudan celebrations were almost cut short as Aurtis Whitley’s long pass found John, but he hit a weak shot straight into the arms of Figuerido. But the Southampton striker was to make amends with his equalising goal when another Whitley pass bounced favourably for him in the area and he beat the advancing keeper with a right foot shot.
Only moments later John again was found free in the Bermuda area with a Carlos Edwards centre, only to bang his shot wide of the mark. Just when the Soca Warriors seemed to be putting their game together came the second Bermuda goal in somewhat controversial fashion.
Soca Warriors goalkeeper Clayton Ince in attempting to take high a high ball from Bermuda’s Damon Ming in the 39th minute, fell awkwardly and as he lay injured on the artificial turf, referee Cordero Quesada allowed play to go on and the ball rolled to Nusum who slotted into an unguarded net. Trailing 2-1 at the half time interval, the Soca Warriors mounted a series of attacks on the Bermuda goal in search of the elusive equaliser.
And in the 48th minute striker Jason Scotland turned and twisted away from his marker on the left flank, but shot wide from an acute angle when John was wide open in the centre of the goal.
Then moments later Osei Telesford saw his powerful shot whiz past the Bermuda goal with the keeper beaten. But the best chance fell to John with only a minute to go on the clock in regulation time, but to the despair of the partisan fans, he missed palpably.
Teams:Trinidad & Tobago:[/b] - 1.Clayton Ince, 13.Kareem Smith, 6.Dennis Lawrence, 4.Makan Hislop, 5.Osei Telesford (16.Stephan David 76th), 7.Carlos Edwards, 8.Khaleem Hyland (3.Ancil Farrier 46th), 9.Aurtis Whitley (capt), 17.Keon Daniel, 14.Stern John, 12.Jason Scotland.
Bermuda: - 1.Timmy Figureido, 5.Kofi Dill, 3.Kevin Richards, 2.Antonio Lowe, 7.Damon Ming (11.Reginald Thompsob-Lambe 82nd), 6.Meshach Wade, 8.Omar Shakir (capt), 17.Kwame Steede, 16.John Nusum (12.Ralph Bean 80th), 18.Khano Smith, 10.Keishen Bean (15.Kristofer Frick 82nd).
Bermuda steal a shock win.
By: Ian Prescott (Express).[/size]
A week from today, Trinidad and Tobago travel to Hamilton, Bermuda to rescue their World Cup football campaign.
Great strides begin with baby steps, and yesterday the Soca Warriors stumbled at the first step towards South Africa 2010 when they were surprisingly defeated 2-1 by a poor quality Bermuda team in their opening match of the new campaign last night at a packed Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya.
Nine out of 10 times, the Soca Warriors would have worked over that sub-standard bunch. But when both strikers Stern John and Jason Scotland missed easy chances to score in the waning moments, it summed up a huge off day for T&T. They may yet go to Bermuda and whip the islanders by a handful. But the journey to South Africa has hit choppy waters. It will now be a test of character to see if the Soca Warriors deserve to qualify for a second consecutive World Cup.
Prior to yesterday's showdown, the last five meetings between the teams produced four victories and a draw in Trinidad & Tobago's favour. And during that time, T&T scored 4-0 and 5-0 victories, including one in Hamilton seven years ago. The only joy Bermuda had in that time was a 1-0 win in 1989 against a T&T second string side at a time when the Strike Squad was engaged in World Cup qualifying.
Yesterday, Bermuda proved to be as motivated as expected and shocked the locals when leading 2-1 at the half, both goals coming from striker John-Barry Nusum. Not that Bermuda were a good team, but, the home team simply played below their usual level. T&T played ugly football at times.
First, the pace was too slow, thus playing to the strengths of the pudgy Bermudans. And when coach Francisco Maturana switched to the 3-5-2 system to include striker John at the start, he would have expected his wide players Carlos Edwards and Keon Daniel to track back at times.
But, Maturana had a problem, because none of the midfielders defended. And not until the desperate moments, did senior players like Edwards turn up the pressure. The exception, though, was striker John, who even dropped to midfield to pick up the ball.
Had Edwards bothered to track back, Bermudan Khano Smith would not have had such an easy time getting by T&T right defender Kareem Smith to set up Nusum who tapped the ball in from six metres , giving Bermuda an eighth minute lead.
Shock, yes. But the Soca Warriors were soon level at 1-1 in the 23rd minute through John, who got his 68th goal in national colours, after taking Aurtis Whitley's deep pass and bouncing the ball over keeper Timmy Figuerodo. John then missed an easy chance to get a second goal on the half hour.
And against the run of play, Bermuda were given a gift when Costa Rican referee Walter Marquesada allowed the game to continue despite T&T keeper Clayton Ince crashing into his defender Makan Hislop and going down injured. Nusum picked up the loose ball and whipped the ball into the goal in the 44th minute, giving Bermuda an unlikely 2-1 lead.
Maturana took off young midfielder Khaleem Hyland at the start of the second half and switched to the orthodox 4-4-2 system. But, it was an anxious time in the second period when the Warriors were pouring forward without reward.
On one such occasion, Whitley picked out Edwards with a searching diagonal pass, but the latter looked confused and hit a wayward pass. He should have shot to goal. And, later both Whitley and Kareem Smith had good shots from long-range, but just failed to score.
Because, T&T were loose in the midfield, the Bermudans picked up many of the loose balls. Growing in confidence, they were able to create some anxious moments, particularly through Damon Ming on the right flank, and looked capable of getting another goal.
Down the stretch, Bermuda were under siege. But by then, the Soca Warriors were in panic mode, and nothing they did produced that precious tying goal. A week from now will prove whether they are still in the World Cup picture.
Bermuda stuns Soca Warriors 2-1.
By: Gregory Trujillo (Guardian).[/size]
T&T footballers learnt a serious lesson yesterday: never take underdogs for granted. Up against a less favoured Bermuda team that would find it difficult to beat any one of the country’s top professional sides, the “Soca Warriors” found itself in a must-win situation if it is to survive a first round exit from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
By disappointingly going under-1-2 to the Bermudians at the Marvin Lee Stadium in Macoya, T&T will have to put up a better showing in the return leg match on Sunday in Hamilton to keep its chances alive of making back-to-back World Cup finals.
There was absoutely no excuse for the shock defeat, as senior players Stern John and Jason Scotland muffed several scoring opportunities.
Veteran goalkeper Clayton Ince, who normally shows a clean pair of hands, could also take blame for the go-ahead goal by the Bermudians, as he failed to hold the ball cleanly.
John and Scotland, both based in the United Kingdom, threw away the easiest of chances in the dying stages — chances that players of their calibre just don’t miss.
Colombian coach Fransisco Maturana now has one week to come up with a magical formula to get past the Bermudians away from home by two clear goals — one that isn’t impossible judging from the standard of football played by the visitors.
Maturana’s plan of starting with a 3-5-2 formation backfired as early as the eighth minute when left winger Khano Smith was allowed room to run down the flank and accurately square for John-Barry Nusum to slam a roofer past a helpless Ince.
After missing a sitter in the 11th minute, John gave the “Soca Warriors” some hope in the 22nd minute by scoring the equaliser.
Receiving a gem of a pass from skipper Aurtis Whitley, the most-capped player on the field (102) neatly chest-trapped the ball, put it on the floor, and fired past ’keeper Timmy Figuerido.
The goal was John’s 68th in the international game and it tied him in seventh place in the world with Germany Gerd Muller. Seven minutes later John failed to complete a quick double, as he belted a low shot from inside the six-yard box wide of the upright.
T&T paid the price for the two missed opportunities by John when, in the 38th minute, Ince came off his line to save a high ball above the head of forward Keishan Bean. Unable to hold cleanly, Ince only managed to push the ball into the path of Nusum, who rifled a bullet into an unguarded net.
TeamsT&T: Clayton Ince, Kareem Smith, Dennis Lawrence, Makan Hislop, Osei Telesford (Stephan David 74th), Carlos Edwards, Keon Daniel, Aurtis Whitley, Khaleem Hyland (Ancil Farrier 46th), Stern John, Jason Scotland
BERMUDA: Timmy Figureido, Kofi Dill, Omar Shakir, Kevin Richards, Antonio Lowe, Damon Ming (Reginald Thompson-Ambe 81st), Meshach Wade, Khano Smith, Domico Coddington, Keishen Bean (Kristofer Frick 81st), Kwame Steede, John Nusum (Ralph Bean Jr 81st).
Maturana takes responsibility for loss.
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF). Trinidad and Tobago head coach Francisco Maturana says he takes full responsibility for this country’s humiliating 2-1 defeat to Bermuda in Sunday’s 2010 World Cup qualifier at the Marvin Lee Stadium. Speaking to reporters after the match via translator Fillipo Alario, the Colombian said there was no excuse for the loss.
“I take full responsibility as coach of the team and I will take the responsibility away from the players,” Maturana said. “The loss is very disappointing but the game is history now. When we go to play… we go to win and that did not happen today.”
“This first game of the World Cup Qualifiers left us with a very bad taste in our mouth, in addition it was a pretty bad result. Asked what was his thoughts on the outcome the Colombian added, “I think Bermuda were just winners of the match. They played a very calm game and interpreted the tactical game well. With regards to the shabby performance by his own players Maturana stated, “We had a lot of moments of confusion.
“We did not find the clarity that we had in past games. He added. “We were too much in a hurry to reach in the opponents goal. “This is definitely an initial overview because this is definitely not over. I believe if we find the way that we were playing before this match we can turn around this result in Bermuda.” “For this result I accept full responsibility and absorb the players from this responsibility and take it all on myself.
“When you lose everybody is right and I will respect everyone’s opinion of the game. But at the same time I would like to reserve the right to confront and enter into any tactical discussion of what happened.
Asked his reasons for replacing attacking midfielder with Khlaleem Hyland at the half-time interval and introducing left back Ancil Farrier with the ‘Soca Warriors’ down 2-1, Maturana replied, “It was tactical decision and one that I will not like to get into, but I can reassure you it was with the intent on doing good.”
Maturana when question if there was any pressure on him now to get the required result on Sunday in Hamilton, Bermuda noted that he has been a coach for many games and will always feel the pressure to win. Looking ahead to Sunday’s second-leg which T&T must win by two clear goals to advance Maturana said, “I really can’t comment on how we will play, it’s more of an attitude issue than a tactical one.
Having seen his players waste a number of clear-cut scoring chances, the T&T coach added, ““Yes, absolutely there is a problem scoring goals for us. Our two guys upfront are among the top strikers for the country all-time but I’m off the philosophy that goals come as a result of good play and goals are the end game, it means we need to start playing better.
“Today (Sunday) I noticed we abused the long ball and that’s is absolutely not the way to approach the goal. The way to play is to be patient, play your natural game and the goal will come. Maturana added, that his team knew what to expect from Bermuda but just did not perform well.
“Yes, absolutely there was scouting of the Bermuda team, but the problem was not how Bermuda played, the problem was how T&T played. “There is a problem with our defense and we have the rest of this week to work on it tactically and we will try to fix.” Overall, the Colombian stayed clear of pointing fingers at any of his players individually and said that was the job for the media to do.
” I judge the team as a whole and how they play.”
Asked to comment on the second goal scored by Bermuda, Maturana pointed out that he was extremely surprised it did stand.
“I only remember that Clayton Ince had the ball in his hand... next thing I see it’s a goal," the Colombian concluded. The team resumes training on Tuesday at the Larry Gomes Stadium and will depart for Bermuda on Thursday morning.
Off-tune Warriors must dig deep.
By: Lasana Liburd (Express).The Marvin Lee Stadium announcer gave a brave effort as he belted out the Trinidad and Tobago anthem without the luxury of musical accompaniment. I am sure he sounds better in his shower.
It turned to be a fitting appetizer.
Colombian coach Francisco Maturana must have wondered if his orchestra was drunk after a decidedly off-key performance in their opening 2010 World Cup qualifying fixture on Sunday at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya.
Maturana once captured South America 's prestigious Copa Libertadores title and made the globe swoon as his Colombian national team danced into the 1990 and 1994 World Cups. Now, his resume will include being beaten at home by a Bermudan team whose defensive spine had the average age of 32 and whose rotund midsections bore more resemblance to an all fours team than an athletic outfit.
Maturana speaks little English and will need a translator for today's post mortem with Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF) special advisor and FIFA vice-president Jack Warner. A poor grasp of Warner's first language might be his sole comfort.
Maturana spared his assistant coach Anton Corneal from the awkward position of representing the technical staff at Sunday's post-game press conference.
In fact, Corneal did not have to enter the press room at all as another interpreter was sourced to facilitate the coach.
Maturana took full responsibility for the embarrassing 2-1 defeat to Bermuda.
"I absolve the players from responsibility and take it all myself," he said, via translator. "( Trinidad and Tobago ) abused long passes It was definitely not the way to play the game...
"The problem was not how Bermuda played but how we played."
Coaches, unfortunately, are not judged on their ideas but on the ability to get players to buy into their philosophy.
Maturana gambled on Sunday by switching from the 4-4-2 system favoured in his opening six matches and the 4-5-1 used against Jamaica to a relatively untried 3-5-2.
There is inevitably the hint of desperation when a team prepares for five months in one formation only to change a week before the first examination. But the thought behind the move seemed reasonable.
After trying six full backs-including a schoolboy-in eight outings, the Colombian seemed to conclude that his employers were hopelessly lacking in that area and attempted to compensate by using three central defenders and retreating wide midfielders instead.
Perversely, it was the senior player one would expect the most from in that formation who dithered.
Carlos Edwards is a remarkable athlete with the innate ability to operate at right midfield and full back-sometimes in the same match. Yet, when team captain Aurtis Whitley winked at him in the first half and pointed towards the unmarked Bermudan left winger Khano Smith, Edwards made a face and did not retreat the necessary distance.
It was the same Smith, mind you, who broke clear to create Bermuda 's opening goal.
Edwards was hardly the only Warrior to fall short of his standards on Sunday but his performance could not be more different from the player who outhustled and outclassed Sweden winger Freddie Ljunberg during the 2006 World Cup.
The Sunderland star improved after the interval but, by then, Bermuda had found a scoreline they liked and were camped in front their own goal.
Maturana countered by trying to compensate for his players' inertia rather than grabbing them by their throats during the interval.
So, promising and ambitious teenaged midfielder Khaleem Hyland was sacrificed for an extra defender to mark a sole striker and wingers who should have been the business of the Trinidad and Tobago midfield in the first place.
The Colombian looks a clever coach but rumours of discontent abound as regards his team selection and he should be careful not to lose authority in the dressing room.
Traditionally, Trinidad and Tobago used locally based players during the early qualifying round-particularly for the away legs-and lanky defender Dennis Lawrence was initially excused from the return leg to conduct personal business in Britain.
But the technical staff is obviously anxious that he remains in the squad as they chase victory by a two goal margin in Bermuda. Maturana and Corneal previously bragged about their ability to spot young talent from outside the realm of even the local professional league.
But schoolboys Akeem Adams and Jamal Gay have long since been ditched while 20-year-olds Ataullah Guerra and Lester Peltier cannot get a game and the 19-year-old Hyland was his first change on the weekend.
Instead, it was 31-year-old national record scorer Stern John who looked the only player capable of goals on Sunday while the contributions of 30-year-old playmaker Aurtis Whitley and the 33-year-old Lawrence-who recently reversed his retirement-were crucial.
Perhaps Maturana initially underestimated the challenge of his job. But he is not the only team member who must reassess.
In the 2006 campaign, Whitley's mazy forward dribbles were key to coach Leo Beenhakker's offence. The midfielder's shot off a post against Mexico in 2005 that was duly converted by John was the catalyst for a superb recovery and crucial 2-1 qualifying win.
Whitley created John's goal again on Sunday but his unwillingness to drive forward and help the offence more directly is starting to tell. Maturana will need his senior players to hit the right notes in Bermuda.
Bermuda in the driver's seat.
By: Stephen Wright in Trinidad.[/size]
Bermuda fired themselves into the driving seat to qualify for the next round of the World Cup qualifiers after recording an astonishing victory over Trinidad and Tobago. John Barry Nusum scored two precious away goals against the Caribbean powerhouse who were roundly booed off the pitch at the Marvin Lee Stadium last night.
Nusum struck in the 8th and 39th minute to break Shaun Goater's record as Bermuda's top goalscorer in World Cup qualifying football. Stern John, who missed a hatful of goalscoring chances for the Soca Warriors, had equalised for Trinidad on 22 minutes.
Kenny Thompson's men executed their coach's game plan to perfection by frustrating the hosts and hitting them repeatedly on the break. They will look to finish off the job in this Sunday's home leg at the National Sports Stadium.
Khano Smith orchestrated the opener by effortlessly burning off his namesake Kareem Smith, before delivering a devilish low cross for Nusum to pounce and stun the home crowd. Trinidad's veteran John then had a great chance to equalise but tamely fired straight at ‘keeper Timmy Figureido.
The match was being played at a frantic pace with chances aplenty for both sides. Midfielder Keishen Bean was the next to squander a good opportunity and could only poke Kwame Steede’s right wing cross into Clayton Ince’s arms.
Hearts were in mouths moments later when Figureido fumbled a long range effort from Keon Daniel, which embarrassingly bounced between his legs and appeared to be rolling agonisingly towards the goal line, until the ‘keeper made amends for his error and gratefully collected the loose ball.
The hosts were mounting pressure and made the breakthrough when a chipped pass from Portsmouth trialist Khaleem Hyland eluded Bermuda's back-line, allowing John to smack a bouncing shot past Figureido.
Stern then inexplicably wasted a gilt-edged opportunity when he somehow shot wide at the near post from Carlos Edwards’ right wing cross. Trinidad, featuring a raft of English professionals, were enjoying plenty of possession, switching play attractively across the artificial pitch and it was against the run of play when Bermuda took the lead again.
Nusum calmly placed a shot from the edge of the area into an empty net, after Clayton Ince had been pole-axed following a challenge with Damon Ming. Trinidad’s defenders committed the cardinal sin of not playing to the referee’s whistle and seemed to freeze, while Ming lifted himself off the ground to play the ball back to Nusum to finish.
Even the Soca Warriors’ rhythm section from behind the goal were shocked into silence when the referee pointed to the centre circle, triggering joyous celebrations as Nusum ran towards the dugout to envelope coach Thompson in an embrace.
The second-half saw Trinidad continue to enjoy superior swathes of possession, while Bermuda looked to pounce on the counter-attack via wingers Smith and Ming. Ming, who was at his impish best, then crafted a superb opening by for Nusum who missed out on a hat-trick when he failed to connect fully with the winger’s cross.
Frustrations were escalating around the Marvin Lee Stadium with the hosts resorting to long-range efforts with both Kareem Smith and skipper Artis Whitney firing over the bar.
Gamesmanship then ensued when Trinidad refused to kick the ball out of play when Khano Smith went under a heavy challenge with 'keeper Ince, obviously still smarting from the referee’s decision to allow play to continue in the build up to Bermuda’s second. Trinidad continued to probe and create chances with both Jason Scotland and John missing opportunities as the Bermuda defence held firm.
Time For Maturana To Go!!!!
By: Andre Baptiste.com.When people hear of Bermuda, everyone thinks about –Bermuda shorts-
Many Trinidad and Tobago citizens actually wear these shorts regularly.
On Sunday (15th June), A Bermudan national football team made all of Trinidad and Tobago “wear’ red on their faces from embarrassment, shock and dismay, following a 2-1 defeat.
Add in a few tears for the four children, I saw sobbing uncontrollably at the Marvin Lee Stadium and you know just what “Football” means.
Trinidad and Tobago clearly did not do their homework.
Khano Smith from the Major League Soccer in the United States terrorized our defenders, with his measured control and talented left boot. His running at defenders left his opposite number Kareem Smith, a mere admirer, when his deft cross found an unmarked John Barry Nusum.
Perhaps though the deciding point in this match, was made off the field, and no it was not the posturing of the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs- Gary Hunt -or that of the special advisor to the Trinidad & Tobago Football Federation -Austin Jack Warner -and their (yes, both of them) “petty” antics, as it relates to Stadiums, costs, advertising and freeness. Neither man has any authority on all these matters to make them on their own, without thinking about the people of this Country. Jack Warner though has experience and knowledge on his side and should not allow Hunt, to draw him out so much.
The real problem was the decision to play a formation of 3-5-2. A system our team will clearly not be comfortable with. Against Jamaica we used 4-4-2, against England, we used 4-4-2. So was it that the technical Team, led by the non English speaking coach.
Fransisco Maturana devised this “bright” plan on their own.
It was a disaster.
A lot of this Team, seem disinterested in the game, it was as if they believed, they should not have been on the same field with the team from Bermuda.
How wrong they were? How wrong indeed?
The nippy winger Damon Ming, was also having his way with 33 year old Dennis Lawrence, who looked out of sorts.
In fact apart from a brief spell of energy from Carlos Edwards, it was a woeful performance from all bar possibly – Goalkeeper Clayton Ince-.
Stern John was his usual errant self with more misses than hits on targets.
So what made Maturana do this madness, did he make this decision on his own, or was he aided by Anton Corneal, the assistant coach?
In fact, the elder Corneal (Alvin) was on a technical FIFA committee with Maturana some years ago.
Also during the game with our team 2-1 down at half time, Maturana correctly introduced Ancil Farrier to stop the hemorrhaging, but unwisely substituted Khaleem Hyland instead of the hapless Keon Daniel.
Another, glaring error by the Colombian. Is there smoke in his eyes?
Maturana also demonstrated his lack of vision in utilizing only two (2) of his three (3) available substitutes.
Bermuda’s less experienced and much cheaper coach Kenneth Thompson utilizes all three of his substitutes.
Is he saying or sending a signal that his bench is so bad, so poor, what does that say of the future of Daryl Roberts?
It is clear now in my mind, win (by the required 2 goals on Sunday 22nd) or lose, that Fransisco Maturana is not the “man” for us. This country deserves more.
Any talk of Chemistry among the team is a significant disclosure that everything is not okay in the camp.
Sometimes, too many cooks block.
He is not able to inspire these players and maybe it is time to revised the Blacklisted players and swallow your pride, Jack and ask them to come back. It may be too late…………
However if there is no Blacklist , and the coach Maturana can pick any player , he wants , that is a faster reason to have this man out of here, because, he has not selected our best team.
But Maturana should go, should go and never come back.
Faith alone will not help us in the future , it may on Sunday coming , but that is short term thinking .
So Maturana Please Go and take some with you!
Soca Warriors Online/Warrior Nation members up-closeTouches Report.
Trini & Patriot Reports.
THAT'S Soca Warriors defender Makan Hislop seen clearing from the danger zone to end a Bermuda attack during the CONCACAF World Cup 2010 qualifier at the Marvin Lee Stadium, yesterday.
Author: ROGER JACOB
