http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1616/concacaf/2009/06/05/1308065/world-cup-qualifying-preview-trinidad-tobago-vs-costa-ricaWorld Cup Qualifying Preview: Trinidad & Tobago vs. Costa Rica
Fresh off of running through the United States Costa Rica will face a tough road test in Bacolet, Tobago on Saturday.
Jun 5, 2009 6:18:45 PM
Stern John- Trinidad & Tobago (Mexsport)
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Stern John- Trinidad & Tobago (Mexsport)
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* Costa Rica
* Trinidad & Tobago
Costa Rica may have trashed the United States on Wednesday, but Saturday’s match against Trinidad and Tobago is a whole new challenge, and the Costa Ricans will need to continue their fine form to walk away with a win. The Soca Warriors are in desperate need of a win as they currently sit bottom of the table, and a home stand against the team at the top of the table would be a big boost to Trinidad’s hopes of reaching South Africa.
Road Warriors:
The road is a scary place in CONCACAF. Ten games into the Hexagonal round, only three points have been collected by road teams, and the group leaders have yet to earn a single point away from Estadio Ricardo Saprissa.
Dwight Yorke Stadium will be a much more hostile environment for the Ticos than the Monster’s Cave was on Wednesday, but that’s not the only thing working against Costa Rica. Much like the U.S., the Costa Ricans have the disadvantage of playing their second match in four days against a team that should be much fresher. Unlike the U.S. the Ticos are riding a nice wave of momentum after putting on a clinic on their home turf.
Another quality outing could have Costa Rica costing into the final half of the Hex with as much as five point lead on their next closest competitors.
In Need Of A Win:
The equation heading into Saturday is fairly simple for T&T. They need a win, and they need it badly. With only two points from three matches T&T is chasing the pack. A draw against Costa Rica would not be horrible, but with the trouble the Soca Warriors have had on the road it would be a missed opportunity to close the gap on the group’s top four teams.
In their last home match T&T fought out a tough 1-1 draw against a very strong Honduras side. That draw was a snatch and grab job with T&T coming up with an equalizer in the late going, but on the whole they proved to be a very tough side to break down.
The Soca Warriors have some monsters up front with Kenwyne Jones, and Jason Scotland, but will be without the injured Stern John. The team should be bolstered by the return of midfield ace Dwight Yorke after his four match ban was cut in half by FIFA.
Trinidad & Tobago: Carlos Edwards. Edwards is a quality player with plenty of pace to run the right flank all night long. Costa Rica killed the U.S. with attacks up the wings and it will be up to Edwards to slow down the Ticos attack and provide quality service for his three massive strikers.
Costa Rica: Alvaro Saborio. The 27-year-old’s goal against the U.S. was pure class and he was an absolute menace throughout the match. Trinidad’s back line will have their hands full with Costa Rica’s quick passing attack, and Saborio has proven he cannot be given time to pick his shot.
Goal.com Prediction: Trinidad has plenty of talent to make this a good game, but the Costa Ricans will understand how good a position they can be in with a win in this match. Trinidad & Tobago 1-2 Costa Rica
Allen Ramsey, Goal.com
