Trinidad and Tobago certainly lifted their game quite a few notches than that of the very recent past. We defintely looked more promising and dangerous in our attack, while our defence was pretty decent in the end.
The atmosphere today was exceptional, although fans did not turn out in huge numbers as they did in the previous T&T-USA qualifier. The fans certainly were more invloved in today's proceedings and had much more to cheer about. I would say about 8,000 people attended today's game.
Now on to the game........
The starting lineup no doubt sprung a few surprises and raised eyebrows.
Firstly, DENNIS LAWRENCE started again!....I was quite upset about this.
Tiger was left out of the starting eleven.
Spann finally got a chance to start.
Rojas started in the left wing back position.
Charles played at right back.
KENWYNE JONES was left out of the starting eleven...I was definitely peeved about this!
Ince started ahead of Shaka..which I did not object to, since Shaka may not be in his best form and is lacking match practice. I knew Ince was also very solid and would handle himself.
Our first half was definitely the best (first) half we have played that I can recall. I mentioned previously that we were a second half team, and we always entered a lull in the first 30 minutes of a game. Today was a stark contrast to this, as our first half was several times better than our second half.
We knocked the ball around with some poise and class, and for once our Warriors seemed to click in terms of their ball possession. I must admit, that if we were to build on this type of performance, T&T could certainly take a few points away from teams overseas, and could unleash some surprise victories at home as well.
I was particularly, impressed with the midfield today, since this is usually our area of weakness. Dwight Yorke must be given credit for putting in a 100% effort. Yorkey held up the ball well, used his good ball skills and touches to good effect, and really hustled and tackled with passion and urgency that we expect of our Warriors. He certainly lifts this team a notch, but I still think he could be even more deadly as an atacking midfielder just behind the strikers. His first touch and ball control is still excellent, and he could be dangerous around the opposition's penaly area with his quick flicks between strikers, shots on goal, and striker's instinct, instead of assuming the role of the playmaker in the middle of the park. He does get a bit tired after 60 minutes or so, but still tries hard. Imagine a player like Dwarika coming on to replace Yorkie behind the strikers. We will need him to come on in the second half to provide some fresh legs, turns, and some tricks. Unpredictability is the name of the game.
The player who blew me away with his passing, control and vision to some extent was SILVIO SPANN. Tell me, why the hell did Bertie have to reach this stage of certain desperation, to try this player in his side? Spann to me is a must start, and was generally wise in his passing decisons while being very involved in our midfield buildups. He tackled a fair bit as well, and looks extremely reliable in the middle of the park. Imagine Theobald and/or Whitley in the middle with Spann while Yorke being above them behind two strikers. That is certainly a formidable midfield, with good defensive hustlers as well.
Ince was tremendous today, and showed why he is capable of being our #1 keeper even ahead of our reliable Shaka. His goalkeeping instincts were sound, and he pulled off a couple of spectacular saves from nearly certain goal scoring positions. He also seems very comfortable with shot stopping and with the ball in the air while possessing a demon of a goal kick/dunk out.
Anton Pierre, in my opinion was solid as usual. He was used in a left back position today. He seems a bit slow, but certainly compensates for this with quality defensive instincts and good defensive headers.
Atiba Charles also had a great game defensively, and does very well when overlapping, with the ability to take on players and leave them for dead as well as putting in qulaity crosses.
Lawrence had an average game. Are u surprised?
Eve had an extremely good game, and must start in midfield, if not come on early in the second half.
He linked up well with Yorke in the midfield, and did well bring the ball forward into attack. Definitely a warrior with heart. He also provides menacing crosses, free kicks and corners.
Rojas was pretty good especially in the second half. Good overlapping, came back well in defence several times. I cannot complain with his effort. He should start all games.
Carlos Edwards was superb in the first half, and linked up very well with Spann in the midfield. He provides very good crosses. However, he should be encouraged to take on players when he is in a 1v1 or when he is afforded space instead of turning or passing. He faded in the second half, and looked as though we was either tired, or picked up a knock. A sure starter.
Stern had an average game, but his ball control in taking down those balls on his chest and thigh were breathtaking. He is definitely our go to striker for the long ball if used sparingly. This leads me to believe that we could play with only one striker.
Cornell Glen, in my opinion did not have a very good game, and would do far better when coming off the bench with fresh legs against tired defenders. He was coming off of an injury though.
Hector Sam came on and definitely looked busy. He worked hard and did look dangerous, a good sub to have. Very fast. Nigel Pierre came on and had an average performance.
KENWYNE JONES should have been used though, either to replace a tired Edwards or up front, but was not. Bertie certainly lost out here.
Scott Sealy, Dwarika, Seaton and Theobald will make this side complete and very potent.
Well, thats it....tell me what alya think