T&T progresses to Gold Cup quarter-finals.

[Flex]

T&T progresses to Gold Cup quarter-finals.
By Shaun Fuentes (TTFA).

Hart: We proved ‘em wrong, “Everyone wrote this team off back at home”

Those were the post match comments made by Trinidad and Tobago head coach Stephen Hart after his team got past Cuba 2-0 on Sunday at the University of Phoenix Stadium to secure its place in the quarter finals with a game in hand.

The victory left the “Soca Warriors” atop Group C with a maximum six points, two points ahead of Mexico which could only muster a 0-0 draw with Guatemala in the second game of the double header at the indoor stadium which was filled to near capacity with some 63,000 fans in attendance.

The progress to the quarter finals was also the first time T&T reached the knockout stage with a game to spare in the group phase.

Hart stressed the importance of T&T advancing out of the group stage.

“I think it was important for us to qualify. No one gave us any chance back home … to even win a game. That’s what they were saying,” Hart said in the post match press conference.

“It’s important for the people, for the young players back at home, it’s important for our football. I cannot tell you how important it is for us to get to the quarter final. And I am very happy for these young players because they believed in me. I showed faith in them and they were rewarded tonight,” Hart added.

Hart, according to CONCACAF also became the second coach after Bruce Arena to qualify a team four times to the knockout phase. Arena guided the US while Hart did it twice with Canada and now T&T.

T&T started confidently and controlled the pace of the game from early on. Hart brought defender Mekeil Williams, Lester Peltier and Andre Boucaud into his starting team, allowing Khaleem Hyland, first game scorer Cordell Cato and Aubrey David to sit this one out at the start.

Similar to the 3-1 win over Guatemala, it didn’t take too long for T&T to draw first blood and it was Sheldon Bateau again who spurred Hart’s men on. A long ball into the box from Williams (M) was well met by Peltier but his effort was denied by Diosvelis Guerra and the ball fell into the path of Bateau who rammed home the rebound to push TT ahead in the 16th minute. It was the second goal in as many games for Bateau and he became the third player to score in successive games for T&T at the Gold Cup, following Arnold Dwarika in 2000 and Jerren Nixon in 1998.

Cuba, with 16 players available, had their good moments and didn’t look intent on lying down. Williams failed to clean up an Arial Martinez free kick and Radanfah Abu Bakr had to avert danger.


Just as Cuba appeared to be easing into stride, T&T doubled their advantage when a long throw from the right by Daneil Cyrus was not dealt with by the Cuban defence and Boucaud half volleyed with his right foot past a hapless Cuban custodian on 42 minutes.

T&T were comfortable at 2-0 but lost Williams who went down with a hamstring injury after advancing to make a stop and had to be replaced by Marvin Phillip.

The Cubans kept busy and looked capable of making a game out of it but T&T were stead and solid. There was nothing that would deny them on the evening. Jones was his usual busy self, giving a lot of effort and was unlucky with a couple goal attempts.  Joevin Jones enjoyed another polished showing and while Ataulla Guerra is yet to find proper footing, he will be looking to pick up momentum.

Midfielder Kevan George was also strong in the midfield while the backline looked rock solid and didn’t allow the opposition much looks at goal.

T&T will be without Boucaud for the Mexico game on two yellow cards.

If T&T tops Group C after their encounter with Mexico on Wednesday in Charlotte, for the “quarters” they could end up facing either Haiti, Honduras or El Salvador in New Jersey on July 19th. A second place finish in the group could pit them against El Salvador or Costa Rica.

Results (Group C)

T&T  2  v  Cuba  0
Bateau 17
Boucaud 42

Mexico  0  v  Guatemala  0

Teams

Trinidad and Tobago: - 21.Jan-Michael Williams (1.Marvin Phillip  44th); 5.Daneil Cyrus, 6.Radanfah Abu Bakr, 4.Sheldon Bateau, 17.Mekeil Williams, 14.Andre Boucaud (Yellow 28), 19.Kevan George, 3.Joevin Jones, 11.Ataullah Guerra (20.Keron Cummings 67th), 9.Kenwyne Jones (capt) (Yellow 51), 23.Lester Peltier (13.Cordell Cato 90th).

Unused substitutes: 22.Adrian Foncette (GK), 2.Aubrey David, 7.Jonathan Glenn, 18.Yohance Marshall,8.Khaleem Hyland, 10.Willis Plaza, 12.Kadeem Corbin, 15.Dwane James, 16.Rundell Winchester

Coach: Stephen Hart.

Cuba: - 21.Diosvelis Guerra; 2.Andy Vaquero, 15.Adrian Diz Pe (Yellow 15), 6.Yaisnier Napoles, 5.Jorge Luis Clavelo; 8.Alberto Gomez (17.Liban Dairon Perez 68th); 3.Yenier Marquez (capt), 9.Maikel Reyes, 18.Daniel Luis (16.Hanier Dranguet 79th); 22.Alain Cervantes (7.Dario Suarez 61st), 10.Ariel Martinez (Yellow 65).

Unused substitutes: 1.Sandy Sanchez (GK), 14.Aricheel Hernandez, 4.Angel Horta, 13.Jorge Luis Corrales, 19.Yasmany Lopez, 23.Felix Guerra, 20.Armando Coroneaux.

Coach: Walter Rosales.

Standings.

P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts
T&T  2  2  0  0  5  1  6
Mexico  2  1  1  0  6  0  4
Guatemala  2  0  1  1  1  3  1
Cuba  2  0  0  1  0  8  0

VIDEOS: -

VIEW GAME HIGHLIGHTS

VIEW HART AT POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE

VIEW POST MATCH REACTIONS FROM T&T PLAYERS

RELATED NEWS

Trinidad defeats Cuba, advances to quarterfinals
CONCACAF.COM

GLENDALE, Arizona –Trinidad & Tobago (2-0-0, 6 points) sealed a spot in the knockout stage of the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup with a 2-0 win over Cuba (0-0-2, 0 points) on Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium.

Mexico (1-0-0, 3 points) can progress as well with a win against Guatemala (0-0-1, 0 points) in the second game of a Group C doubleheader later in the evening.

Sheldon Bateau and Andre Boucaud each scored in the first half for the Soca Warriors, who won consecutive games in the Gold Cup for the first time in 15 years.

Trinidad took a 1-0 lead in the 17th minute, when Bateau hammered home from near the penalty spot. Cuba goalkeeper Diosvelis Guerra blocked Lester Peltier’s attempted 10-yard chip, but the ball fell to a charging Bateau for his second goal of the competition.

Boucaud doubled the advantage in the 43rd minute. The 30-year-old fired inside the right post with his right foot from 17-yards out after long throw-in into the box from the right side was headed in his direction by Cuba captain Yenier Marquez.

Cuba nearly halved the deficit just before halftime, but Maikel Reyes’ effort was saved by sliding goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams, who was injured on the play and was replaced by Marvin Phillip.

Scoring opportunities were at a premium in the second half as Trinidad closed out the match with only its second shutout in 25 all-time Gold Cup outings.

The Soca Warriors return to action on Wednesday in Charlotte, North Carolina, where they will face Mexico in a potential group-deciding showdown. Cuba will take on Guatemala in the first of the doubleheader.

NOTES: Sheldon Bateau became the first Trinidadian to score in two consecutive Gold Cup games since Arnold Dwarika in 2000.

[Sando prince]

Tournament not over yet Coach. Me personally will not be satisfied if we don't reach the semi-final. One game at a time

[Controversial]

Tournament not over yet Coach. Me personally will not be satisfied if we don't reach the semi-final. One game at a time

Where did he give you the impression it's over? Or he is fully satisfied?

[frico]

Why not play a game like the Guatemalans did against Mexico,it seems the Guatemalans played a defensive game,interspersed niggling   fouls,generally stopping the flowing football game that suits the Mexicans.Just spoil the bloody game and incense the Mexicans even more,if can stick one in dey rass early on,even better.Since KJ not able to do much more than hold de ball,mek im hold it for as long as he could.

[Sando prince]

Tournament not over yet Coach. Me personally will not be satisfied if we don't reach the semi-final. One game at a time

Where did he give you the impression it's over? Or he is fully satisfied?

I am not in favor of him ready to point out people wrote the team off and the team has proved them wrong. In my opinion nothing is proven yet. I am not satisfied with my team wining one or two games. They should excel through the rounds then the Coach can come out with these type of comments.

[Arimaman]

I wrote them off we.... the team had been playing terribly.  Regardless of what anyone says, we winning because of the poor opposition we playing.  Guatemala was god awful in the first half against us and Cuba is quite frankly hopeless in this tournament.  Honestly, we in the right group.  Having said that, because of the expectations, Hart playing with house money now, therefore, it makes for some interesting tactical decisions.  How will we play against Mexico, fully knowing that we are in?  Winning the group is critical to getting to the semis so I'll be anxiously hoping for a positive result. 

[Controversial]

Tournament not over yet Coach. Me personally will not be satisfied if we don't reach the semi-final. One game at a time

Where did he give you the impression it's over? Or he is fully satisfied?

I am not in favor of him ready to point out people wrote the team off and the team has proved them wrong. In my opinion nothing is proven yet. I am not satisfied with my team wining one or two games. They should excel through the rounds then the Coach can come out with these type of comments.

Well there was a wave of negativity.. Some of it warranted but for the most part you should never write the team off.. Everyone has their opinions..

For me, I was mad at the previous performance but that didn't lead me to think they were a write off.. I was hoping they would pull it together..

They are starting to play as a team, there are positives, of course they have a long prep to go to make the WC again but this is the first step..

[Sam]

Back home people does right off everybody and soon as de team start doing good all them f00ckers waving they flag.

Bunch of hypocrites.

Just know yuh go see de local posters showing back up.

[palos]

Since KJ not able to do much more than hold de ball,mek im hold it for as long as he could.

What an unfair & unfortunate comment 

[Controversial]

Since KJ not able to do much more than hold de ball,mek im hold it for as long as he could.

What an unfair & unfortunate comment 

Frico, consider this.... Holding up the ball creates space and opportunities for other players to create chances.. Jones has done that every game so far which goes unnoticed because he's not scoring goals... However, Jones scoring goals is not his only task under SH, he is also there to assist in the creation of opportunities for other strikers and mids, an integral part of the ball movement and distribution on the pitch..

Like seeker said, you have to value the intangibles as well

[Sando prince]

In my opinion KJ plays like a diva, the ball has to come directly to his feet for him to get involved. Sometimes you forget he is even on the field for different periods of the game.

I am waiting to see how he plays against better competition in this Gold Cup

[Deeks]

I think he should start Johnathan Glenn.

[maxg]

whoever the coach plays I with them, but they better show up with their best game or else I and - and even more critical to their future - They would be very embarrassed. Especially after Mexico tie their last.

[Deeks]

The fact is that Hart used different personel for both games, and we won. I say leave the back line as is. Start the same mid field from yesterday. Put Glenn up front. Let us see what he got.

[palos]

3 games in 6 days.

Of course the coach going to use different lineups....especially with many players who are less than optimally fit.

Factor in yellow cards etc and most coaches utilize their squad depth to deal with the following in tournaments:

1 - Volume of games in a short time span
2 - Tired legs
3 - Suspension or potential suspension due to yellow or red cards

Thank goodness T&T is in the happy position of not needing a result to qualify for the next round with a game to go in the preliminary round.

It means he can rest tired legs and not have to play players that are on a yellow.

For a team that was expected to already be knocked out of the tournament, that's not bad at all.

As for people who not happy with the team, we winning only because of poor opposition, coach playing with house money, and expect us to reach semi finals....not sure what your expectations are.




-

[socalion]

Coach Stephen Hart  and his team have won 2 games and  are atop the group  standings at the moment...... rest assured  stephen and his team are well aware the tournament is far from over .. So ..leh we just  give dem  / both Coach   hart and the team  our unwavering support  ...Best wishes to Captain Kj and his team mates... god bless  .

[frico]

palos & Controversial,I am not trying to be funny or nasty in anyway,I really don't see what KJ brings to the team,even when he holds the ball,he loses it too easily.Sando Prince also said what I have seen of KJ,you sometimes wonder if he's on the park.

[palos]

palos & Controversial,I am not trying to be funny or nasty in anyway,I really don't see what KJ brings to the team,even when he holds the ball,he loses it too easily.Sando Prince also said what I have seen of KJ,you sometimes wonder if he's on the park.

we go agree to disagree on KJ bro.

Respeck

[Jay10]

The system will not work properly without KJ. Like it or not. He is the Only player that holds up the ball on the NT well enough to bring the rest into the game.

[Tallman]

Since KJ not able to do much more than hold de ball,mek im hold it for as long as he could.

What an unfair & unfortunate comment 

KJ is we new Stern John. Obviously I eh talking about in de scoring department. Ah talking about de amount of negativity dat does be directed at him regardless of what he do.

[Sam]

Kenwyne Jones is de most important player on T&T side, his presence on de field alone does help ease pressure on T&T.

[Deeks]

Kenwyne Jones is de most important player on T&T side, his presence on de field alone does help ease pressure on T&T.

Sam, KJ was not on the field in the first half of game 1 and we scored. But KJ is an integral part of the team and captain. I, like all armchair coaches, are trying to pick Hart's mind to see who he will pick. KJ eh have nothing to proving as far as this round goes. Start Glen. Let's see if he can hold the ball like KJ, and also do other things that we would like to see a striker do. So far Coach Hart has done a good job with how he picked his team. So the final analysis will be his decision.

[Deeks]

1 - Volume of games in a short time span
2 - Tired legs
3 - Suspension or potential suspension due to yellow or red cards

Don't forget, flying to the different venues.

[lefty]

Kj was visible when it mattered in d end that is what is most important

[davyjenny1]

Kenwyne Jones is de most important player on T&T side, his presence on de field alone does help ease pressure on T&T.

Sam, KJ was not on the field in the first half of game 1 and we scored. But KJ is an integral part of the team and captain. I, like all armchair coaches, are trying to pick Hart's mind to see who he will pick. KJ eh have nothing to proving as far as this round goes. Start Glen. Let's see if he can hold the ball like KJ, and also do other things that we would like to see a striker do. So far Coach Hart has done a good job with how he picked his team. So the final analysis will be his decision.

Correct is right.

[Tiresais]

I'd play my entire second-string against Mexico personally - having your first team totally it and rested could really be the deciding factor in the next round.