July 7, 1989:
Guadeloupe 2: TT Strike Squad 0
In those days we had a "B" team that supplemented the Strike Squad. THis "B" team steamrolled all before them in the Shell Cup Qualifiers, and for the finals in Barbados, we sent in the Strike Squad, who were 2 games away from possibly qualifying for Italy 1990.
A full strength Team lost 0-2 to Guadeloupe in an important game to determine the group winner and finalist. Thankfully, we still made it on GD and went on to win the tournament...
We have always struggled against these French Caribbean teams (except the time when we paste Martinique 7-2 in the Oval) and occasionally Suriname. Its just the matchup/physical play etc.
Losing to Martinique in Martinique in extra time, on result alone, is nothing to raise the white flag for heading into the Hex.
What is more worrying is the fact that we are conceding way too many goals recently, forgot the number.
We about to face a team that beat Russia in Russia. A team that historically owns that 3rd spot in the HEX. The only team in CONCACAF that we have never beaten in a WCQ...
The team has shown is possesses a lot of heart over the last couple years, but at the same time inconsistent.
Lets hope we due for a good result next game after the US beat down and loss to Martinique.