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Offline Flex

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Costa Rica edges T&T, inches closer to Mexico in Hexagonal table
CONCACAF.COM


All the goals were scored in the first half as Costa Rica (3W-2D-1L, 11 points) earned a 2-1 win over visiting Trinidad & Tobago (1-0-5, 3) in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday night at the Estadio Nacional.

The result gave the Costa Ricans sole possession of second place on 11 points, three behind Mexico (4-2-0, 14) and three ahead of the United States (2-2-2, 8.). T&T remains in last place, losing for a third consecutive match without scoring a goal.

Francisco Calvo gave the host a 1-0 lead in just the first minute, when he headed home from the edge of the six-yard box off Joel Campbell’s in-swinging corner kick from the right.

The Trinidadians leveled in the 35th minute as Joevin Jones rolled a pass from the left across the top of the penalty area to Kevin Molino, who took a touch before snapping off a left-footed shot from 20-yards out that right-diving goalkeeper Keylor Navas touched, but couldn’t prevent from entering the net.

In the 44th minute, a moment of brilliance from Bryan Ruiz proved to be the difference. The 2016 CONCACAF Player of the Year received a pass from Marco Ureña, eluded a defender and then – from the top-left side of the 18-yard box, sent an effort with the outside of his left foot past diving goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams and into the right side of the net.

Costa Rica snapped a three-game winless in 2018 WCQ play, while Trinidad & Tobago has scored one goal or fewer in its last seven consecutive games in the competition.

Results

Costa Rica 2 (Francisco Calvo 1, Bryan Ruiz 44) v Trinidad and Tobago 1 (Kevin Molino 34)

Teams

Trinidad and Tobago (4-1-4-1): 21.Jan-Michael Williams (GK) (capt); 2.Aubrey David, 5.Daneil Cyrus, 4.Sheldon Bateau (Yellow 41), 17.Mekeil Williams (12.Shahdon Winchester 89th); 15.Curtis Gonzales; 7.Nathan Lewis, 18.Hashim Arcia (8.Khaleem Hyland 46th), 10.Kevin Molino, 3.Joevin Jones (11.Carlos Edwards 77th); 20.Jamille Boatswain.

Unused substitutes: 1.Marvin Phillip (GK), 22.Adrian Foncette (GK), 6.Radanfah Abu Bakr, 13.Hughtun Hector, 14.Andre Boucaud, 16.Alvin Jones, 19.Kevan George, 23.Leston Paul, Triston Hodge,

Coach: Dennis Lawrence

Costa Rica (3-3-3-1): 1.Keylor Navas (GK); 19.Kendall Waston (4.Michael Umaña 22nd - Yellow 63), 2.Johnny Acosta, 15.Francisco Calvo; 16.Christian Gamboa, 5.Celso Borges, 8.Bryan Oviedo; 12.Joel Campbell, 11.Johan Venegas, 10.Bryan Ruiz (capt); 21.Marcos Ureña (13.Rodney Wallace 81st).

Unused substitutes: 18.Patrick Pemberton (GK), 23.Leonel Moreira (GK), 3.Kenner Gutierrez, 6.Jose Salvatierra, 7.Daniel Colindres, 9.Ariel Rodriguez, 14.Randall Azofeifa, 17.Yeltsin Tejada, 20.David Guzman, 22.Ronald Matarrita,

Coach: Oscar Ramirez

Referee: Yardel Martinez (Cuba)

Standings

# - P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts - (-/+)
1. Mexico  6  4  2  0  9  2  14  (+7)
2. Costa Rica  6  3  2  1  9  4  11  (+5)
3. United States  6  2  2  2  11  8  8  (+3)
4. Panama  6  1  4  1  4  4  7  (0)
5. Honduras  6  1  2  3  6  14  5  (-8)
6. Trinidad & Tobago  6  1  0  5  3  10  3  (-7)

RELATED NEWS

T&T goes down fighting.
TTFA Media.


Trinidad and Tobago’s Senior Men’s Team produced one of its best ever efforts  in World Cup Qualifying action in Costa Rica on Tuesday night but were left without at least point to show as Francisco Calvo and Bryan Ruiz’s first half goals gave the hosts a 2-1 victory at the National Stadium in San Jose.

A firm left foot strike by Minnesota United’s Kevin Molino beat Real Madrid custodian Keylor Navas to draw T&T level on 35 minutes as the visitors, which lost captain Kenwyne Jones to a hamstring injury in the pre-game warm up, matched their opponents stride for stride before a partizan Costa Rican crowd of just under 35,000.

T&T’s best result in World Cup qualifying was in 1985, a 1-1 draw, followed by a 3-0 loss in 2001, 2-0 in 2005 and 4-0 in 2009. Despite the loss, T&T remains in the running for a place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Panama gave up two points at home tonight with a 2-2 draw with Honduras.

The stage is now set for T&T to host Honduras on September 1st followed by a clash with Panama in Panama City on September 5th. Six points from those two games followed by a win at home to the US in the final group encounter on October 10th. T&T will be away to Mexico on October 6th and a result there too would be a massive boost.

On Tuesday night, T&T found themselves trailing inside the first minute when a cheaply conceded right side corner led to Calvo arriving unmarked in the six yard box to head past Jan Michael Williams on his near post from a Joel Campbell right side corner.

T&T were however not shaken by the early setback and caused the Costa Ricans to take note of their intent with some decent possessional football and organised play to keep themselves right in the game.

Jamille Boatswain, who came in late as Jones’ replacement should have pulled T&T level as he latched onto a ball after Arcia’s mishit, and had Navas scampering but couldn’t get his shot off on time, allowing the Madrid man to make the first block, then a second block on Arcia’s follow up and another Botswain attempt. There were screams of scare from the Costa Rican fans and then loud cheers as the ball went to safety.

Joevin Jones also had a well taken free kick bringing out the best out of Navas, as he went full stretch to his left to push the ball out on the right post on 28 minutes. Soon after Hashim Arcia went close with an effort from a Nathan Lewis pass but Navas was up to the task.

T&T clawed one back through Kevin Molino in the 35th minute, as the Minnesota United player fired home a Joevin Jones pass from just outside Costa Rica’s penalty area.

Ruiz put the Ticos back in front just before the break for good, curling a 12-yard shot past  Michael Williams with the outside of his left foot to make it 2-1.

The second half saw Khaleem Hyland enter the T&T line up and Dennis Lawrence’s men took on the match with a degree of authority and composure that was definitely impressive.

T&T should have had a penalty  in the 51st minute when Boatswain was blatantly had his shirt tugged by defender Michael Umana as he made a diagonal run to meet a Daneil Cyrus pass, falling to the turf inside the penalty box. Cuban referee Yadel Martinez waved play on and there was no reaction from his assistant on the near side. Lawrence and the rest of the T&T camp was left in disbelief.  The Costa Rican press correspondents in the media tribune were also surprised, some plainly calling “Penal” as the play occurred.

Boatswain had another shot saved by Navas’ legs and Molino saw one go into the side netting as T&T pressed for an equaliser but the Costa Ricans desperately saw out the remaining minutes with a couple missed opportunities as well.

In the other match on the night, Roman Torres scored in the 90th minute as Panama rallied for a 2-2 draw with Honduras.

Mexico leads the final round of qualifying in the North and Central American and Caribbean region with 14 points, followed by Costa Rica with 11 and the United States (eight), Panama (seven), Honduras (five) and Trinidad and Tobago (three).

Lawrence: Tremendous effort but I’m not happy with the call.

The Trinidad and Tobago dressing room was far from dismal on Tuesday night as the members of the national senior men’s team reflected and came to terms with their latest defeat in World Cup qualifying action. Defeated but not devastated as T&T held their own against one of the Concacaf giants in their own backyard, cheered on by a partizan home crowd.

Head Coach Dennis Lawrence made his feelings clear in the post-match press conference about the referee’s failure to award a penalty when Jamille Boatswain was pulled down by Costa Rican defender  in the 51st minute.

“First and foremost I’m going to be careful with how I deal with the situation because I am not really happy. Congratulations to Costa Rica. In terms of our boys, I think we gave a tremendous effort tonight and I don’t think the result reflected the actual result. I’ve got to question the penalty because I think the only people on the football pitch that did not believe it was a penalty were the officials. From that point of view, I thought we should have come out with something from the game and I really feel sorry for the boys,” Lawrence said in his opening remark.

“We know points were important tonight. We are going to fight until the end, until it becomes mathematically impossible for us to qualify,” he added.

“I thought we had more of the game in the second half than Costa Rica. I think the entire stadium knew it was a penalty. The only people who did not recognise it was the people who were most important – the officials.”

“Costa Rica has always been one of the Concacaf giants. I think we all understand they are a very good team and they have players of a top level. What I am most pleased about tonight is that we were able to come out tonight and match Costa Rica stride for stride. Unfortunately we did not get the result we wanted but I gave yeoman credit to my team for the effort that they put in,” Lawrence added.

T&T midfielder Kevin Molino, the 35th minute goalscorer was notably upset with the result but managed to keep a positive spirit ahead of the remaining set of matches.

“I am disappointed. There is no way to hide this because I felt we did well enough to get a result tonight, at least a point. I feel pleased to have scored here in Costa Rica but I am hurting with the result. I would have much preferred to leave here with something. We put out a strong effort tonight but unfortunately we didn’t get the result,” Molino told TTFA Media.

“First half we were in it even after the early goal and when I banged it in, I felt we had them on the blackfoot and the game was there for the taking. But we had a couple close misses and very close penalty call but we know in these countries, we are not going to get those calls. It is unfortunate for us at this time.

“But I feel very strongly about how we are coming along as a team. We fought really well and matched this Costa Rican team and hopefully we can pull it even close together for the next set of games in September and get the results we need,” Molino added.

T&T go down fighting in San José but Panama result offers hope.
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868).


Far from finished:

Trinidad and Tobago lost their third successive match in the CONCACAF Hex last night with a 2-1 defeat to Costa Rica in San José. And, at the final whistle, the Soca Warriors conceded further ground to their five opponents in the quest for the three and a half qualification spots available for the Russia 2018 World Cup.

Yet, in four months’ time, Soca Warriors supporters might remember Wednesday 13 June as a turning point.

In Panama City yesterday, Panama and Honduras played to a 2-2 draw which means that, despite the San José setback, Trinidad and Tobago’s destiny remains in their own hands. And they may not need a point in the Azteca Stadium after all.

The Warriors will resume their World Cup campaign in Port-of-Spain on 1 September against Honduras and three points for the two-island republic will move coach Dennis Lawrence’s troops into fifth place.

Four days later, Trinidad and Tobago play away to a Panamanian team that have now failed to win any of their last five matches—their only triumph of the Hex came in the open round on 11 November 2016 when they defeated Honduras 1-0 in San Pedro Sula.

Another triumph in Panama City and the Warriors will again face the United States in Port-of-Spain with a potential World Cup place at stake—albeit a FIFA Play-off berth.

Of course, it seems a much simpler task on paper than it is in reality. But, arguabl,y for the first time in the Hex, there was also on-the-field evidence that Trinidad and Tobago are not done yet.

Outside of Mexico City, San José has long been the most undesirable tourist destination for the boys in red, white and black. Two of the country’s most successful past coaches, Everald “Gally” Cummings and Leo Beenhakker, both travelled there and lost and it is not since 1985 that Trinidad and Tobago have managed a point away to Costa Rica.

Yet, at the hour mark, Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams had made just one save outside of the two goals conceded while Costa Rica custodian Keylor Navas had been forced to defend his goal area on four occasions. And, for the third straight game, Lawrence had a legitimate reason to feel aggrieved at the officiating as a disallowed penalty shout was added to disallowed “goals” against Mexico and the United States.

As full time loomed, Navas, a two UEFA Champions League winner with Real Madrid, was so timid about putting the ball into play from goal kicks that he earned a scolding by Cuban referee Yardel Martinez.

Lawrence and his boys might have got nothing tangible in San José. But, if Trinidad and Tobago were indeed inhibited by self-doubt ever since the likes of Dwight Yorke and Russell Latapy hung up their boots, then the last team standing from the Caribbean might have secured something almost as valuable last night.

At the start of the year, Jamille Boatswain was playing up front for the Pro League’s worst team last season, Point Fortin Civic. Defence Force coach Marvin Gordon saw something in the raw, fast poacher and offered the 23-year-old the chance to become a soldier and compete with veteran Devorn Jorsling, the Pro League’s record goal scorer, for the starting role up front.

Boatswain claimed the centre-forward position at Defence Force in just under two months—thanks, in part, to a Jorsling injury. And, four months later, Warriors captain Kenwyne Jones looks to be in trouble too under similar circumstances.

In the 51st minute, Boatswain made a diagonal run on to a pass by teammate Daneil Cyrus only for the panicked Costa Rica defender Michael Umaña to tug him back by his shirt.

Inexplicably, Martinez did not punish Umaña by awarding a penalty kick, which would have given Trinidad and Tobago a chance to make it 2-2. But Boatswain will remember the look of terror in the Costa Rican defender. He should also recall an illustrious Real Madrid goalkeeper praying for the final whistle.

Having faced the core of a Costa Rican team that eliminated Italy and England from the 2014 World Cup, the Trinidad and Tobago players must know they can compete now—at least if they properly apply themselves.

With any luck, there will be no more news of players turning up late for training, slipping out of the camp to party or demanding nights out with their wives. Not when they realise that professionalism and dedication to the craft is the biggest difference between them and several of football’s household names.

This is not to say that Trinidad and Tobago were anything near flawless last night—from a tactical standpoint or otherwise.

Lawrence gambled again with his team sheet as the Warriors started with four offensive midfielders behind a lone striker in a remarkable show of chutzpah on hostile soil.

The biggest punt of all was in Defence Force playmaker Hashim Arcia who made his World Cup qualifying debut in central midfield. Arcia does his best work in the offensive third of the field with his club and it showed last night.

He was flat-footed when, after just 45 seconds, Francisco Calvo headed Costa Rica ahead off a Joel Campbell corner kick. And Arcia was beaten again in the 44th minute, when opposing captain Bryan Ruiz sent him the wrong way on the edge of the area before hitting a sublime left-footed effort into the far corner.

Ironically, it was the change that Lawrence had not made—not intentionally anyway—which made the most significant impact last night.

Captain Kenwyne Jones pulled up during the pre-match warm-up and Lawrence, a former Defence Force man himself, put his faith in another soldier.

Boatswain’s hold-up play is nowhere near Kenwyne’s level while he also lacked the latter’s aerial presence to threaten from crosses. But his pace and willingness to chase any ball within the same zip code forced the Costa Rica defence to take a deeper line; it meant more space for the Trinidad and Tobago midfield—and, in particular, Kevin Molino—to exploit.

Joevin Jones served the first warning of Trinidad and Tobago’s intent in the 28th minute with an angled free kick, which Navas saved at full stretch.

Then, two minutes later, Arcia almost pulled the Warriors level with a clipped effort from a Nathan Lewis pass—only for Navas to again pull off the block.

The best was still to come from the famous Costa Rican goalkeeper. In the 32nd minute, Arcia mishit an attempt which fell fortuitously to Boatswain in the opposing penalty area.

Boatswain sized up Navas and tried to dart around him for a simple finish. Navas’ ability to chase the striker and produce a block, despite being practically on all fours, seemed like something from a sci-fi movie and, in the same sequence, he followed that up with another save from close range as the Ticos survived rebound efforts by Arcia and then Boatswain again.

Navas had no answer for Molino, though. On another Trinidad and Tobago counter-attack, Joevin crossed low from the left and, although Boatswain might have been the target, the ball landed for Molino who found the far corner superbly with his supposedly weaker left foot. One all!

Navas had got a touch on the ball but, unable to keep it out, he screamed in frustration.

As the mobile front three of Molino, Joevin and Boatswain sprinted towards the substitutes’ bench to celebrate, it was easy to imagine that this is what Trinidad and Tobago’s football future will look like.

Of course, it is still too early to dismiss Kenwyne and his attributes. But at least there are now signs of a feasible Plan B.

Still, one minute before the interval, Ruiz brought the Warriors back down to earth with a classy move and finish.

Lawrence replaced Arcia with Khaleem Hyland at half-time, presumably to add more experience, grit and calm to the midfield area;  it proved futile. This was not a coach’s game. More than anything else, it was like a table tennis match: attack versus counter-attack.

Boatswain should have earned the penalty off Umaña and he had another shot saved by Navas’ legs. Molino too found an opening, driving one effort into the side netting from a sharp angle.

At the other end, Cyrus was caught in possession and was relieved to see Costa Rica forward Johan Venegas hit overbars while Campbell also wasted a decent look after a sloppy Hyland giveaway.

Lawrence swapped Joevin for Carlos Edwards in the 77th minute and then Mekeil Williams for Shahdon Winchester in the 89th. Whatever the intention, there was again little visible sign that either change made Trinidad and Tobago more solid defensively or more dangerous offensively.

The last 20 minutes were scrappy for both teams and Navas decided not to take any chances as he wasted as much time as the referee would allow. The hosts were thus relieved at the final whistle.

So what now?

Next month, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, Panama and the United States are all guaranteed between three to six competitive fixtures against CONCACAF best teams in the 2017 Gold Cup tournament. Trinidad and Tobago are the only team from the Hex that failed to qualify for that competition.

Worse, there are no FIFA match days available between now and 28 August. It means the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) will need to get creative to find decent warm-up games for the Warriors. And, even then, Lawrence has no guarantee that any of his foreign-based players will be available to take part.

It is imperative that the likes of Boatswain, Lewis, Arcia and Gonzales get the opportunity to continue their development at this level. And soon. No doubt, Lawrence can learn more about his players too—and it is about time he had a look at the United States-based duo of Ataulla Guerra and Neveal Hackshaw as well as Slovenia-based left-back Keston Julien. Perhaps the lanky coach will extend his search further afield while there will inevitably be fresh attempts to woo former England National Under-17 team captain John Bostock.

Trinidad and Tobago’s position in the CONCACAF standings remains as precarious as ever. But at least, Lawrence now has something concrete he can work with.

The Warriors are far from finished.

« Last Edit: June 17, 2017, 04:40:18 AM by Flex »
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Offline Sam

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Re: Costa Rica edges T&T, inches closer to Mexico in Hexagonal table
« Reply #1 on: June 14, 2017, 04:48:39 AM »
Them fellas play real ball I must say, they fight hard and I like that, de ref and them really prejudice towards Caribbean teams.

De only beef ah have was why bring on Carlos Edwards for Joevin Jones and we have Hughtun Hector and Andre Boucaud on de bench who coulda add more power going forward. Winchester came on to late to.

But I was impress with de two local fellas Boatswain and Lewis, they run whole game.

We have to also stop looking for de long runs and use we midfield more this is why Boucaud woulda been good.

Honduras and Panama tie, so that results good for T&T.

« Last Edit: June 14, 2017, 04:50:57 AM by Sam »
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Offline Deeks

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Re: Costa Rica edges T&T, inches closer to Mexico in Hexagonal table
« Reply #2 on: June 14, 2017, 05:03:04 AM »
I only saw the last 6 mins. So I really can't give an informed opinion. Sam comment about the subs. Is food for thought. But I have to see the game. That winning goal was painful to watch. Real painful. Knock the wind off our sails.

Offline Mad Scorpion a/k/a Big Bo$$

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Re: Costa Rica edges T&T, inches closer to Mexico in Hexagonal table
« Reply #3 on: June 14, 2017, 06:39:49 AM »
Hyland was the best addition. He always seems to come in for criticism from us but hardly ever praised. KH was breaking up virtually everything that came near him. He added some very necessary composure and only made one single errant pass. Botswain makes intelligent runs then fluffed them by being devoid of any additional ideas.  The offside were just plain unacceptable especially the one where Lewis could have gotten back the ball and he interfered when he had to know he was offside by a mile. That Carlos for JJ sub have me seriously confused.

Offline Sando prince

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Re: Costa Rica edges T&T, inches closer to Mexico in Hexagonal table
« Reply #4 on: June 14, 2017, 06:52:24 AM »

So what is new in T&T football? everything seem the same right now

Offline Trini _2026

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Re: Costa Rica edges T&T, inches closer to Mexico in Hexagonal table
« Reply #5 on: June 14, 2017, 07:01:19 AM »
Them fellas play real ball I must say, they fight hard and I like that, de ref and them really prejudice towards Caribbean teams.

De only beef ah have was why bring on Carlos Edwards for Joevin Jones and we have Hughtun Hector and Andre Boucaud on de bench who coulda add more power going forward. Winchester came on to late to.

But I was impress with de two local fellas Boatswain and Lewis, they run whole game.

We have to also stop looking for de long runs and use we midfield more this is why Boucaud woulda been good.

Honduras and Panama tie, so that results good for T&T.



 these guy need games between now and September plus he can make a few player  recalls  look for new faces
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/sh8SeGmzai4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">http://www.youtube.com/v/sh8SeGmzai4</a>

Offline Dinner Mints

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Re: Costa Rica edges T&T, inches closer to Mexico in Hexagonal table
« Reply #6 on: June 14, 2017, 07:07:46 AM »
Hyland was the best addition. He always seems to come in for criticism from us but hardly ever praised. KH was breaking up virtually everything that came near him. He added some very necessary composure and only made one single errant pass. Botswain makes intelligent runs then fluffed them by being devoid of any additional ideas.  The offside were just plain unacceptable especially the one where Lewis could have gotten back the ball and he interfered when he had to know he was offside by a mile. That Carlos for JJ sub have me seriously confused.
Listening on the radio tell me a whole different story. Andre and Tony was giving Hyland props for bout ten minutes, then start bawling at him the rest of the game for bad passing. And, according to them, JJ was playing crap and taking him off was unsurprising. Team didn't really sound like it had a good game to me, so I surprised to hear from people who actually watched the game that it was a good one. Radio had me well cussing them fellas out.

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Re: Costa Rica edges T&T, inches closer to Mexico in Hexagonal table
« Reply #7 on: June 14, 2017, 07:15:38 AM »
That Carlos for JJ sub have me seriously confused.

I hope that is not a partners thing. We know they had a great run together in 06. Army buddies as well. Carlos has kept himself in great shape and his experience is invaluable. But we need skillful youths with speed and stamina. Not knocking Carlos, but father time is here. It just goes to show the shortage in quality players that we have at the moment.

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Re: Costa Rica edges T&T, inches closer to Mexico in Hexagonal table
« Reply #8 on: June 14, 2017, 07:20:29 AM »
I have a general mindset that in sport which is full of human activity and prone to error, there tends to be a balancing out of things that go for and against you but I must admit I am struggling with the calls we are getting. We are predominantly overmatched generally and we will need that 'rub of the green' for things to go our way.

Mexico 1-0 : Joevin wrongful offside goal otherwise score 1:1
US 2-0: Nathan Lewis wrongful offside goal otherwise score at the time would have been 1:1
Costa Rica 2-1: Botswain penalty no call, if we score that penalty the score 2:2

Even if I am willing to throw out the USA result that is 2 points taken away from us by poor officiating otherwise we would be on 5 points. I know history will never really take any of this into account but in the present is all kinda chessburn, The players hopefully will stay committed once it's mathematically possible. i think we can adjust the need from 13 to 12 points to secure 4th because of the Panama/Honduras result as we have to play both of them still. 3 wins with 2 home games is not out of reach. Keep Believing!
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Offline soccerman

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Re: Costa Rica edges T&T, inches closer to Mexico in Hexagonal table
« Reply #9 on: June 14, 2017, 07:53:42 AM »
We need 6 points from the next 2 games and the preparation need to begin now! Not in August.

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Re: Costa Rica edges T&T, inches closer to Mexico in Hexagonal table
« Reply #10 on: June 14, 2017, 08:25:42 AM »
Hyland was the best addition. He always seems to come in for criticism from us but hardly ever praised. KH was breaking up virtually everything that came near him. He added some very necessary composure and only made one single errant pass. Botswain makes intelligent runs then fluffed them by being devoid of any additional ideas.  The offside were just plain unacceptable especially the one where Lewis could have gotten back the ball and he interfered when he had to know he was offside by a mile. That Carlos for JJ sub have me seriously confused.
Listening on the radio tell me a whole different story. Andre and Tony was giving Hyland props for bout ten minutes, then start bawling at him the rest of the game for bad passing. And, according to them, JJ was playing crap and taking him off was unsurprising. Team didn't really sound like it had a good game to me, so I surprised to hear from people who actually watched the game that it was a good one. Radio had me well cussing them fellas out.

Dem men was on shit.  Hyland was everywhere and in everything.  Even when CR players had the ball in our half after 2 quick passes he was galloping back and pressuring them and forcing mistakes.  On the offensive side he was constantly showing in space to relieve pressure when either Botswain or Lewis ran into trouble or was being crowded.  Simply put he was easily very visible as the most active and effective player on the field once introduced.  JJ was not playing bad at all and given that him and Molino were the only 2 showing any attacking intuition to take the ball past anyone, it was a poor decision in my book.  At this stage Carlos is not a suitable replacement for a player like JJ at all.  As for Arcia, not even sure why he was given the start in the hole to begin with given he's an attacking mid.  He get beat as you would expect any non-defender to on that Ruiz goal.  KJ was severely missed in this game imo because for one he helps to organize players on set defending especially corners, and given Botswain brain cramps at times I believe we could have made more of our opportunities given that CR looked either tired or just not totally in tuned with each other overall.

Offline dervaig

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Re: Costa Rica edges T&T, inches closer to Mexico in Hexagonal table
« Reply #11 on: June 14, 2017, 08:45:03 AM »
I have a general mindset that in sport which is full of human activity and prone to error, there tends to be a balancing out of things that go for and against you but I must admit I am struggling with the calls we are getting. We are predominantly overmatched generally and we will need that 'rub of the green' for things to go our way.

Mexico 1-0 : Joevin wrongful offside goal otherwise score 1:1
US 2-0: Nathan Lewis wrongful offside goal otherwise score at the time would have been 1:1
Costa Rica 2-1: Botswain penalty no call, if we score that penalty the score 2:2

Even if I am willing to throw out the USA result that is 2 points taken away from us by poor officiating otherwise we would be on 5 points. I know history will never really take any of this into account but in the present is all kinda chessburn, The players hopefully will stay committed once it's mathematically possible. i think we can adjust the need from 13 to 12 points to secure 4th because of the Panama/Honduras result as we have to play both of them still. 3 wins with 2 home games is not out of reach. Keep Believing!

Good post!
TT should have at least come away with a point last night,
and with a little luck, 3 points.

Cannot fault the effort last night, it was there.

Botswain and Lewis ran and ran, Molino was also very good.

Offline Deeks

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Re: Costa Rica edges T&T, inches closer to Mexico in Hexagonal table
« Reply #12 on: June 14, 2017, 09:31:41 AM »
I only saw the last 6 mins, but how did Curtis Gonzales play? Is ready for prime time or not?

Offline Storeboy

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Re: Costa Rica edges T&T, inches closer to Mexico in Hexagonal table
« Reply #13 on: June 14, 2017, 09:35:41 AM »
We did not deserve to lose, but we were playing against CR 11, CR home crowd and the game officials. This the third game in which we have had questionable, if not, biased or woefully bad calls against us. But I am a believer! What this team needs is more games together to gel as a team, but unfortunately, being out of the Gold Cup is a major blow. Can the TTFA arrange some games against teams in the Gold Cup who need games to remain sharp? We may not have all our international players available but some of our fringe players (like Lewis, Boatswain, Gonzalves, Arcia) and younger players eyeing 2022 need the international experience.
Never, never, ever give up! Go T&T Warriors!

Offline Jumbie

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Re: Costa Rica edges T&T, inches closer to Mexico in Hexagonal table
« Reply #14 on: June 14, 2017, 11:17:02 AM »

Offline Thomo

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Re: Costa Rica edges T&T, inches closer to Mexico in Hexagonal table
« Reply #15 on: June 14, 2017, 01:30:22 PM »
First off, respect to all the players who left their heart, soul, sweat and tears on the pitch last night for the red, white and black.
I always had it at the back of my mind Lawrence was not going to play the team that everyone suspected (even with KJ absent through injury) given the substitutions made against USA. I saw it as a tactic i.e. the element of surprise on the opponent. They clearly will set up to play against the system that we normally play which is KJ as a target man and KM/JJ feeding off scraps. It is kinda predictable even if effective.
That Gold Cup absence is sucks and we need games against quality opposition. Probably, a South American tour. Surely we won't have members of our first team but at least we can work on a B Team.
Them last 3 games we had 3 bad decisions against us and that really hurts. But we have four games to go with 12 points to play for. Give ah go fellas, our backs are against the wall and we've got nothing to loose.

Offline Sam

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Re: Costa Rica edges T&T, inches closer to Mexico in Hexagonal table
« Reply #16 on: June 16, 2017, 05:01:30 AM »
If Kenwyne did play, T&T would have won the game because his presence on the field alone draw players out and it does open up for other players to do they thing.

Lewis is a very good player, I like him, Boatswain decent to, but he not to clinical, but he have good work ethnics.

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Re: Costa Rica edges T&T, inches closer to Mexico in Hexagonal table
« Reply #17 on: June 16, 2017, 04:54:34 PM »
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/ly0NDrJTfcw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/ly0NDrJTfcw</a>

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Offline Tallman

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Re: Costa Rica edges T&T, inches closer to Mexico in Hexagonal table
« Reply #18 on: June 17, 2017, 07:11:38 AM »
WATCH: In the wake of the 2-1 loss to Costa Rica, former Captain Anthony Rougier urges the Soca Warriors to keep believing.

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Offline Flex

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Re: Costa Rica edges T&T, inches closer to Mexico in Hexagonal table
« Reply #19 on: June 18, 2017, 03:22:49 AM »
“There is a huge amount of belief in the camp”
TTFA Media.


“There is a huge amount of belief in the camp”

That has been the echoing sentiments in the Trinidad and Tobago corner following last Tuesday’s World Cup qualifying effort in San Jose, Costa Rica.

And now days after with the T&T team back in Port of Spain following some 21 days on the road going back to the start of a preparation camp in Boulder, Colorado, there is a strong sense of belief that T&T is still very much in the race for a qualifying spot in Russia.

Former Costa Rican based defender Aubrey David, who started in last Tuesday’s encounter against the Central Americans, said he had received positive feedback as well from former Saprissa teammate Francisco Calvo who scored Costa Rica’s first minute item.

“We know how difficult it was not being able to come away with at least a point. Looking back at the performance, I think we give it a really good shot and there was a very positive feeling after the game even with the loss,” David told TTFA Media.  “I knew even my former teammate and friend Francisco felt we gave them a really good fight and he might have even be surprised to see that we were no easy pushovers on the night.

“But now the important thing is for us to believe we are still in it and I think when you look at the group now and the way our next two games are scheduled, we have every reason to stay positive and believe that coach Lawrence can prepare us well once more to get the results we desire to get to Russia. Maybe it may see us going to the playoffs again but by God’s grace and with his guidance, I think we are very much alive in this campaign and there is still a huge amount of belief in the camp.” David said.

Seattle Sounders defender Joevin Jones also remained positive as he accompanied teammate Kevin Molino back to their respective clubs as the team arrived in Miami en route to Port of Spain.

“I think we were a bit unlucky but you can see we are getting better with each game. Every coach has his own style and Dennis is really getting the kind of performances out of the team that shows us being a contender in Concacaf,” Jones told TTFA Media.

“I think we still have a lot of good football in us in this round and I am staying positive going into the next two games against Honduras and Panama. A great result at home to Honduras puts us right back into it and then we have to be prepared to go to Panama and pull off a win. Okay there are some areas we need to work on but I know all the players are already pumped for this and looking forward to it,” Jones added.

Meantime defender Daneil Cyrus, who started in the two encounters with the US and Costa Rica, is hoping to complete another overseas move to Honduran La Liga club Juticalpa where he will join goalkeeper Jan Michael Williams.

“I haven’t signed the contract as yet but the deal is 95 percent complete and I am really looking forward to the new move,” Cyrus told TTFA Media on Saturday.

“I think this will be boost for me personally and will be in good time for the preseason and the start of the new season before our next set of matches in September. I feel very good at the moment. The disappointing feeling of the last two losses is going away and I am feel optimistic again that we can bounce back as a team and get the results that we need to move on,” Cyrus added.


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Offline Socapro

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Re: Costa Rica edges T&T, inches closer to Mexico in Hexagonal table
« Reply #20 on: June 18, 2017, 06:10:36 AM »
Them fellas play real ball I must say, they fight hard and I like that, de ref and them really prejudice towards Caribbean teams.

De only beef ah have was why bring on Carlos Edwards for Joevin Jones and we have Hughtun Hector and Andre Boucaud on de bench who coulda add more power going forward. Winchester came on to late to.

But I was impress with de two local fellas Boatswain and Lewis, they run whole game.

We have to also stop looking for de long runs and use we midfield more this is why Boucaud woulda been good.

Honduras and Panama tie, so that results good for T&T.



That was a direct benefit of training at altitude for over a week and then coming down to sea level for our game versus Costa Rica.

We need to do more of this in preparation for our world cup games if we can afford as it makes a world of difference to our players not running out of stream inside the 90 minutes.
De higher a monkey climbs is de less his ass is on de line, if he works for FIFA that is! ;-)

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Re: Costa Rica edges T&T, inches closer to Mexico in Hexagonal table
« Reply #21 on: June 27, 2017, 08:42:55 AM »
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/wPPwLf-Xv7w" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/wPPwLf-Xv7w</a>
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Re: Costa Rica edges T&T, inches closer to Mexico in Hexagonal table
« Reply #22 on: June 28, 2017, 12:23:39 AM »
Them fellas play real ball I must say, they fight hard and I like that, de ref and them really prejudice towards Caribbean teams.

De only beef ah have was why bring on Carlos Edwards for Joevin Jones and we have Hughtun Hector and Andre Boucaud on de bench who coulda add more power going forward. Winchester came on to late to.

But I was impress with de two local fellas Boatswain and Lewis, they run whole game.

We have to also stop looking for de long runs and use we midfield more this is why Boucaud woulda been good.

Honduras and Panama tie, so that results good for T&T.



That was a direct benefit of training at altitude for over a week and then coming down to sea level for our game versus Costa Rica.

We need to do more of this in preparation for our world cup games if we can afford as it makes a world of difference to our players not running out of stream inside the 90 minutes.

Was the game not in San Jose because I am pretty sure that ehh no sea level.
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Offline Deeks

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Re: Costa Rica edges T&T, inches closer to Mexico in Hexagonal table
« Reply #23 on: June 28, 2017, 10:02:50 AM »
The game was in the new national stadium. I think it is on the outskirts of San Jose. I think the city is some ways above sea level. Over 3000 feet.
« Last Edit: June 28, 2017, 10:05:50 AM by Deeks »

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Re: Costa Rica edges T&T, inches closer to Mexico in Hexagonal table
« Reply #24 on: June 28, 2017, 10:50:59 AM »
The stadium is within the city. It's only ~1100 meters above sea level. Not at an altitude that would invoke significant disadvantages to an away team as would apply at the Atahualpa in Ecuador or in the Azteca.

Denver is ~1600m above sea level. Drop from Denver to San Jose=~500m.

 

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