Trinidad and Tobago's Dutch coach Leo Beenhakker is optimistic about his team's chances against traditional rivals Honduras, in today's opening round of the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
At nine p.m., the "Warriors" and Honduras square off in the second game of a double-header at the Orange Bowl, in Miami. Two hours earlier, Panama open the competition against Group A favourites Colombia.
Pleased with what he had seen of his charges, Beenhakker was hopeful yesterday that T&T would qualify from Group A. Following a one-week training camp, in Fort Lauderdale, the experienced Dutchman and his charges moved their base to Miami on Monday.
"We had a little complicated preparation of course, with players coming from all parts of the world, and some from holidays. But what they showed me this weekend after five, six days of tough work.....looks good. It looks good, but we'll see tomorrow (today), " Beenhakker said.
If Trinidad and Tobago's performance against Honduras approaches the temperature in Miami, yesterday, expect heat at the Orange Bowl. The "Warriors" had a 9.30 a.m. training session yesterday, in South Florida, under conditions equivalent to a lunchtime scorcher in Trinidad and Tobago. The weather channel officially gave the temperate as 90 degrees (F). The heat, though, was a better alternative than the tropical storm conditions that may well hit Florida within the next week, in the form of "Cindy" and "Dennis".
Beenhakker was not expected to name his team until today, but has stated that either CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh midfielder Aurtis Whitley or Portvale's Chris Birchall is likely to fill Dwight Yorke's usual position, just behind the two main strikers.
Beenhakker does have some injury worries. Winger Carlos Edwards and defender Brent Sancho both have leg injuries and were rested yesterday. Rangers defender Marvin Andrews trained, but was observed afterwards carrying a heavy ice pack on his left knee.
Of the newcomers, former Army striker Jason Scotland looked good and it would not be a surprise if he starts.
Assistant manager George Joseph is happy to have a big squad for the Gold Cup.
"For this tournament, we are allowed to register 23 players, so he can use 18 of the 23 on any day. Of Course, for game day you have to select an 18."
On Monday's July 4 American Independence holiday, the Trinidad and Tobago footballers had an enthusiastic one-hour session, at the Orange Bowl. The session was conducted in cool conditions.
In contrast, yesterday's morning session was so "hot" that Beenhakker thought it wise to put off another session planned for last night. Despite the heat, the workout was intense and there was a great spirit of camaraderie in the team.
Beenhakker urged the players to "put the ball in the back of the net" during a drill. At the same time, goalkeeper Neil Shaka Hislop was boasting to his teammates that he owned them.
"I don't even have to dive," he barked. "I just have to be here."
Team scout David Nakhid also took part in the session, and replied that if he never scored a goal again, he would talk about the one he scored yesterday against Shaka for the rest of his life.
Trinidad and Tobago look ready, quietly confident and quite capable of making an impact on this Gold Cup.
TODAY'S MATCHES:
(Group A)
Panama v Colombia, Orange Bowl, Miami (7 p.m.).
Trinidad & Tobago v Honduras, Orange Bowl, Miami (9 p.m.).
TOMORROW'S MATCHES:
(Group B)
Canada v Costa Rica, Seattle
Cuba v United States, Seattle.