GUYANA AND the hosts Trinidad and Tobago began the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Futsal Qualifying Tournament with victories over St Maarten and Puerto Rico, respectively, at the Canedo Hall in the Dr Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence, Tunapuna on Thursday.
In a Group “A” encounter, Trinidad and Tobago defeated Puerto Rico by a score of 7-0. Wendell Douglas had two goals to lead the defending Caribbean Champions. Douglas netted in the 22nd and 35th minutes, with other contributions from Colin Joseph (third), Clint Raymond (ninth), an own goal (17th), Jerwyn Balthazar (30th) and Anthony Small (36th).
The Caribbean Tournament continues today with the final matches in the round-robin phase, as Trinidad and Tobago opposes Suriname at 6 pm while Haiti squares off against St Maarten two hours earlier. Last night, Puerto Rico took on Suriname in Group “A”, while Guyana faced Haiti in a Group “B” match.
The two Caribbean qualifiers will join Costa Rica, Cuba, Mexico, Panama, USA and the host, Guatemala at the 2008 CONCACAF Futsal Championship at the Domo Polideportivo in Guatemala City from June 2-8. The CONCACAF Championship will also progress three teams to the 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Brazil from September 30 to October 19.