TRINIDAD AND Tobago’s 4-0 win over Curacao on Sunday in Group A of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Under-20 Men’s Championship, was described by national coach Derek King as a “wonderful” performance.
The home team got a pair of goals from forward Kadeem Corbin, with Jabari Mitchell and Aikim Andrews notching one each.
“The performance was a wonderful one,” said King at the post-game media conference. “We played well, we moved the ball around, we scored our chances. The shape, the discipline was much better — a much improved performance.”
Mitchell and Andrews were two of four changes made by King to the team that started in the 2-1 win over Suriname on Friday, with Akeem Humphrey and Levi Garcia the other introductions. Andre Fortune, Kishun Seecharan, Kevon Goddard and Akeem Garcia were the ones who had to give way.
According to King, “we had one player Goddard who (had slight) dengue. Jabari (and) Aikim Andrews, with their performance from the last game, they deserved to start.
“I just want to congratulate the team for qualifying for CONCACAF (Championships in 2015).” he added. “The job ain’t done as yet. We have two games and we really want to win this final.” Trinidad and Tobago will square off against Cuba today at the Mucurapo venue and the Group winners will meet in the final on Friday.
National men’s coach Stephen Hart was seen congratulating the Under- 20 players after Sunday’s victory.
King explained, “Stephen Hart has been doing work with us because this team, more or less, is the feeder team for the senior team. This effort is a collective effort. Stephen has been there with us, Isa Muhammad (as well). We have a lot of supporting staff.”
National team captain Shannon Gomez pointed out, “coming into the game, the mindset of the players (was that) the first performance wasn’t what we expected. As players, we put our heads down and we needed to get the job done. “Each player wanted to give 100 percent and have a good showing for Trinidad and Tobago.”
Corbin commented, “the last game I (did not) score and (King) was just telling me ‘Corbin you got to get on the scoresheet’. I just went out there and executed.”
Henry Caldera, coach of the Curacao Under-20s, admitted that his team were outplayed by their hosts.
“We know it was going to be a tough game,” he said. “(Trinidad and Tobago) have a sound team. We didn’t expect it was going to be 4-0 but they played better...Trinidad and Tobago (are) the best team in this whole tournament.”