SWO previews T&T's Gold Cup tournament

There are 12 nations in the Gold Cup finals, which kicks off on 7 July 2013 at the Rose Bowl. Only four will be eliminated in the first round while eight teams will progress to the quarterfinal stage.

The Soca Warriors are in Group B alongside El Salvador, Haiti and Honduras, and are schedule to open its campaign in Harrison, New Jersey against El Salvador from 7pm EDT. Then they will continue their journey with a meet against Caribbean neighbours Haiti at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami (same time) before closing off their Group B fixture against Honduras (9:30pm - EDT) at the BBVA Compass Stadium in humid Houston, Texas where the weather can easily reach in the 100s.

A look at T&T’s opponents.

El Salvador is coached by Peruvian born Agustin Castillo who led his team to its eighth Gold Cup after finishing in third place at the UNCAF Copa Centroamericana earlier this year. El Salvador, which snapped a six-game winless streak in the tournament, equaled its best ever finish at the Copa Centroamericana, clinching third place for a fifth time (1995, 1997, 2001, 2003, 2013).

They qualified for the Gold Cup with a 1-1 tie versus Honduras, a 0-0 draw with Panama, a narrow 1-0 defeat to Costa Rica and rebounded with a 1-0 victory over Gold Cup newcomers Belize to clinched a spot at CONCACAF’s most prestigious tournament.

The team consists of local league players as well as a few foreign-based players including national team veteran Mark Lester Blanco (Marathon/Honduras), U.S-born Arturo Alvarez (Pacos de Ferreira/Portugal, on-loan to Videoton FC/Hungary), Rafael Burgos (Kecskeméti/Hungary) and Rodolfo Zelaya (Alania/Russia). While the young midfield duo of Darwin Ceren and Richard Menjivar has proven they are also worthy ball winners and worth their place on the team. Striker Rafael Burgos seems to be the danger-man for the Cuscatlecos.

The Central Americans have played a series of friendly games against South American opponents in preparations for the 2013 Gold Cup edition. In this series they fell 3-0 to Paraguay, then were destroyed 5-0 by Ecuador and were narrowly defeat 2-1 against Venezuela after taking a 1-0 lead. The South Americans rallied back and scored from the spot to seal the win.

Haiti on the other hand has had a very encouraging Gold Cup buildup, particularly in the later part of their series of warm up matches. They were narrowly defeated 2-1 by the world's number one ranked team Spain and then drew 2-2 with European giants Italy a few days later to close off their mini U.S and Brazilian tour in their spectacular tune up series. However, the team is yet to win a single game in 6 outings since 2013. They were defeated by Chile (3-0), Bolivia (2-1), Oman (3-0) and Dominican Republic (3-1) in their earlier fixtures.

Now despite being one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere, then down a further $700 thousand USD when it was reported that former CONCACAF president Jack Warner stole over $700K from Haiti relief fund- Haiti still managed to have gotten under their belts the best preparations in T&T's Group leading up to the Gold Cup. Haiti is currently in Canada on a training camp where they will be playing 4 locally based teams including MLS club Montreal Impact before heading to New York for kick-off against Honduras.

The team is coached by Cuban-born Israel Blake Cantero and finished 3rd in the Caribbean Cup to clinched an automatic Gold Cup spot.

Haiti’s team also consist of a mixture of local, US based and European based players including Peguero Jean Philippe (Don Bosco Pétion-Ville/Haiti), Kervens Belfort (Le Mans FC/France), left-back Wilde-Donald Guerrier (América des Cayes/Haiti), Jeff Louis (AS Nancy Lorraine/France), Yves Desmarets (CF Os Belenenses/Portugal), Jean-Marc Alexandre (Orlando City/USA), Jean-Sony Alcenat (Petrolul Ploieşti/Romania) and off course the talented midfielder Peterson Joseph (Sporting Kansas City/USA) who would be remembered for the show he put on display during the 2006 CFU U-16 tournament in T&T; which helped the Haitians win the tournament. As a result Haiti qualified for the 2007 FIFA Under 17 World Championship in South Korea and while T&T also qualified Haiti were Champions. Current senior team players Robert Primus, Marcus Joseph, Akeem Adams, Sean De Silva, Kevin Molino, Sheldon Bateau and Daneil Cyrus were all part of that T&T team.

Honduras meanwhile remains one of T&T's biggest threats. The Central Americans are currently involved in the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers and will more than likely use the Gold Cup as preparation for its upcoming Qualifier matches in September against Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica and Jamaica respectively.

The current 4th place Hexagonal team is coached by Colombian-born Luis Fernando Suárez and got to the Gold Cup with a 1-1 ties against; El Salvador and Panama, slip pass Belize (1-0) before falling 1-0 to Costa Rica. Honduras still did enough to warrant a place at this summer’s tournament.

They were however more fortunate in the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers thus far with a shocking 2-1 victory over the United States and a 2-2 tie against Mexico. They then stumbled against Panama (2-0), Costa Rica (1-0) and Israel (2-0, friendly) before bouncing back to defeat the Reggae Boyz (2-0).

New England Revolution striker Jerry Bengtson has been in form for them while veteran striker Carlo Costly (Veria/Greece), Roger Rojas (Olimpia/Honduras) and Oscar Garcia (Houston Dynamo/USA) add extra firepower. Víctor Bernárdez (San Jose Earthquakes/USA) and Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic/Scotland) will more than likely help anchor their defense. Hard kicking defender Maynor Figueroa (Hull City/England), Wilson Palacios (Stoke City/England) and Andy Najar (Anderlecht/Belgium) will help stabilized the midfield. Juan Carlos Garcia (Olimpia) is also a player to watch and will be remembered for his stunning overhead kick goal against the Americans. The Hondurans stunned the US 2-1 in that game.

Trinidad and Tobago is currently in a transitional phase as former Canada men’s senior head coach and Trinidad born Stephen Hart was recently appointed head coach of T&T’s National Team. Hart will be inheriting a squad that qualified for the Gold Cup after finishing runners-up in the 2012 Caribbean Cup; under the guidance of former interim head coaches Jamaal Shabazz and Hutson Charles.

In preparation for the Gold Cup tournament T&T has had a series of poor results. The Soca Warriors lost to Peru 2-0 and 3-0 respectively, drew 0-0 with Belize and fell at the hands of Romania (4-0) and Estonia (1-0).

What's quite disturbing is that T&T has not scored a single goal in 570 minutes and counting. They also conceded 10 in the process. The goal-shy team has been remarkably inconsistent and only through the dedication of certain players T&T has managed to keep things respectable over the course of those five games.

Rightfully, most of those games were used as experiments to test the newcomers and future Soca Warriors. However, the former dual coaches took too long to settle on a team and with less than a month to go before the Gold Cup, T&T was still left looking for answers particularly upfront. Not to mention that the formation and the tactical approach had been worrying.

In all fairness to the staff though many players who were initially selected opted out off games and left the team tin on talent and experience. To the outside observer it may appear that those players were just waiting for the actual Gold Cup to contribute, while some seems totally disinterested (i:e: Keon Daniel).

Whatever the reason for opting out of national duty, T&T Gold Cup preparation has been on a roller-coaster ride. The team is not playing fluid football, the chemistry is just not there and with the influx of 10 or more foreign based players hoping to jell with one possible friendly game left; T&T could very well be in for a rude awakening.

T&T vs the 3.

Starting with Haiti, T&T has won 4, loss 2 and drew once in its last seven games against the Haitians. Since 2007 T&T has won 3, draw 2 and lost once against El Salvador, the single defeat was at the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Honduras however, has managed to get the better of T&T in their last 6 meetings including; 4 losses, 2 draws and a single victory.  This victory occurred by way of the infamous 1-0 win in San Pedro Sula during a 2001 World Cup Qualifier, a heartbreaking result that eliminated Honduras from the competition. Legendary striker Stern John got the single item that did the damage.

At the Gold Cup only El Salvador may hold a psychological advantage over T&T. The Central Americans defeated T&T 2-1 at the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup and 3-2 at the 1996 CONCACAF Gold Cup. T&T has never met Haiti at this level and is also the more experience team at this tournament. Against Honduras though, T&T has met them three times in this competition, they drew 1-1 in 2005, T&T lost 2-0 in a 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup playoff match and then got the better of the Los Catrachos (3-1) at the 1998 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

My prediction.

T&T 1 v El Salvador 0 - T&T will need to put everything into this game. It’s their first and they would want to set the pace for the remainder of the tournament. A win will also give the Warriors a confidence booster, while a draw is also a very realistic out come as El Salvador is known for scoring late.

T&T 2 v Haiti 0 - This would be the turning point for T&T and with a psychological advantage over the Haitians, T&T should have no problem getting past them providing they make the right tactical changes.

T&T 0 v Honduras 2 - The pace of Honduras is always a threat to T&T, not to mention the size and strength of players like Víctor Bernárdez is more than enough to contain any of T&T’s attackers. Keeper and team captain Noel Valladares is also very experienced between the sticks so it may take a herculean effort to beat him.

The Players.

Goalkeepers

Cleon John – He has been in form for his club and he should make an ideal backup for T&T's number one.

Jan-Michael Williams - T&T's deserved number one keeper.

Marvin Phillips – The Central F.C. shot-stopper did himself no favors in the game against Romania.

Defenders

Sheldon Bateau – He has shown great improvement since he first began playing in Europe and has a never say die attitude.

Seon Power – He is another defender who has shown tremendous improvement.  His all heart displays on the field can be a value asset to the team.

Justin Hoyte – He makes excellent overlapping runs, and could combine well with Carlos Edwards on the right. He does the simple things other T&T players seem to ignore, and plays one touch football.

Carlyle Mitchell – He is technically our best center back.

Daneil Cyrus – He is a solid defender and has the capabilities to play smarter football. Cyrus is a diamond in the rough.

Aubrey David – He makes poor decisions with the ball, but has the capabilities to play good football. David has a good attitude and work-rate.

Carlos Edwards - If fit, he will be a force to be reckoned with at the Gold Cup.

Radanfah Abu Bakr – He reads the game well, but his pace is worrying.

Robert Primus – He showed a lot of promise and was tipped to be one of our top central defenders, but he has been on the injury list every time he gets a T&T call-up.  

Curtis Gonzales and Kareem Moses – They are suitable back-ups.

Midfielders

Andre Boucaud – He is an all-rounder and one of T&T's key men in central midfield. He looked great alongside Theobald in the Estonia friendly.

Joevin Jones – He tends to overdo it at times, but is an excellent player. The only T&T player (Guerra and Boucaud apart) who isn't afraid to shoot the ball from distance or take on players which can be utilized to open play for other players.

Khaleem Hyland - Once committed, he can be one of our top performers at the Gold Cup.

Hughtun Hector – He can be T&T's secret weapon. Nuff said!

Kevin Molino – Though he can be pushed off the ball easily at time, Molino has an excellent work rate, is a smart player and can be utilized as a wing-man, striker or a roaming midfielder.

Densill Theobald – He’s an excellent passer, but needs to be more consistent and show more aggression in his attacking and overall play. His experience and communication on the field is bar none, and he’s perfect captain material.

Christopher Birchall - Once up to the task, he is essential to the team. He does not look happy around the national team though and has a worrying pace to his game.

Ataullah Guerra – He is talented, but needs to be consistent and tends to daydream at times. He has a nice shot, can take free kicks well and is not afraid to throw in a tackle now and again.

Kevon Carter – He has good pace, but needs to be smarter especially around the box and should take more shots on goal.

Keon Daniel – When committed to national duty he can be a valuable asset, but he has proven not to be a player to rely on at the moment.

Strikers

Kenwyne Jones – He can be the key man in attack, but maybe he just doesn't know it as yet. He can also be effective playing alongside other strikers/players who posses a different style, for example a Stern John and Arnold Dwarika combination. If our wingers can produce reliable crosses to him, he can wreak havoc with his deadly headers.

Cornell Glen - Once fit, he is technically our best striker. He can play the hold up role and can combine will with Kenwyne Jones if needed.

Jamal Gay – He is not the best finisher, but has excellent work rate and like Jones gives T&T a physical presence up front. He fights hard, but maybe too hard.

Darryl Roberts – He is also not the best finisher but shows heart and an excellent work-rate. 

Devorn Jorsling  - He is yet to make any impact outside of the Caribbean. Like Jones and Gay, Jorsling needs service. T&T's strikers are not mobile and rely heavily on service which makes them easy to mark.

Shahdon Winchester – He is another decent player, but may not be ready for a starting role as yet.

Strange omissions

Lester Peltier – He is suspected of being blacklisted? As our most inform scorer, leaving him out of the squad could be T&T’s lost.

Julius James – His omission from the team is a strange one. He performs well for his club and should have been in T&T's setup from the get-go.

Cordell Cato – He is another player who should have been in T&T's setup from the get-go.  It’s now too late to see what Cato can offer, but he should have been selected for at least one or two of T&T’s Gold Cup warm up friendlies. He plays a great super-sub role and is creative enough to ruffle a few feathers.  His pace is also frightening.

Jlloyd Samuel – He is currently our best left-back and would have helped solidify T&T’s defense.

Kendall Jagdeosingh and Willis Plaza – Commitment to their club duties may be the reason we have not seen much of them lately.

About the Gold Cup

The champion of the 2013 Gold Cup will qualify for a playoff match to decide which CONCACAF national team will represent the region in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup™. The champion of the 2015 Gold Cup will become the second team to qualify for the single-game playoff, scheduled to take place in the second semester of that same year at a site to be determined. In the event that the same nation emerges victorious at both the 2013 and 2015 editions of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, that team will qualify directly for the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Taking place every two years, the Gold Cup has become the region's most popular soccer event, routinely drawing capacity crowds and millions of TV viewers throughout North, Central America and the Caribbean.

Group matches will take place July 7-16 in nine cities across the U.S. with Quarterfinal matches following on July 20 in Atlanta and July 21 in Baltimore. Semifinal matches will be played on July 24 in Arlington, Texas, and the championship is set for Soldier Field in Chicago on July 28.

All games will be broadcasted live on TV in the United States. FOX Sports Media Group, for the first time ever, is televising all 25 matches of the event, with three slated to be shown on FOX Sports, including the final on Sunday, July 28 (4:00 PM ET) from historic Soldier Field in Chicago. Long-time broadcast partner Univison will again televise all games on its Spanish-language network platforms with 22 of them on open air channels Univision and UniMas and 3 group stage matches on Univision Deportes.

The Soca Warriors Online (SWO) will be there in numbers, stay tuned.