Just seven points — two wins and a draw — is all that stands between Trinidad and Tobago’s “Warriors” qualifying for the World Cup Finals in Germany in 2006. And with a possible 15 points on offer with five more qualifying games still to be played (three points for a win and a point for a draw), the Warriors led by coach Leo Beenhakker are dreaming the impossible dream — World Cup 2006. And CONCACAF Administrator Richard Braithwaite and his close friend Dr Alvin Henderson, are both super optimistic about this country’s qualifying chances especially in the wake of the Warriors 2-0 triumph over Panama at the Hasely Crawford Stadium last Saturday.
Several weeks ago, Braithwaite — a former national team manager — expressed the view that this country would secure a place in the prestigious tournamant for the first time in its history. His optimism has not dimmed. “The result against Panama was an excellent one and it means that the team is definitely on course for a place in the finals,” Braithwaite told Newsday. Saturday’s win moved the Warriors from bottom of the table and into a three-team tie for third place with four points. Braithwaite feels a point secured in the next round, especially against Mexico (played last night) would further improve this country’s chances.
“Even if we do not get a point from Mexico,” he added, “the team would still be well on course. If we draw or win, it is icing on the cake.” Braithwaite said the Warriors needed at least seven more points to go with the four points already in the bag to ensure qualification. The top three teams from the CONCACAF region automatically qualify for the World Cup while the fourth placed team will play an elimination tournament with an Asiatic group. Giants Mexico currently lead the standings with ten points while the USA are a point behind them on nine. A three-way tie for the third position amonst Guatemala, Costa Rica and Trinidad and Tobago reflects the battlefield for the third and crucial position, with the Panamanians, still bottom of the chart, but not out of the picture.
The Warriors are due to face the United States in their next match where a draw will take them to five and a win to seven. The “Warriors”also have to face Guatemala and Costa Rica. Braithwaite told Newsday the question of how many points the TT team can acquire is of paramount importance but it is also critical to see how many points the other teams accumulate. He added that while the TT team only got a point from their first three matches and should have gotten more, the Panama and Guatemala early draw as well as our own goaless tie with Costa Rica, have kept all the teams closely bunched.
Braithwaite also expressed satisfaction with the cohesion the TT team showed in their last match. He singled out the performance of the former Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers striker Dwight Yorke, who gave an excellent performance, although there are a lot of people who felt the Tobago born foward should have been left out. The football administrator said “I maintain that the experience and ability of Yorke would have been of upmost importance to the TT team, and we are seeing it right now.”
He also praised the rest of the team saying — “It is good to see Stern John scoring goals once more. He had lost some confidence in himself but it was only going to be a matter of time before he finds his form.” Braithwaite also expressed delight that Crewe Alexandra goalkeeper Clayton Ince did not resign as previously reported. “ I’m glad to see that good sense has prevailed and that Ince has not withdrawn from the team.” He described the Ince episode as a storm in a teacup.