The die has actually been cast, and the race to the 2018 World Cup is now on the way, where every step must be a forerunner to those ahead.
There is a saying that practice makes perfect. Change the last word to permanent.
It is good that the team has arrived at its destination, all players intact and the extra headaches which once were very prevalent before battles, are no longer existent.
It allows coach Stephen Hart to get his team ready for a match which should be of absolute value to the Warriors, simply because, defeating Panama will be something which we should register for psychological reasons.
I have learnt that winning is a behavior and preparing to win is 50 per cent toward achieving the goal. It is not too often that this country has been able to bring a competent group of players together, not merely by recognising their ability to play, but by observing the consistency of their performances over a period of time.
This team has played well collectively, and key players have risen to the task efficiently. What may need some level of attention is making adjustment during the course of matches when tactics utilised by the opposition begin to appear foreign to those which the team talk had catered for in rematch discussions.
Having arrived in the Panama City, there is sufficient time to get used to the unusual heat there, plus the chance of getting use to the playing field. The last two occasions that I had the opportunity to see matches on the stadium field, the surface was well cut and the speed of the ball while on the ground was faster than the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo.
The choice of a starting team will also be a factor as these players are coming from various clubs, some playing in positions which are different from where they play for their club.
The fallacy of some coaches who believe that a good player can play in any position on the field, could easily provide an inappropriate formula from the start.
However from the selected bunch, it seems as though our defense of Gavin Hoyte on the right back with two excellent central defenders in Daniel Cyrus and Sheldon Bateau, and either one of Aubrey David or Mekiel Williams on the left back, can handle the swift flank players of Panama attacking midfield. This will allow the foursome ball winning midfielders in Kareem Hyland, Andre Boucaud, providing service deliveries to Joevin Jones and Keron Cummings, especially when they are receiving opportunities from each side, both prolific goal scorers. As the coach had persisted with Kenwyne Jones as a target striker, one expects that the high scoring Central FC player Willis Plaza to add some speed and opportunistic danger to the Panama’s defense.
Fortunately for the Warriors, they have some competent reserves, which can be used only if things are not going the right way.
This is not the place or the time to try out substitutes, just for seeing them for a few minutes, and as I mentioned before, this is a game where victory will be a key factor, just in case, the Warriors have to meet them later in the competition.