Much to the satisfaction of the football fans in Trinidad and Tobago, the Soca Warriors succeeded in making an excellent start to the World Cup Qualification leading to Russia 2018.
There was a serious difference to this game in Guatemala city, where the home advantage always appeared to bring out the best from the host team, well supported by the vast crowds. I observed the overuse of respect for each other in the first half of the match where the desire to play the game was not executed by good midfield build up from either team.
Consistent long balls served from both ends of the field deprived midfield players of the opportunity to display a high percentage of possession which would normally lead to some exciting play in the final “thirds” of the field. With the surface of the pitch being fast and apparently slippery, the long passes were often intercepted by defenders on both sides. Creativity was stifled on both teams, but the warriors were faster to the ball.
What appeared to be favouring the warriors was the midfield competence of Hyland and Boucard by their ability to regain possession ahead of their back four defence, a feature which deprived the Guatemalans, especially Ruiz and Papa to succeed in their play making plans. The naturally planned long kicks by goalkeeper Jan-Williams had little degree of success in reaching striker Kenwyne Jones, who was crowded by three defenders and had no release from his supporting striker Keron Cummings who was playing too deep infield.
The statistics as to ball possession in the first half was no indication as to which team earned any obvious advantage. However, the second half saw the plan rearranged in two essential ways. coach Hart surely had rectified the structural plan which had offered at least two options for lay on passes. There was a clear improvement in that regard and also the preference for possession in midfield.
The change was effective and the quality of passing had improved considerably. On two particular situations the warriors string 17 consecutive passes which lead to a chance at goal. The confidence of the key players had risen dramatically and the skill of Joevin Jones came forcefully to the opponents.
His quick footspeed made a huge difference on the left side while the defence of the host team failed to cope with the adjustment in the midst of the Warriors’ taking full control, it allowed for a surprise run forward from left midfield by Hyland followed by a superbly placed right footer.
It was just reward for the strategy from the dressing room. But if anyone thought that it would have been the goal of the day, Joevin Jones had other ideas. He collected a pass on left of midfield and rush to an open space ahead. He started a display of quick movement and exquisite skill as he weaved past two opponents in search of space on the left flank.
This run attracted even the back four defenders and as Joevin looked towards the centre, he swung a clinically accurate cross ball which was clear of the solitary defender and was about to fall in open space on the right. Kenwyne Jones met it with a well timed run and an a connection which landed the ball into the far corner of the net. A gem of a goal and a wonderful display of running, dribbling and a perfect cross.
Not even the desperate effort to come back into the game stopped the Warriors from holding on to that very convincing victory and starting plans for their encounter with the USA which denied the red, white and black 26 years ago come Thursday.
Head coach Everald Cummings had brought a well oiled machine to the stadium back on November 19, 1989. This time, around the situation may now be filled with nostalgic memories for the people of this country and seek revenge for that previous lapse. The USA have not had the benefit of good performances since the Gold Cup and a few sound defeats in recent times had the American fans and even some of the former players suggesting that coach Jurgen Kilnnsman should have been relieved of his duties.
But more experienced supporters thought otherwise. Good sense should have directed their targets at the current players, many of whom have not shown much progress since their courageous performances at the World Cup in Brazil. Looking closely at their structure and the level of their creativity which they produced on the field was short of what they have been doing for years.
It is a difficult to find a smooth transition during the course of so many tournaments that run so close to each other. They may well be surprised that player for player, the Warriors may be individually more competent. I expect a tight game especially the battle for possession in midfield. But the Warriors can win this one by challenging the vulnerability of the American defence, particularly their wing backs.
The fans may well try to enlighten the Stadium and chant for the speed and agility of Joevin Jones, Lester Peltier, Trevin Caesar on the flanks. The more they arrive at the bye line, the greater the chances of victory. Our players are physically, mentally and psychologically prepared for this one.
We must hail the journey of this lot, even before they enter the field. This is progress for our country and hopefully, more honour when they work their way to Russia.