USA-based Soca Warriors midfielder Kevin Molino says local fans can expect a much better performance from the national team when it faces St Vincent and The Grenadines in another 2018 Fifa World Cup Concacaf semifinal Round World Cup qualifier today the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, from 7 pm.
With the win which came courtesy a second-half double from Holland-based teenager Levi Garcia the he Soca Warriors moved into sole possession of top spot in the pool with seven points from three matches, one more than Guatemala which blanked USA (four points) 2-0 in Guatemala City. St Vincent and The Grenadines, is bottom of the pool without a point.
And speaking after the match, Molino who was making his first appearance for the Stephen Hart-coach T&T squad since his last outing on March 27, 2015 in an international friendly 1-0 loss to Panama at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva, said, “Once we give the same kind of effort again on Tuesday at home, but with a better overall performance then without a doubt we will be victorious in the game again.”
The Orlando City midfielder added, “We knew it would have been tough match because it’s a World Cup qualification game and all the teams are going to come out running and all credit to St Vincent and The Grenadines.
“I think they (St Vincent and The Grenadines) had a good game and they worked hard, but in these situations we just have to find ways to win and we did that in a great manner.”
Commenting on the playing surface, Molino said, “As expected it was a bit tough but at the end of the day, both teams played on it.
“And as I said, we knew it was not going to be an easy game out there and we just had to find a way to grind out a result and win to move forward and look towards the next game here in T&T and show the people at home the real quality of players we are and what we can do on a good playing pitch.
“We want to show the fans who come out to the games at home that we can not only win the match, but do so with some style and in a good manner and show the people we have what it takes to take this country to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
With regards to his return to playing for the team, a relieved 25-year-old Molino who has played 31 times for the T&T scoring 11 goals said, “It’s always a pleasure representing my country and I am just happy to be back with the guys, and training.
“I felt really good out there on the field and even though I’m not back at my 100 per cent best, it’s all about making positive steps to get back my confidence and my goal scoring boots, and with the grace of God and hard work, everything is possible.”
“Most of all I am very happy that we got the win on Friday and to be part of it as well and being around this group of players and staff and now I’m just looking forward to the next game,” added the former Mucurapo Senior Comprehensive standout and brother of national cricketer, Kevon Cooper.