GOALKEEPER Adrian Foncette, one of the heroes of the Trinidad and Tobago football team on Tuesday night, wants to play more regularly as the country shifts focus on the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Foncette was a key figure at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, as he made some brilliant saves to help T&T upset USA 2-1 and prevent the Americans from qualifying for the Russia 2018 World Cup.
Foncette, who started ahead of regular first choice goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams in the last two games, said the victory was indescribable. “Honestly it is one (feeling) words can’t really explain. It is a great feeling and one I was always looking forward to,” Foncette said.
The Police FC player said he was ready for the opportunity when called upon by coach Dennis Lawrence.
“When I was called, they (T&T coaches) wanted to make a few changes. I was looking forward to playing to redeem myself from my last two games. Dennis (Lawrence) showed us the direction he wanted to go in. I was looking forward to it and I was not surprised but I was prepared to play if called upon.”
The 29 year old said he hopes to cement his spot between the uprights as he wants to play as much as possible. “Hopefully (I can play more often), this is my dream and I am living it right now. If I could play every single game, I want to play every single game.”
Foncette paid tribute to T&T’s other goalies Williams and Marvin Phillip and said his hard work is paying off.
“I learned a lot from both Jan and Marvin, being around them for an extensive period of time. Just the willingness to work, going in and getting the job done every single day. Having gym sessions and training sessions (helped), both with the club and the national team. Just putting in the work day in, day out.”
Foncette made an important diving save in the 88th minute of the game to keep out a header which he described as his best save of the match. “I think (it was) because of the timing of it. I must say hats off to Dennis and the work that they did in terms of the scouting report on the teams.
Foncette, although playing well against T&T, was also impressive in T&T’s 3-1 loss to Mexico last Friday – a game the national goalie felt he and his teammates learned from.
TT conceded three late goals to throw a away a 1-0 lead and Foncette said the team did not want to slip up again.
“It was late in the game and it was already 2-1 (vs USA) so we made up our minds that we were not going to let it slip away from us. That happened to us in Mexico, the last 10 minutes we let that one slip from us. Myself and the back four, especially Curtis Gonzales we made sure that we were not going to let us slip away.”