FIFA President Sepp Blatter has extended congratulations to this country on its historic qualification for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
In a letter sent to TTFF President Oliver Camps this week, Blatter said he was delighted with the overwhelming reactions caused by the success of the “Soca Warriors” in their 1-0 win over Bahrain in the final half slot playoff match in Manama on November 16, 2005.
“In light of the historic achievement, which ensures that Trinidad and Tobago will make their debut appearance in this competition next year, it is my great pleasure to extend my heartiest congratulations to the entire Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation.
“Please do pass on my best wishes to all the players, to the coach, Leo Beenhakker, and the entire technical staff on this admirable feat,” Blatter stated, adding that he was looking forward to seeing T&T in Germany next year.
Beenhakker was also receiving similar outpours as he attended a World presentation to promote the 2006 FIFA World Cup with other Dutch-born head coaches Marco van Basten (the Netherlands), Guus Hiddink (Australia) and Dick Advocaat (South Korea) in Noordwijk aan Zee, the Netherlands on Tuesday.
The Executive Committee of CONCACAF in its final meeting for 2005 last week in New York, also extended its congratulations to Trinidad & Tobago for becoming the fourth CONCACAF team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006.
Reynald Temarii, President of the Oceania Football Confederation, was also among those saying well done.
“I assure you that your victory over Bahrain has not only brought great joy to the football family of Trinidad and Tobago, but also the football family of OFC. Our confederations, especially our island nations and your Caribbean nations share many similarities and we look forward to your appearance in Germany. I am sure you will do your nation and confederation proud and take your opportunity to shine on the world stage. Trust in the knowledge that you will inspire our nations to aspire to the heights you have reached,” Temarii said.
Over the past week, congrats messages have continued coming to the TTFF from various organizations and sporting media bodies as BBC Sport, ESPN, ABC and Fox Sports as well as football clubs as was the case with Alex Sroka, an executive member of MLS side Club Deportivo Chivas.
“What a game! Brilliant stuff. I'm so glad you made it through, please extend my best wishes to everyone at the FA,” Chris Mitchell of the BBC World Service told TTFF Media.
Trinidadian ABC News Miami-based presenter Nekisha Mohan even hinted that ABC may be interesting in following the “Soca Warriors” in Germany. German-based T&T-born internationally renowned supermodel Teresa Lourenco also relayed how ecstatic she was and continues to be over T&T’s booking of a spot in Germany. Lourenco who has appeared in advertisements for designer labels as Ann Taylor, Christian Dior, Emanuel Ungaro, Jean Paul Gaultier, Ralph Lauren and Yves Saint Laurent, added that she expects T&T to create quite a stir in Germany next year.