T&T will be away to either Wales or Norway in its first World Cup Germany 2006 friendly international on February 8.
Austin Jack Warner, on behalf of national coach Leo Beenhakker, who is in Holland, said the coach expressed a desire to play either of those countries.
He also said that the coach has earmarked Austria as a possible base for the “Soca Warriors” leading up to the World Cup.
An Austrian base will facilitate proposed friendly matches like Hungary, for instance.
Warner also pointed out that the actual draw for the World Cup groupings on December 9 will have no significant bearing on the proposed friendlies with Wales and Norway, as they did not qualify for the finals.
Beenhakker’s plans were also revealed for the national team camps, scouting of players, appointment of a multi-lingual European manager to assist the T&TFF and other friendlies.
The release read:
Post World Cup draw to May 6, 2006
1 : All players will play with their clubs during this period.
2 : Weekend camps and clinics will be organised in London and Trinidad.
3 : Scouting (for players) will continue in Europe and the USA.
4 : Possible matches in Europe either against Wales/Norway on February 8, 2006.
May 6 - May 22 2006
1: Full preparation in Europe through a camp.
2: Appointment of a full-time multi-lingual European football manager to assist the managerial staff of the Soca Warriors.
3: Several international friendly matches to be played in Europe.
May 22 - June 9 2006.
1: No matches of any type.
Warner made it clear that none of the 32 teams involved in the World Cup Finals would be given the go-ahead by FIFA to contest matches after May 22, up until the opening of the World Cup on June 9.
This time-frame has been mandated by FIFA so that teams will not come into the World Cup complaining of being tired.
Warner elaborated on the time-frame:
“At the last World Cup tournament, some teams complained of being tired and we don’t intend to repeat that same mistake.
“Playing four to five matches in 16 days in Europe will be good for us.
“Hence the reason why coach Beenhakker decided on only one game in T&T for the players, while the others will be played in Europe.
“The time it will take us to get the team ready for a match here will be at least five days, and that’s five days too many.