As the realistic options of qualifying for the World Cup finals in South Africa slip gradually away from our grasp, it is obvious that the task is an uphill one.
We must now take a complete overview, void of all the fantasy frills and magical happenings, and settle into making a thorough analysis of the Honduras defeat with the hope of finding ways and means to rectify the vulnerability which caused the demise.
It is true to say that the USA will have a different approach to the Central Americans, but the fundamental deficiencies which showed themselves will need correction before new tactics can be applied. The most appropriate remedy can be found on the videotape of the game, where facts do not change, and players can recognise what they have done as opposed to what they should have done at different times.
For coach Latapy, his job is more complex, as he may have to reassess the individual performances in order to create a new form of strategy gainst the Yanks. Personally, I do not think the USA’s type of game is based upon any highly artistic or creative formula.
They are always fit, however. They carry the pace of the game as fast as they can, through all parts of the field, and have the tendency to become more intense and aggressive when they enter their opponent’s final third. Immediately, one thinks of a higher workrate from Kenwyne Jones and Cornell Glen in order to pressure the heavy footed America defence and sometimes even rob them of the ball within the confines of their own goal. Like our own central defenders, the USA also have the problem of weak ground players and thrive on their capability of strong aerial play.
The concept of building all attacks along the ground and preferably through their central defence has often caused their wing defenders to retreat and contract laterally. This mode tends to reduce their regular flank attack, causing less service from the wings when they attack, and forcing the Yanks to try for their barging behaviour through centre field.
One is always fearful to ask our players to practice the art and effectiveness of mobility in attack where the opposition will have a hard time against the skill and speed of Cornell Glen, adding Kerry Baptiste and Hayden Tinto to their woes.
This calls for criss cross movement, and sometimes the return to defensive shape when the ball is lost, becomes a huge problem. A specific ball winning midfielder is high priority, possibly Clyde Leon, who could get some source of assistance from the versatile Kenwyne Jones, with instructions to fight for the ball in midfield and run at the opposing defenders from deep positions, a feature of his game which has not been well utilised, either here in T&T or in the Premier League in England.
Maybe we should view the next few matches as wanting to win through improved performance and not a desperate dilemma where kicking and rushing become the order of the day. Its difficult to define self expression to players in whom anxiety and nervousness tend to live and who are are often afraid to do some of the things which they have mastered better than their opponents.
It was refreshing to see Hayden Tinto, who was brought on as a substitute, immediately dance around the Honduran Esquire and discomfort Chavez within minutes of the commencement of the second half. The players owe their full-fledged commitment to us, the supporters of this great nation, and playing good football is as much of an option as getting the three points. Good luck.