When T&T engaged the United States in battle on November 19, 1989, to decide which of the two teams would make it to the World Cup in Italy, goalkeeper Shaka Hislop was at a friends home in Washington looking at the match on television.
Today, 15 years later, Hislop will be the last line of defence, standing between the uprights trying his best to contain the Americans.
I was 20 years old and living in US and attending Howard University when the Strike Squad lost the match 1-0 to the USA, Hislop said yesterday.
Although many people blamed goalkeeper Michael Maurice for conceding an easy goal, I am one who do not think it was his fault, added the 35-year-old keeper.
Like every other Trinidadian it was a great opportunity for the nation and it just didnt happen.
Concerning todays important encounter against the Americans, Hislop said: It is a game we have to play. Its no more than that. Its the first in what I hope is our Road to Germany.
Asked if he is ready for what the Americans have up their sleeves, Hislop replied, Im always prepared for every game I play. I take each game as it comes on its own merit. It is a World Cup qualifier therefore it will be a hard game.
We have a great team spirit, he added. And I think getting three points will be vital in the entire campaign.
Like in 1989 when Maurice and Earl Carter battled for the goalkeeping position, Hislop will be sharing that spot with Crewe Alexanders Clayton Ince.
Clayton is a goalkeeper I admire highly, stated Hislop. Whoever coach St Clair plays, we will be well represented.
About his defenders, Hislop remarked, I think our defenders are capable and I am sure they will represent us very well.
It is an opportunity of a lifetime we shouldt let slip away, he insisted.
As far as I am concerned, I will be around for the entire campaign.
Hislops contract with Portsmouth is up at the end of the season. I dont know what will happen from there. I have no idea where I would end up. It is something I havent given any thought to.
If I had a choice, I will like to go to Chelsea, because they are the best club in England right now.
Hislop remains confident that that this team is as prepared as it need to be and should be. Our preparaton has been perfect.
The lanky goalie (six foot, four inches) is a former St Marys College player.
After leaving school he studied at and played for Howard University.
After university, Hislop played for Reading in the Enbglish Division Two and Division One before joining Newcastle United, then West Ham United and finally Portsmouth. He has been playing professionally since 1992.
Hislop, who broke his leg in 2000 while playing for Westham, said his most memorable moments are the births of his four kids Maalana (8), Khazia (6), Talia (3) and Nia (17 months).