Jamaican coach Wendell Downswell is hopeful that Trinidad and Tobago will brush aside its below par performance in the just concluded Digicel Caribbean Cup and step up to attain sufficient results in the remaining 2006 World Cup campaign to ensure that the region is represented at the Germany 2006 Finals.
As he joined with his players shortly after they were crowned Digicel Champions on Thursday night at the National Stadium in Barbados, Downswell said he felt that while the alert button would be on as the T&T faithful would be alarmed by the disappointing showing last week, the Warriors are certainly a better bunch than they displayed in coming third.
Trinidad is the team in the World Cup stage representing the entire region and we are fully behind them. Theres no doubt about that, Downswell told TTFF Media. They are carrying the hopes of the region and we definitely will love to see the Caribbean in Germany.
It wont be an easy task for them but it is important that they believe in ah themselves. From time to time the people tend to come down on the coach and players and this is something Trinidad needs to be careful of because that sort of thing is what is most destructive at this point in time when you are trying to get to the World Cup. It makes the road even longer than it really is.
Downwell did point out what he felt was the weak point in the T&T team.
From what I have seen, the main weakness is really in the defensive area. When you look at the statistics of Trinidads recent set of matches, they have conceded a goal in just about every game they have played. That means that you will always have to work harder when you give up goals, so its something that they must improve on for the set of matches coming up. When I looked at the match against the USA, it looked like Trinidad never settled in the first 45 minutes and that is when USA scored their goals. Then in the last half hour they really turned on the pressure and I think if they can play that sort of football for the entire game then they certainly will pose problems for the other teams in the group. They have lost one game so far and they need to just reinforce all the positive things for the rest of the campaign, Downswell ended.
TTFF technical director Lincoln Phillips agreed with Downswells sentiments.
Its a good thing to hear that a team like Jamaica is behind us to get to the World Cup. Some people may always think theres bad blood when it comes to these two countries but it definitely is not such a case, Phillips said. Its certainly a situation now where we must put that tournament behind us and get on with the World Cup show. Jamaica may have won the Digicel Cup but I can bet you they would prefer to be in our situation now regarding the World Cup. We must be confident in what we are doing and it was evident that some of the guys didnt display that in the matches. I agree that good football and results will bring that but we must all play our role in ensuring that the team is well supported both on and off the field as players, fans, coaches and administrators, added Phillips.
With the Digicel Cup over, coach Bertille St Clair will resume preparations for the March 26 World Cup qualifier against Guatemala, with a session at the Larry Gomes Stadium from 3:30pm on Monday.
The following players have been called to partake. Cornell Glen is not included as he left on Saturday to meet up with the Dallas FC team for a pre-season training camp in Spain.
Players Called:
Daurance Williams, Jan Michael Williams, Kevin Graham, Keyeno Thomas, Derek King, Marlon Rojas, Atiba Charles, Anton Pierre, Nigel Henry, Nigel Daniel, Dwayne Jack, Angus Eve, Kerwyn Jemmott, Denzil Theobald, Michael Celestine, Kerry Baptiste, Leslie Fitzpatrick, Lyndon Andrews, Arnold Dwarika, Jose Luis Seabra, Keon Daniel, Aurtis Withley, Conrad Smith, Jerren Nixon, Hayden Tinto, Scott Sealy, Nigel Pierre.