Trinidad and Tobago’s head coach Randy Waldrum is expecting Ecuador to produce their best performance yet in Tuesday’s Women’s World Cup Qualifier with Trinidad and Tobago at the Hasely Crawford Stadium from 6 p.m.
Waldrum noted that Ecuador will enter the match with every belief that they can upset the hosts and clinch the qualifying spot for the 2015 World Cup in Canada.
“I think we’ve got to prepare ourselves for a very strong challenge from them (Ecuador) on Tuesday. They, just like us, will believe they have everything to play for and will fancy their chances.
They are maybe under much less pressure being away from home and they will try to spoil our party,” Waldrum told TTFA Media.
The Houston-based coach conducted Saturday’s training session at the Ato Boldon Stadium and says his players have settled nicely over the past week.
“We’ve had a good few days staying at the Hyatt and having our sessions daily at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. The players have all settled down and they have remained disciplined but very upbeat about the match which is important for us,” he said.
“The support continues to grow and we are of course very grateful for the support coming from the Government and the TTFA for what’s been going on in the build up to the match. What we’ll do between now and Tuesday will be more game specific but ensuring that the players are in good physical condition and mentally ready for everything.”
Mariah Shade, the “MVP” for the Caribbean Championship, believes the Women Soca Warriors will handle the challenge coming their way.
“We are excited but focused. We’re ready and I think the players are fitter than we’ve been before because of the double sessions we’ve had. Mentally we’re doing fine because Dr (Margaret) Ottley, the team’s psychologist has been working with us.
We know the game will not be easy but we know what they have and I think the good thing for is we were able to dominate in them some parts of the game at high altitude so being at home now, we’re going to do what we need to pull it off,” Shade said.
Meantime, children under 12 must have a ticket to enter the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Tuesday. However, adults can access two free tickets each for children with the purchase of their regular tickets. Tickets are still on sale at all previously advertised outlets.