Trinidad and Tobago's National Under-17 women footballers sent a signal that they intend to be no pushovers in the upcoming FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup when they gave a creditable showing in a 1-1 draw with Brazil's Under-17 team in Teresopolis yesterday.
In the first of two friendlies against the "Samba Girls" at the Brazil Football Federation National Training Centre, T&T got a late equaliser from substitute Anique Walker to earn a well-deserved draw and gain much-needed confidence ahead of the World Championship in Trinidad and Tobago in September.
According to head coach Even Pellerud, his team started the match well, applying relentless pressure which appeared to have surprised the Brazilians.
"Our team started in aggressive fashion by applying high and relentless pressure on the home team and this seemed to surprise them a bit.
They made judgement errors and technical mistakes that gave us a range of corner kicks and free kicks from dangerous zones and there were a number of chances to capitalise," Pellerud told Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) media officer Shaun Fuentes after the match.
Brazil stole the lead before half-time though after an error by goalkeeper Kerri Myers but T&T battled back and were rewarded for their persistence when substitute Brianna Ryce hustled into the penalty box and Walker was in the right place to hit the ball past the Brazilian goalkeeper for the equaliser.
"The ball possession was rather even, but we kept producing the clearer goal-scoring opportunities," Pellerud added.
"Playing against the wind in the second half helped the home team possess the ball for longer spells, and the match did not change until Brianna Ryce came in and gave our team much needed energy and attacking power.
"We certainly earned the tie, as we overall were the somewhat better team...in an otherwise well and even-played game.
"We have already identified some defensive issues that need to be addressed in the practice sessions leading up to the next game. We are not defending with superior confidence yet, so we know what we need to do to rectify this from here on," Pellerud concluded.
The teams will meet again at the same venue on Friday.
Trinidad and Tobago open the U-17 Women's World Cup against Chile on September 5 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, while Brazil face Republic of Ireland in their first match on September 6.
T&T line-up - 1.Keri Myers; 2.Camille Borneo (capt); 3.Lauren Schmidt; 4.Khadisha Debesette (Anique Walker 70th); 5.Jonelle Warrick; 6.Victoria Swift (Jasmine Sampson 65th); 7.Emma Abdul; 10.Liana Hinds; 8.Khadidra Debesette; 9.Kayla Taylor (Brianna Ryce 60th); 10.Nykosi Simmons.