Bermuda's Bradford City striker Nahki Wells told reporters in his homeland on Tuesday that the absence of some key players from the Trinidad and Tobago line up provides his team with the ideal opportunity to go for full points. He said the opportunity is there to put a dent in the visitor's qualifying hopes for the semi-final round of the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign. Wells who signed a one-year contract with Bradford in July is hoping to finally help his team to a win on the international stage following his move to England.
"I think this is the perfect opportunity for us to score a victory over T&T. They are missing a lot of key players and we saw that they only beat us 1-0 in the first match at home and we have already beaten them once before," Wells said. "But I know the players coming in will not make it easy because they will want to prove they are also good. But if you ask me if we're in with a chance then I'd definitely say yes. Our chances depend on this game so we're definitely going to go all out for the victory. We've prepared well and I hope we can get it right on Friday and give the people of Bermuda something to celebrate and spoil T&T's chances."
Bermudan captain Khano Smith, a former player with MLS club New England Revolution told fifa.com that a win will put his team back in the running. "In our second game (a 2-1 loss to Guyana in which Smith scored) we didn't get ourselves up like we should have," he said. "We were the better team but we lacked a bit of focus." "We beat T&T last time we played them at home in qualifying for South Africa 2010 and we can do it again," he said, his voice steely and determined. "With two wins at home, suddenly we're back in the race and then who knows what can happen." T&T are well aware that Bermuda could prove tough customers on a good day and midfielder Osei Telesford who played in Hamilton when T&T scored a 2-0 win to advance in the 2010 campaign, doesn't intend to take them lightly.
"I expect it to be a good game but it will not be easy. We have a game plan and we will try to execute it as best as possible. I'm looking for another win," Telesford said. "We have some guys missing which is unfortunate but it's going to take a big group to take us through and it starts from here. We've got to work hard, work smart and keep things rolling into the next game and the next round. The coach has drawn up his plan and we just need to execute it well." DirecTV North East Stars defender Seon Power has been a mainstay in the T&T defence in recent matches and realises the importance of trying to maintain a cleansheet.
"One of the good things with this coach is he's a bit defence oriented and it's helping players like myself to understand our roles better. So far we haven't conceded in three games under him and if we can carry on like this for as long as possible then that's going to be a great asset to the team's chances of winning matches. Once we do our job at the back as defenders then the midfielders and forwards can take care of things by converting the chances and that increases our chances all the time," Power said.
"For me personally, returning to the team and keeping my spot is a reward for my hard work and persistence after being out through injury for nine months. I think if I can keep improving then I'll keep my spot and keep playing my part in seeing us through for the rest of the campaign."
