There shall be numerous adjectives to describe the performances of T&T and Mexico, especially as the result of their Gold Cup game on Wednesday night was of such importance to their standing in the group.This was one of the best team efforts that I have seen for many years from a national football team.
The ultimate result was satisfactory, but the beauty of tactical expression of classic football from both sides, was a step up for our national team.It was necessary to ask questions to evaluate Stephen Hart and his squad.Having seen the first two matches, there were hints of good but inconsistent play.
Three goals in 24 minutes against Guatemala, followed by a lethargic spell of unforced errors, an uninvited degree of nonchalance instead of carrying on the aggression which brought them the goals, was not good.They actually lost the second half to Guatemala, simply because they became complacent and certain players decided that individualism was better than taking a united fight to their opponents. Guatemala not only scored, but missed four chances in the second half.
Their next encounter against Cuba was more worthy of victory, with a fluidity in the mobility of their key players, and mixing good attacking principles with sturdy defending.Wednesday night brought together a style and consistency which drew all the assets of good sensible passing and exchanging positions in order to force the Mexicans to pay close attention.
The Warriors actually shared a similar percentage with their Mexican opponents who are well known for their slick short passing, inclusive of a number of "wall passes".The style of play in the first half sent me in search of reasons for their success.The starting eleven provided the answers.
There was the skill and penetrative talent of Joevin Jones, the hard work in midfield of Khareem Hyland, the physical and mental toughness of Sheldon Bateau. The man wearing the number #20 shirt, Cummings, Joyance Marshall in central defense, the reliability of Kevon George, and Cordel Cato playing in a forward position which is where he is most potent, were all key to the outcome.
Kenwyne Jones' excessive workrate in and out of the attacking line, tackling opposing defenders for repossession of the ball and his strong aerial ability being utilized to full capacity, elicited a new dawn of football and the potential of a powerful team in the future.This was not just an isolated display of well-organized football, but the cohesion which these players brought to the table started to jog memories as to where these guys actually came from.
Maybe we can now get an idea of how these guys silently grew up out of the national youth programs of the past ten years. They were then exposed to some foreign countries and some were attending Universities abroad.Now we need to take more interest in what is happening in this tournament, not because we have done well but because we have the material to cope with many countries across the world if the social and financial mechanism can be put into place.
Incidentally, the quality goals scored tell their own story and the messenger is young Cummings with two brilliant shots, skipper Kenwyne Jones with a well-executed first time right footer, and a most timely header by Marshall from a well-served corner within extra time.The tournament is far from finished, but our hopes must remain high in the way of the present levels of the players.
Maybe it is unfair to ignore the work done by the coaching staff whose vision regarding the selection process and the motivation which tended to create a more positive attitude of the players, must have impacted immensely.The next step in Panama and hope of a victory and entry to the semifinals. Well done Warriors. Keep up the good work.