To support one’s country’s national sporting teams is a question of patriotism and love for country. Naturally, a patriot should love and want to be a part of the development of our people.
Having watched ALL the international Football matches played in the confederation region e.g. competitions in Conmebol, Women’s World Cup in France and Euro U21, the business of Caribbean soccer is still the one for which I have never stopped supporting. I hope that we will improve the quality of our game.
Tough Going for T&T, but Others Shine
Now that I have seen my Caribbean neighbours in action against the might of the north and Central America, the joy of improvement from the Caribbean came from Haiti, Curacao and Jamaica. On the contrary in this year’s Gold Cup, the performances of the Warriors continue the pain which disappoints when progress in life is non-existent.
No doubt, I would have loved to see these islands from the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) rise above their opponents in the preliminaries. My interest lies in the clear observation of the improvement in the quality of their game on the field.
It is amazing to recognise the Haitians, who have often been tough opponents over the years and sometimes dominate the top flight in the CFU. The Haitians made hash of the experienced Canadian team defeating them by 3-2. Similarly, Jamaica edged out the Russian World Cup participant Panama, and Curacao faces the USA for a spot in the semi-finals. It was a joy to watch, especially as the American media assumed that they could be a walkover.
My opinion of the Dutch Island is that their stunning performance was more clinical. They got to the ball faster and were much more organised structurally with a higher percentage of possession. They enjoyed more goalscoring chances and exposed the weak areas of the USA.
Many were surprised over the competence of solid defence and excellent rotation of the ball in midfield handed to them by a small Dutch island of 160 square miles. As much as I watched with joy, the more I literally wept inside when I think of the TT Warriors.
What will the TTFA do?
Yes, the USA won the game 1-0, but they could thank their goalkeeper and officials who seemed anxious to compromise to the new laws. The football world has to cope with brand new rules which appear not to be well accepted by the players themselves.
Actually, I am eagerly awaiting the reports of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) regarding the performances of a team which have had severe losses within the past two years. These reports are worth looking into for the purposes of creating an improved state of the game on and off the field. It is needed to educate the current players and younger ones as well. Our future football stars may have the potential and natural talent, but not the understanding of the game of collective systems, the art of communication and the right attitudes. I shall prepare an analysis after I see that report.
