World Cup Preview - Group B - Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago

Nickname: “The Soca Warriors”

Coach: Veteran Dutch manager – Leo Beenhakker.

Game Schedule:
June 10 – T&T vs. Sweden (12 p.m. EST)
June 15 – T&T vs. England (3 p.m.)
June 20 – T&T vs. Paraguay (3 p.m.)

Prospects: The first round of the World Cup is all about teams such as Trinidad and Tobago. T&T reached the finals for the first time by defeating the likes of St. Kitts,, finished fourth in the Concacaf group and beat mighty Bahrain over two qualifying legs. Leo Beenhacker will be bringing a squad full of names that will be familiar to fans of the Premiership and MLS, led by former United old by Dwight Yorke and featuring the likes of the John brother, Stern and Avery. On paper, it seems as if T&T will be employing a balls-out attacking style – “Yorkie” is listed as a midfielder! – and why not? They have absolutely nothing to lose and would win a lot of neutrals by engaging Sweden in a shootout, if only to fall valiantly in epic 5-3 style. I’d love to see them do well; just not on June 15th.

Big Media Story: As usual, a lot of focus will be on the lively soca entourage that the team will bring along with them to brighten up the dour German stadia in June.

Key Player: Hammers goalkeeper Shaka Hislop; he’ll need to be on his toes to keep his side in any kind of contention.

Who Will Get the Goals: “Yorkie” has lost a few steps, so the burden will fall on Coventry City striker and former MLS star Stern John.

Who Will Get the Cards: Center back Dennis Lawrence is likely to be exposed.

Funniest Name: Midfielder Densill Theobald.

Prediction: Lots of fun, but no points from three games. A quick flight home.

~Bob