Warriors face Guatemalan testBy JOEL BAILEY Saturday, September 6 2008
TRINIDAD AND Tobago will continue their quest towards the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa with a meeting against the visiting Guatemala outfit in their CONCACAF Zone semi final Round Group “A” qualifier today.
Kick off time is 5.30 pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo. On August 20, Trinidad and Tobago spanked hosts Cuba 3-1 while the Guatemalans were edged 1-0 at home by the United States.
With Chris Birchall dropped from the team who started for Trinidad and Tobago two-and-a-half weeks ago, veteran Dwight Yorke seems certain to replace the English-born midfielder in the starting line-up, while Keyeno Thomas may oust Makan Hislop as the partner to the lanky Dennis Lawrence in the central defence.
In a recent interview on the FIFA.com website, TT’s Colombian-born coach Francisco Maturana noted, “in the last game against Cuba I think we remained disciplined.”
He continued, “that is good news. Now we will try to keep it going against Guatemala.”
Guatemala, who is in position 99 in the latest FIFA rankings, is 19 spots behind Trinidad and Tobago, and will need a win to remain in contention for a spot in the CONCACAF Zone Final Round.
Their main threat will be captain Carlos Ruiz, who, like rookie TT defender Julius James, plays his professional career with Toronto FC in the American Major League Soccer (MLS). A crew from Panama will be officiating this afternoon, with Roberto Moreno Salazar as the referee, Daniel Anel Williamson and Hairo Fuentes Batista his assistants, and Luis Jose De La Rosa as the fourth official.
Also on hand for today’s game will be a variety of dignitaries who are in Trinidad for the Trinidad and Tobago’s Football Federation (TTFF) centenary celebrations.
They are FIFA president Sepp Blatter, his predecessor Dr Joao Havelange, former France captain and current UEFA president Michel Platini, chairman of the English FA Lord David Triesman, Brazilian Confederation president Ricardo Teixiera and legendary South African activist Winnie Mandela, who will be representing the LOC South Africa World Cup 2010.
Teams -
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: Marvin Phillip, Jan Michael Williams (goalkeepers); Makan Hislop, Avery John, Dennis Lawrence, Cyd Gray, Julius James, Keyeno Thomas, Akile Edwards, Osei Telesford (defenders); Carlos Edwards, Anthony Wolfe, Densil Theobald, Dwight Yorke, Keon Daniel, Clyde Leon, Kerry Baptiste, Akeil Guevera (midfielders); Andre Toussaint, Jason Scotland, Cornell Glen (strikers).
GUATEMALA: Luis Molina, Ricardo Trigueno (goalkeepers); Gustavo Cabrera, Luis Rodriguez, Yoni Flores, Carlos Gallardo, Carlos Castrillo, Cristian Noriega, Jaime Vides (defenders); Fredy Thompson, Guillermo Ramirez, Jose Contreras, Fredy Garcia, Mynor Morales, Jean Marquez, Gonzalo Romero, Abner Trigueros (midfielders); Mario Rodriguez, Carlos Ruiz, Marco Pappa, Johnny Brown (strikers).
