Despite going under 2-0 to Mexico the Young Braves were by no means disgraced, overwhelmed or outplayed by their Mexican counterparts and truth be told, controlled most of the second half and had more of the possession of the ball. This was a game where even though we lost, you could see the positives and they by far outweighed the negative aspects of the game.
Keep up the good work fellas, you seeing the progress in this lil side and they can only get better.
After hopping a ride with Dom Basil I reached about 5 min into the first half. In attendance forumite wise were Patriot, Small Mag, and Girl Warrior. Lincoln Phillips, and Peter O Connor and all the media houses were present to take in the proceedings.
The Fatima pavilion was filled to capacity and I had to take in the first half standing up at the back, until I huffed a small man seat when he went on a beat to purchase sno cone and pips the various smallies who were in attendance.
Crowd was estimated to be about 600 and attendance was FREE.
Both TT and Mexico were wearing Adidas kits (Strange since Mexico is Nike Sponsored) Mexico in the new Adidas strip, green top, white pants red socks, TT in the red top, red pants and white socks.
Both teams lined up in a 3-5-2 formation. TT however switched to a 4-4-2 during the opening and closing stages of the game. TT defending the southern goal, near the pavilion. For those who are familiar with Fatima grounds it has a slope and the advantage lies with the team attacking the southern goal in the second half. The ground was dry, but not devoid of grass and there were one or two slip and slide moments on the cricket pitch.
The Mexicans are tall and have some size on their frame for youths under 17. TT back 4 and two of the midfielders are tall and powerful. Mexico’s players were more composed with the ball, made better decisions and did not look nervous or jittery when under pressure.
TT’s young braves must be commended for their performance and while there is room for improvement the goals that were conceded were due to mistakes by the keeper fullerton and the last stopper.
In the first half TT played a defensive game, keeping it compact in the back and middle, and attacking through the flanks. Possession between both teams was about 50-50, but in all fairness, in the First Half, TT did not create any clear cut opportunity neither did they take any shot to goal. The fwds and midfield were goal shy, the crosses would go to no one or a overdribble would be gathered up by the keeper or booted out by the Mexican defence.
That said TT managed a corner and the four tall fellas in the back came fwd, rose above the Mexican defence and someone planted a head that was cleared off the line.
Mexico had more shots to goal and were a bit more enterprising upfront but nothing too dangerous or any clear cut throwaway chances.
The goal came with about 10 minutes to go. A long clearance was misjudged by the TT last stopper and the ball bounced over his head. A speedy Mexican then ran around him and was bearing down on the TT goal.
Fullerton then was hesitant to come off his line and when he finally made his decision, the TT defender had caught up with the Mexican fwd. The ball was heading towards the corner flag and I would have thought Fullerton would have covered the angle and pushed the fwd to the line. Instead he came out kinda flat and the Mexican shot across his body and into the goal from an acute angle. Poor defending and totally avoidable.
Second half, Corneal tell them take it to them and TT went on the attack. Posession went up to about 60-40 in TT favour. Any kinda Mexican play was met by some stiff tackles and they began to make mistakes and resort to the long ball instead of the short passes.
TT however was woeful in the finishing third of the field. They ended up having 2-3 shots all off target and one scramble, scruffle up play after a nice build up. They did not force the keeper to make a save and this is the worrying thing, no creation and any ½ a chance where the player can shoot…he would pass off the responsibility and the ball would end up out of play. Also the crossing by TT needs a lot to be desired. A setta hit and hope. No ball finding their intended target.
No particular player stood out for TT but of the subs the new guy who replaced knox looked lively and created space upfront. TT had a number 18 on the flank who had beat and speed for days. But he seems to come up a little short in the upstairs dept. When he should pass he would beat and after doing all the hard work he did not make one proper cross. Also the left winger De Freitas was the weakest of the midfielders and did not have a good game. Also the left back for TT kinda shakey. He big and tall but his touch off and he have a slight clumsy finish about him.
The second goal came in the last second of the game, Fullerton runs out and saves a ball and in a moment of excitement hoofs it off the field. Too bad it went high and not far and the Mexican throw is quickly taken. A sell guns pass and interception later a Mexican gets the ball, Fullerton is stranded at the top of the box where he make the kick and after being rounds the Mexican slots in coolo-breezo for 2-0.
It was a real stupid goal and the timing couldn’t of been worse. Considering the Mexicans were playing for time for about 10 min. The keeper got a card for time wasting after overdoing the stupidness, tieing his shoelace, taking off his gloves, fixing his pants etc.
But folks, as before expect bright things from this TT squad. In terms of pace, they there, in terms of fitness the hill work paying off. They actually looked fitter and were faster to the ball. In terms of midfield they closing down space well and in defence they marking in the zone well, defending in a block and nothing passing. It was just unfortunate the Keeper and the last stopper switch off momentarily.
If the game is broken down into thirds the defense and middle third good defensively. The problem lies in the attacking third. We need more options and confidence upfront and a spark in the midfield. Although you can see the fellas playing to instructions. Also the technical aspect, touch, trapping passing etc could be improved.
I expect a draw or win from this TT team on Tuesday and if they keep at it and iron out the problems they on the right track to qualify. Keep the practice games coming.
Till next time.