Maturana takes responsibility for loss.
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).

Trinidad and Tobago head coach Francisco Maturana says he takes full responsibility for this country’s humiliating 2-1 defeat to Bermuda in Sunday’s 2010 World Cup qualifier at the Marvin Lee Stadium. Speaking to reporters after the match via translator Fillipo Alario, the Colombian said there was no excuse for the loss.
“I take full responsibility as coach of the team and I will take the responsibility away from the players,” Maturana said. “The loss is very disappointing but the game is history now. When we go to play… we go to win and that did not happen today.”
“This first game of the World Cup Qualifiers left us with a very bad taste in our mouth, in addition it was a pretty bad result. Asked what was his thoughts on the outcome the Colombian added, “I think Bermuda were just winners of the match. They played a very calm game and interpreted the tactical game well. With regards to the shabby performance by his own players Maturana stated, “We had a lot of moments of confusion.
“We did not find the clarity that we had in past games. He added. “We were too much in a hurry to reach in the opponents goal. “This is definitely an initial overview because this is definitely not over. I believe if we find the way that we were playing before this match we can turn around this result in Bermuda.” “For this result I accept full responsibility and absorb the players from this responsibility and take it all on myself.
“When you lose everybody is right and I will respect everyone’s opinion of the game. But at the same time I would like to reserve the right to confront and enter into any tactical discussion of what happened.
Asked his reasons for replacing attacking midfielder with Khlaleem Hyland at the half-time interval and introducing left back Ancil Farrier with the ‘Soca Warriors’ down 2-1, Maturana replied, “It was tactical decision and one that I will not like to get into, but I can reassure you it was with the intent on doing good.”
Maturana when question if there was any pressure on him now to get the required result on Sunday in Hamilton, Bermuda noted that he has been a coach for many games and will always feel the pressure to win. Looking ahead to Sunday’s second-leg which T&T must win by two clear goals to advance Maturana said, “I really can’t comment on how we will play, it’s more of an attitude issue than a tactical one.
Having seen his players waste a number of clear-cut scoring chances, the T&T coach added, ““Yes, absolutely there is a problem scoring goals for us. Our two guys upfront are among the top strikers for the country all-time but I’m off the philosophy that goals come as a result of good play and goals are the end game, it means we need to start playing better.
“Today (Sunday) I noticed we abused the long ball and that’s is absolutely not the way to approach the goal. The way to play is to be patient, play your natural game and the goal will come. Maturana added, that his team knew what to expect from Bermuda but just did not perform well.
“Yes, absolutely there was scouting of the Bermuda team, but the problem was not how Bermuda played, the problem was how T&T played. “There is a problem with our defense and we have the rest of this week to work on it tactically and we will try to fix.” Overall, the Colombian stayed clear of pointing fingers at any of his players individually and said that was the job for the media to do.
” I judge the team as a whole and how they play.”
Asked to comment on the second goal scored by Bermuda, Maturana pointed out that he was extremely surprised it did stand.
“I only remember that Clayton Ince had the ball in his hand... next thing I see it’s a goal," the Colombian concluded. The team resumes training on Tuesday at the Larry Gomes Stadium and will depart for Bermuda on Thursday morning.

Soca Warriors stunned 2-1.
By: Walter Alibey (Newsday).

A double strike by John Nusum earned Bermuda a shock 2-1 victory over an ineffective Soca Warriors in this country’s opening CONCACAF zone World Cup 2010 qualifier at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Dr Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence, Macoya, Tunapuna, yesterday.
This means the Soca Warriors, qualifiers at the last World Cup Finals in Germany in 2006, need to beat the Bermudans by two clear goals in the return leg to be played in Bermuda on Sunday, to move on in the qualifiers.
The Soca Warriors looked far from the unit that drew 1-1 with the Jamaica Reggae Boyz at the same venue a week ago and the only bright spark was Stern John’s equalising goal which tied with Germany’s Gerd Muller for sixth on the all-time World Cup goal-scoring list.
His goal which came in the 22nd minute was his 68th in World Cup action in his 101st appearance. But it could not help the Soca Warriors from a disappointing defeat, on a night when a large crowd including a rhythm section supporting all the way could not lift them.
John was guilty of numerous missed chances, especially a simple one in the 89th minute which would have levelled the score. Lanky defender Dennis Lawrence joined the attack and headed down a ball into unmarked John’s path well inside the six-yard box and with only Bermuda goalkeeper Timmy Figuerido to beat, he shot wide.
John missed several other chances which, had he taken them, could well have seen him net a hat-trick. As early as the 7th minute, Nusum stunned the partisan crowd when he was found unmarked by Khano Smith who eluded defender Kareem Smith on the left flank and sent a perfect centre for him to easily steer the ball into the net.
The Bermudan celebrations were almost cut short as Aurtis Whitley’s long pass found John, but he hit a weak shot straight into the arms of Figuerido. But the Southampton striker was to make amends with his equalising goal when another Whitley pass bounced favourably for him in the area and he beat the advancing keeper with a right foot shot.
Only moments later John again was found free in the Bermuda area with a Carlos Edwards centre, only to bang his shot wide of the mark. Just when the Soca Warriors seemed to be putting their game together came the second Bermuda goal in somewhat controversial fashion.
Soca Warriors goalkeeper Clayton Ince in attempting to take high a high ball from Bermuda’s Damon Ming in the 39th minute, fell awkwardly and as he lay injured on the artificial turf, referee Cordero Quesada allowed play to go on and the ball rolled to Nusum who slotted into an unguarded net. Trailing 2-1 at the half time interval, the Soca Warriors mounted a series of attacks on the Bermuda goal in search of the elusive equaliser.
And in the 48th minute striker Jason Scotland turned and twisted away from his marker on the left flank, but shot wide from an acute angle when John was wide open in the centre of the goal.
Then moments later Osei Telesford saw his powerful shot whiz past the Bermuda goal with the keeper beaten. But the best chance fell to John with only a minute to go on the clock in regulation time, but to the despair of the partisan fans, he missed palpably.

Teams:

Trinidad & Tobago: - 1.Clayton Ince, 13.Kareem Smith, 6.Dennis Lawrence, 4.Makan Hislop, 5.Osei Telesford (16.Stephan David 76th), 7.Carlos Edwards, 8.Khaleem Hyland (3.Ancil Farrier 46th), 9.Aurtis Whitley (capt), 17.Keon Daniel, 14.Stern John, 12.Jason Scotland.

Bermuda: - 1.Timmy Figureido, 4.Kofi Dill, 3.Kevin Richards, 2.Antonio Lowe, 7.Damon Ming (6.Reginald Thompsob-Lambe 82nd), 5.Meshach Wade, 8.Omar Shakir (capt), 17.Kwame Steede, 18.John Nusum (16.Ralph Bean 80th), 14.Khano Smith, 10.Keishen Bean (12.Kris Frick 82nd).

Squad named for Sunday's WCQ vs Bermuda.
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).
   
Trinidad and Tobago will have the services of Southampton striker Stern John for Sunday’s 2010 World Cup qualifier against Bermuda at the Marvin Lee Stadium. John, who missed the Jamaica friendly with a hamstring problem,  was passed fit and rejoined training at the Larry Gomes Stadium on Wednesday. He is included in the 18-man squad announced by head coach Francisco Maturana.
John will join skipper Aurtis Whitley, Carlos Edwards, Dennis Lawrence, Jason Scotland and Clayton Ince as the players from the previous 2006 World Cup campaign in the squad to kick off this country’s bid for South Africa 2010. The other faces in the team include midfielders Keon Daniel and Khaleem Hyland as well as striker Darryl Roberts and goalkeeper Jan Michael Williams. Defence Force defender Michael Edwards is the only newcomer for Sunday’s encounter.
Skipper Whitley said that his troops have been getting down to the business of preparing for a bright start to the campaign. “We’ve worked hard on the training pitch and  I think we’ve especially tried to correct some of our weak areas coming out of the England and Jamaica games,” Whitley told TTFF Media. “We felt overall there was lift in the performance in the Jamaica game but we need to put away more chances as in World Cup competition everything counts. Bermuda will be hoping to cause an upset and I’ve been in these situations long enough to know that we cannot take any team or any match for granted.
“Whether we play at the National Stadium or at the Marvin Lee, the team is expected to play its best football and show the same type of approach. No issues at this time will take our focus off the big prize which is securing the points and moving on in the campaign to get to South Africa. We know the public is  expecting a lot of us but we hope that they will offer that support to help us along the way,” Whitley added.
Meantime with Bermuda scheduled here at 10:40pm on Thursday, their  technical director Derek Broadley will go all out on Sunday. Broadley said the surface at the MLS could actually be an advantage for Bermuda. "I think synthetic surfaces suit technical players and it may make it harder for Trinidad to play their power game."
He said Bermuda Hogges players had encountered that type of surface on many occasions in the USL and would not be a problem. And he insisted there would be no repeat of the problems the Hogges encountered when they faced Charlotte Eagles, with the bulk of the players brining the wrong type of boots for the surface.
"We'll make sure they've got the right boots," he added. And Barbados coach Eyre Sealy reckons Bermuda have a chance to embarrass T&T in their World Cup qualifier after they (Bermuda) scored comfortable 2-1 and 3-0 wins over the Bajans last week.
”You are the underdogs but on the day anybody can beat anybody other factors come into play. It's not going to be easy for either of us but I still have faith. We certainly wish Bermuda well and all the best,” said Sealy. He said he felt Bermuda had played 'reasonably well' over the two games against his side but needed to tighten up defensively if they were to survive the critical first leg in Trinidad.
Bermuda head coach Kenny Thompson has warned his young charges to ward against being overawed by the occasion and instead use the partisan support to inspire them to raise their performances.  And he will look towards warhorse Meshach Wade, Smith and Nusum to ensure there is no repeat of the stage fright that gripped Bermuda during the early stages of their last round clash against Cayman Islands in the Caribbean.
"We will let the players know what to expect as we know there will be a very big crowd," said Thompson. "We have enough people who can advise our players on how to handle the situation. Instead of being afraid, they must embrace the situation, even though the crowd is not cheering for them.  "You need to use the energy of the crowd to motivate you. Khano (Smith), John (Nusum) and Timmy (Figureido) were part of the last World Cup campaign and they can help ease their team-mates' worries.

T&T Squad
Clayton Ince, Jan Michael Williams, Kern Cupid Kareem Smith, Dennis Lawrence, Ancil Farrier, Michael Edwards, Makan Hislop, Stephan David, Osei Telesford, Hayden Tinto, Carlos Edwards, Keon Daniel, Aurtis Whitley Khaleem Hyland, Stern John, Jason Scotland and Darryl Roberts.

Soca Warriors let it slip.
Shelton penalty rescue Reggae Boyz.
By: Ian Prescott (Express).
   
England were definitely a step too far forward for Trinidad and Tobago's Soca Warriors a week ago, but back down against Caribbean rivals Jamaica yesterday, they earned a draw.
T&T coach Francisco Maturana's bunch bounced back from the 3-0 defeat to the English, their first loss of the year, with a 1-1 draw with the Reggae Boyz at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya. Before going into their opening 2010 World Cup qualifier against Bermuda on June 15, the Soca Warriors faced a stern test last night.
The Jamaicans looked the more enterprising team for long periods and launched an early second-half onslaught which had the Trinidad and Tobago defenders and goalkeeper Clayton Ince working overtime to earn their keep. Khaleem Hyland, who still has dreams of playing for Portsmouth in the English Premier League, was the difference between the teams.
Hyland, who just turned 19 years old on Thursday, played with the same authority he showed against England. And he produced a gem which gave Trinidad and Tobago the lead in the 29th minute. But, a disputed foul on substitute striker Luton Shelton earned Jamaica a penalty in the 90th minute which the striker converted himself.
There is nothing better to build confidence than a goal and Hyland gave the Soca Warriors a 1-0 advantage with a low shot from 20 metres out. Set up after neat work between striker Jason Scotland and midfielder Keon Daniel, Hyland gave experienced Jamaican keeper Donavan Rickets no chance with his hard, low shot which skipped off the surface and nestled into the corner of the net.
Later, Hyland almost had a repeat in the 64th minute, hitting another left-footer from outside the box which again had Rickets beaten. And a goal by substitute Kevon Carter should have stood when he ran through the defence in the 84th minute. But, although he did not pass to Scotland, the forward was ruled to have interfered with play.
Following the recent examination by England, Maturana made some changes, employing a 4-5-1 system, with Osei Telesford playing a defensive role above the four-man defence and Swansea's Scotland on top in attack. But, there are still many things to be worked out. First, there were too many dangerous moments in the T&T defence for any coach to be comfortable.
Wide midfielder Carlos Edwards consistently saw the Jamaica captain Ricardo Gardner sneaking up the flank, but simply neglected defensive duties. And, despite the extra man, Edwards did not provide Scotland with good, regular service. Like any Caribbean derby, the game had its rough moments and Barbados referee Rayon Small also did a poor job of stemming late tackles, particularly from the Jamaicans.
For the visitors, Marlon King was particularly dangerous, hitting a couple of shots wide, and several times stopped by last-minute tackles from Dennis Lawrence and Markan Hislop. King also came closest for the Reggae Boyz, unleashing a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area and striking the edge of the post in the 52nd minute.
Following a couple of easy victories against the likes of Grenada and Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago have now faced tough games in their last two outings. But Maturana will be hoping that since hardship often builds character, the recent tests would be enough of a character-builder exercise for the important things--the World Cup qualifying series.

Teams

T&T Squad:
1.Clayton Ince; 13.Kareem Smith, 4.Makan Hislop, 6.Dennis Lawrence, 15.Akile Edwards (3.Ancil Farrier 77th); 5.Osei Telesford, 7.Carlos Edwards (11.Kevon Carter 72nd), 8.Khaleem Hyland, 19.Keon Daniel (17.Kevaughn Connell 72nd) (18.Stephan David 86th), 9.Aurtis Whitley (capt); 12.Jason Scotland.

Jamaica Squad:
30.Donovan Ricketts; 5.Ian Goodison, 14.Jermaine Taylor, 3.Simon Ford (18.Deon Burton 68th), 17.O'Neil Thompson (16.Omar Daley 46th); 7.Evan Taylor, 15.Ricardo Gardener (capt), Demar Phillips, 24.Rudolph Austin; 6.Marlon King (23.Jermaine Johnson 82nd), 10.Ricardo Fuller (21.Luton Shelton 61st).

Full Time: 1 - 1

T&T: - Khaleem Hyland 29th.

JAM: - Luton Shelton 90th-Penalty.

Referee: Rayon Small (BAR)
Assistants: Jeremy Taylor (BAR), Allison Phillip (GREN)
Fourth Official: Geoffrey Hospedales (T&T)
Match Commissary: Boris Punch (T&T)

Jason Scotland raring to go.
By: Ian Prescott (Express).

Jason Scotland has put his disappointment at not being included in the national team for the June 1 England match behind him and is now concentrating on making an impact in upcoming Soca Warriors matches. Twenty-nine-year-old Scotland has been drafted into the Trinidad and Tobago squad for today's friendly international against Jamaica, carded for six p.m. at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya.
Scotland was the 2007-2008 top-scorer for English League One champions Swansea with 29 goals. But, despite calls in many circles for his inclusion in the T&T squad, Colombian head coach Francisco Maturana did not pick Scotland until Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones was injured when playing against England on Sunday.
Yesterday, Maturana and Scotland appeared to have forged a cordial relationship during team training at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva, where the coach worked closely with the striker. After the session, Scotland said he is extremely happy to be back in the national squad.
"I was disappointed...It was really hard to take after coming off the season which I had. It was really disappointing. But, it's football, and life goes on. I can't put my head down and sulk. I get my chance now, and I just have to come out and get fit, and do my best for the country."
Scotland confessed that he is not match-fit, having not played since the English season ended three weeks ago. The Morvant striker also spoke about his terrific season in England, where he won the Golden Boot for being the top-scorer in League One.
"I really can't express words to say how it really feels...We won the League One title, I got the Golden Boot and Most Valuable Player for the club as well...it has been a good season and hopefully I could come and do it well for Trinidad and Tobago on the international stage."
Meantime, assistant coach Anton Corneal said the Soca Warriors are firmly focused on the June 15 World Cup qualifier against Bermuda.
"The preparation has been entirely for Bermuda. But, we know Jamaica is a tough local derby. It will always be a local derby. We have to make sure we prepare for it...we have to make sure we get the best out of it, especially with the qualifying game upon us."
Meanwhile, according to Aabida Allaham Express report - The Soca Warriors will now have a chance to explore new strategies, as the match against England on Sunday was simply a learning experience. This was the position being maintained by team manager David Mohammed, yesterday.
"No doubt, we have analysed our strengths and our weaknesses, and we are preparing to make the necessary arrangements," he said.
Speaking at the team's training session at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, Mohammed said the players were being trained to attack different match scenarios, but he declined to say how.
Kenwyne Jones, who injured his right knee in the 3-0 defeat to England, and Stern John, who is also injured, will not be in the Trinidad and Tobago line-up against Jamaica, at the Marvin Lee Stadium in Macoya, today.
"Kenwyne is unable to play, I can't say for how long..."
Mohammed confirmed, though, that Jones will not be in T&T colours for the June 15 World Cup qualifier against Bermuda.
"Kenwyne wouldn't be ready for the qualifier and I'm not quite sure about Stern, so I can't say if he will be ready."
As far as team morale goes, the players are in good spirits, according to Mohammed.
"Spirits are high, and the players are all motivated for the upcoming matches."

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