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When Sheldon Bateau scored the opening goal in the recent 2-0 victory over Cuba in Phoenix, he became the third player to score in successive matches for this country at the Concacaf Gold Cup.

Not since Arnold Dwarika scored in a 4-2 victory over Guatemala and then in a 2-1 win over Costa Rica at the 2000 tournament, had any T&T player achieved that mark.

Prior to that, Jerren Nixon did it in 1998 while Dwarika also netted a double in a 3-2 loss to United States while Russell Latapy almost turned a game around on his own with a second half double in a 3-2 loss to El Salvador in the 1996 edition.

"To be mentioned with names like those guys is a true honour. They were great players in the past for us on this stage and now I'm happy to be able to play my part. I didn't go into the games looking to score goals but only to do my best for the team. Thankfully it meant scoring two important goals and getting the team off to the best start possible for us," said the 24-year-old KV Mechelen player.

"I know I asked for the people to have patience with this team heading into the tournament. The journey isn't over and we haven't achieved anything major as yet. We still have to get to the semi finals and go on from there plus we have the World Cup qualifiers coming up in November. We are showing that we can perform well and get results in tough situations.

"Hopefully now we can get consistent support and we can continue growing as a football team and a football country."