It was patently obvious early this year that the Tartan Army unfortunately wouldn’t be needing their passports for Germany next summer. Unfortunately, the Vogts era – ironically – put paid to that, and despite great steps forward since Walter Smith stepped in, it was too much for him to turn around.
Having said that, at around 6pm a week past Wednesday, I was delighted that I’d renewed my passport earlier this year in any case. Having sat down and enjoyed (I used that term loosely by the way, but more on that in a minute) Bahrain v Trinidad and Tobago with a couple of beers on Eurosport, there was suddenly a reason to go.
Myself and a few mates had spoken at a party the previous Saturday night about going to Germany to support Russell if the Soca Warriors made it. As news filtered through that they’d drawn 1-1 in Port of Spain, and more worryingly, conceded that dreaded away goal, we had practically ruled it out. They were now faced with an enormous task. An eighteen hour flight, and a stadium packed full with Bahrain supporters, vastly outnumbering the small band of Socas who had made the journey with the team.
From kick off it seemed that the Bahrain officials had done all they could do put off T & T. From allowing free entry to ensure said stadium was full, to employing someone to holler at the top of his voice constantly through the PA system, it was an uphill struggle. Fortunately this yelling seemed to irritate the referee as much as most others, and he promptly despatched the fourth official to silence the offender.
Disappointingly, Beenhakker had left Russell on the bench. Scotland’s interests in the starting line up were limited to Marvin Andrews in defence and Kelvin Jack in goal. Jason Scotland joined the Little Magician on the bench and it was set to go.
I’d be lying if I said it was a great game of football. In fact, to be honest, it was absolutely rotten. Bahrain looked like they’d struggle against a Junior side, and Trinidad were toying with them without properly threatening the goal. When it was 0-0 at half time, the chances of the score remaining the same after the 90 minutes were pretty decent.
Thankfully though, respite came through a bulleted header from Dennis Lawrence shortly after the re-start, and the Socas held on for an historic win. Russell played the last 15 minutes or so, and hit the bar with a cracking attempt with his first touch.
Then, suddenly a very ordinary game got very interesting. As Kelvin Jack attempted to clear the ball, the Bahrain striker did an “Henry” and knocked it over his head as he released it to kick, and rolled the ball into the empty net. The referee – rightly – ruled the goal out, and was accosted by the entire team. He was jostled, shoved and manhandled, with both assistants, the fourth official, and the coaching staff joining the melee to help him out of a spot. He produced only one red card, surprisingly, and Ali Baba took the long walk. When Russell and his buddy Dwight Yorke ate the clock with a series of corners, bottles and other assorted missiles rained down on them. Thankfully, both players escaped injury. Whether the Bahrain FA (who have ludicrously launched an attempt to have the game replayed) will escape unscathed remains to be seen. It was a shocking, ill-disciplined display of poor sportsmanship that must have embarrassed the team officials who had enjoyed the match from their sofas (seriously) in the main stand.
Trinidad and Tobago declared a national holiday to celebrate, and the Country went bonkers. They had failed to qualify for Italia ’90 16 years ago, as they lost 1-0 to the USA having needed a draw to get there. Russell and Dwight Yorke were involved in that game, which no doubt made this victory all the sweeter.
So the trip is back on! And why not? Everyone needs a holiday anyway, so why not combine it with the greatest show on Earth and go and watch a Falkirk player playing in the World Cup Finals. Did anyone really think that could happen anytime soon?
There has been much talk lately, particularly on the internet messageboards, of the merits of having countries like Trinidad and Tobago and Angola (go on yersel Jose!) in the finals. People have cast up Saudi Arabia’s 8-0 loss to Germany in the last World Cup as an example of what lies ahead. As Jimmy Sandison would say, bunkum. This is the WORLD Cup. There should be no restrictions on the teams taking part. Provided they qualify through the proper avenues laid down by FIFA there can be no argument. Sure, Bahrain are a poor side, but as always, you can only beat what’s put in front of you. The Soca Warriors finished in a play off spot, and won said match. Simple as that.
Given that the entire Falkirk end erupted into a chant of “Que sera sera, whatever will be will be, we’re going to Germany……” as Russell took his warm up at Easter Road last week, it seems there may be more than a few Bairns going over.
I’m sure the Warriors’ supporters will be grateful for all the additional backing they get, but having visited their message board a few times, they’re getting a bit peeved off with all the “Waggonists” who are suddenly appearing. What’s a waggonist? They have created the term for someone who jumps on the bandwagon.
The messageboard really is entertaining stuff. The fans type phonetically, and it can be quite amusing. If you ask what a waggonist is, here’s a typical response, “You is a waggonist. If ya has to ask what a waggonist is, den you is one.”
They’re impressed with their following in Falkirk though. There are numerous topics floating around about the Bairns, and Russell in particular. However, they seem to more impressed with Martin Ritchie, Sandy Alexander, and Jimmy Black’s online diary which they followed. It was summed up in one sentence by a poster known as “dctriniwhiteboy” who said, “Dem Falkirk fellas seem like a good drinkin’ bunch…fit in well wit Trinis anyday”.
You ain’t seen nothing yet, I think it’s safe to say! Check de danger!