Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation special adviser Jack Warner publicly asked the Soca Warriors to save their best for England at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
By Lisana LiburdLast night in sub zero conditions, they won a foothold in London as they cruised past Iceland 2-0 in a friendly international.
The temperature was minus four degrees Celsius at kick-off. But roughly 7,600 T&T fans from a 7,800 attendance gave their heroes a warm welcome.
Captain Dwight Yorke responded in kind with a sizzling performance that totally eclipsed the output of opposing captain and Chelsea star Eidur Gudjohnsen.
Nine minutes into the match, Yorke opened the scoring with a thumping volley - his first international goal in five years since an item against Bermuda.
Seven minutes after the interval, he gave the vocal gathering an encore with a cheeky penalty that took the breath away.
The visiting British club managers, which included Portsmouth's Harry Redknapp, Crystal Palace's Iain Dowie and Coventry's Mickey Adams must have been impressed.
Yorke's silky touches throughout the 57 minutes he spent on the field were worth the price of admission. He was eventually replaced by close friend and Falkirk playmaker Russell Latapy.
But there was more to admire about the T&T team.
Coach Leo Beenhakker had made no secret of his desire for a left-sided attacker. Last night, Beenhakker found him. His name is Collin Samuel.
The Dundee United Striker started tentatively on the left. But was instrumental in T&T's opener and a constant menace in the second half.
Samuel's pace and delivery in the ninth minute, panicked the Iceland defence and Yorke took a mistimed clearance on his chest before volleying home.
T&T's second goal also began on the left where Avery John whipped a cross towards his namesake, Stern, who was pulled to the ground.
Yorke finished the play with a gentle chip down the centre of the goal as Iceland's reserve goalie Dadi Larusson launched himself to his right.
While Samuel made the most of his chance, Fulham goalie Tony Warner - a second half substitute for Shaka Hisalop on the night - and Miami based schoolboy Kevon Neaves had little with which to distinguish themselves.
Swindon Town's Ricky Shakes though, can only get better.
It is unlikely the speedy right winger could play worse than he did last night after replacing Carlos Edwards.
Beenhakkker was pleased with the outcome of the game however.
"I am very happy with the result," he said, "but I won't be celebrating for the next three nights. It was a friendly match."
The evening started out with boos for Warner (Jack) when his name was announced over the loudspeaker. But T&T fans went home dreaming about Yorke.
