Dortmund, a west German city with over 600,000 residents, will become a part of Trinidad and Tobago folklore and World Cup history from 6 p.m. today (12 p.m. T&T time) as the Soca Warriors make their senior FIFA debut in a Group B fixture against Sweden.
By Lisana LiburdTrinidad and Tobago, with a population of 1.3 million, is the smallest nation ever to participate at the World Cup as opposed to Sweden's nine million citizens. National coach Leo Beenhakker conceded that Sweden, who played in ten previous World Cup finals, is the clear favourite for today's match but warned that upsets are not unheard of at this competition.
"On paper, England and Sweden are number one and number two in the group," Beenhakker said at yesterday's news conference in Dortmund's stadium. "But (in 2002) France and Argentina were two big teams but went out in the first round."
Beenhakker, a former Netherlands and Real Madrid coach, did not predict a positive result for the Warriors today but insisted that they will do their best and remain true to Trinidad and Tobago's style of football.
"For the moment, everybody is looking forward to it," said the 63-year-old coach. "I have told them to do everything to get a good result but, most of all, they must enjoy it and play with a smile.
"I don't believe in changing the way we play on the day before the World Cup just because of our opponent."
Trinidad and Tobago start today's match without Glasgow Rangers central defender Marvin Andrews who injured his knee. Andrews, a pastor in Scotland, suffered cruciate ligament damage in his left knee last year and defied medical advice by continuing to play after claiming that God had healed him.
His decision was pivotal to Rangers' 2004/05 Scotland Premier League (SPL) title and confounded doctors at the time.
Beenhakker refused to say whether Andrews suffered a relapse of an old injury and explained that injury was a normal part of the game. The Trinidad and Tobago technical staff must wait until Monday to discover whether the 30-year-old defender? can play any part in this World Cup.
The Dutchman did name Andrews' replacement. Brent Sancho and Ian Cox, both of English League One club Gilingham, are T&T's reserve central defenders but CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh right back Cyd Gray was used in that position during the pre-World Cup camp while Southampton forward Kenwyne Jones joined the defence in training this week.
Jones, nephew of former national striker Philbert Jones, played as a central defender at the 2001 FIFA Under-17 World Cup as well as for St Anthony's College and Vibe CT 105 W Connection although he stated a clear preference for a role up front in the past.
Yesterday evening, as Germany kicked off the 2006 World Cup with a 4-2 win over Costa Rica, the Warriors trained from 6 p.m. at Dortmund's Westfalenhallen venue. The sun shone brightly overhead as the temperature reached 28 degrees Celsius and, when possible, captain Dwight Yorke and his men edged into the shaded areas of the ground.
Beenhakker would hope his squad is more comfortable in the sunlight than its Scandinavian counterparts today. In truth, Germany and other parts of Europe have done everything possible to make Trinidad and Tobago feel welcome.
In London, Adidas stores struggle to match demand for T&T replica shirts while Dortmund's interested in all things "Trinbagonian" and curious citizens ask about everything from the capital of Trinidad and Tobago to the colours of its flag and the strength of its economy.
"Everything wants Trinidad and Tobago to win," one volunteer told the Express.
Beenhakker said that the Warriors were very happy with the treatment they received so far.
"I don't know (that) we are the most popular team but it is clear we are an exotic underdog," he said. "Some people will always like the underdog. We have had fantastic support where we are (based) in Rotenberg and it is good for the team."
The Warriors, ranked 47th in the world, will try to make the most of whatever generosity is afforded them today against a European team 31 places higher on FIFA's official rankings.
That just proves do not discount the underdogs.
