Trinidad and Tobago's Soca Warriors yesterday declared an intention to snatch the first win of their Germany 2006 World Cup campaign from 3 p.m. today (9 p.m. German time), when they play their final Group B fixture against Paraguay here in Kaiserslautern.
A sedate mountainous town, Kaiserslautern looks the type of place that would inspire Leroi Clarke to whip out a sketch pad. Today, however, it must be the site of T&T's most historic victory to date.Three Caribbean countries, Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica, appeared at a World Cup final before Trinidad and Tobago, but none remained for the knock out phase of the respective tournaments.
Should England defeat Sweden today, T&T could become the first regional team to advance from its group. Coach Leo Beenhakker said yesterday that his team would fight for this privilege.
"We will go for it and try to win the match and then we will see (what happens in the England/Sweden game)," said Beenhakker.
"The guys are ready and looking forward to playing the match."
The Warriors-who play in white today-have one point from two group matches thus far, with England on a maximum of six points while Sweden, who T&T held goalless in its opening match, has four points. Paraguay has no points after losing both outings 1-0.
Although England has already qualified, Beenhakker does not believe the Englishmen will let up against their European neighbours.
England has not defeated Sweden in over 30 years and the Dutchman reckons that professional pride, as well as the negative harpings of the British press will spur on Eriksson's men.
Just to be on the safe side, T&T team captain and ex-Manchester United star Dwight Yorke has sent text messages to as many English players as possible, urging them to go flat out in today's match.
Beenhakker was not convinced that Yorke's motivational qualities extend to opposing teams though.
"I don't believe England players will play any better because they received (text) messages from Dwight Yorke," said Beenhakker, with a grin.
"I called (England coach Sven Goran) Eriksson seven times in the last 24 hours, but I do not believe it will affect what England do tomorrow at all."
Even as Beenhakker plays the cards dealt to him, he did take time to savour T&T's performances at the competition thus far.
He admitted that he did not anticipate being within striking distance of the next group stage at this point.
"We know several countries who can already arrange their luggage (to return home). For us, it is a surprise not to be in that position," he said.
There will be plenty for coach and players to consider if the Warriors are eliminated.
A Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF) official revealed that plans for the Warriors to return to their adoring public were still being negotiated, as the players requested a chartered plane to bring them home together while they also want details on the Government's planned tribute.
Beenhakker also admitted that he spoke to FIFA vice-president and T&TFF special advisor Jack Warner about staying on the job, but said he would not rush to make a final decision.
"I asked my players to focus on the World Cup and on each match so I must do the same," said Beenhakker.
"I will first finish the World Cup and then we will see Maybe I can play golf for the next three months and make Tiger Woods a little bit nervous; that would be fun."
Today, he will settle for racking the nerves of Paraguayan goalkeeper Aldo Bobadilla who has been the tournament's most successful player between the uprights with 13 saves from two group matches.
Like T&T goalkeeper Shaka Hislop-voted by Britain's Guardian and Times Newspapers and the Soccernet website as the best in the tournament at his position-Bobadilla came to Germany as a deputy, but was elevated after injury to the first choice custodian.
Beenhakker believes Paraguay and T&T have much more in common and hopes that familiarity breeds a conquest for the tiny twin island republic. He expects the Warriors to be more comfortable today than against the faster tempo of the European teams.
"Paraguay plays real football; good football," said the 63-year-old coach.
"On the other hand, it is closer to the way we play. Some of our players struggled with the quicker game of the European teams. The South American style is probably a little bit more in relation to the football we are used to playing."
Beenhakker also played down the disappointment of England's opening goal last Thursday-when Peter Crouch tugged the hair of defender Brent Sancho before scoring-as a refereeing error that is part of the game. He added that he has no regrets about his team's showing in the tournament.
"I can't ask (for) any more of them," said Beenhakker. "Everything in football is based on talent and our opponents have more talent than we have But (Trinidad and Tobago) played with courage and with passion
"They played like big boys."
T&T expects at least one more big performance from its boys in Germany.
