ttgapers.com

Soca Warriors coach Russell Latapy said he expects a very tactical battle from Costa Rica when both teams meet in a 2010 CONCACAF Final Round World Cup Qualifier at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Bacolet from 6.05 pm on Saturday.

In preparation for the clash, the 40-year-old Latapy, who took over the coaching role on April 8, following the resignation of Colombian Francisco Maturana will have a final training session at the same venue from 4.30 pm today with his squad of 22 players before naming his 18-man team for the match.

Following another intense training session at Bacolet yesterday, Latapy said he is expecting tomorrow’s encounter to be a very tactical one and has urged his players to pay particular attention to the calculated style of the Central Americans who go into the match on a high after whipping USA 3-1 in another qualifier on Wednesday night in San Jose.

“We expect the game to be a very tactical one and we have the respect for Costa Rica because right now they are on top of the group. They have always been a difficult side to break down and the results show that because we have never beaten them in a World Cup qualifier before,” Latapy said.

“Our approach will also have to be sound and good tactically because they will obviously consider themselves favourites in this one,” Latapy added. Sunderland midfielder Carlos Edwards echoed Latapy’s sentiments but at the same time wants to see his teammates take the game to the Costa Ricans.

“Things are shaping up quite well. Russell has had a fair amount of time and for us to come together for such a crucial game and for it to be Russell’s first as a manager.. things are definitely looking positive,” Edwards. “They are one of the favourites and coming away with a 3-1 win over the USA is a big boost for them. We will have to try our best to get on top of them. We know what we are capable of at this stage.”

Looking back at the 0-0 draw with Costa Rica in Port of Spain in 2005, the former Defence Force and Wrexham winger says he believes the hosts can end Saturday’s game with a win. “There’s no reason why we shouldn’t believe we can do it. We were in a similar position back then and we have to keep level heads. I will be satisfied with nothing less than a win on Saturday,” added Edwards, who was rumoured to be the transfer target of English Championship Division club, Ipswich. The Costa Ricans, who arrived in Tobago yesterday are expected to train after Trinidad and Tobago today.