G6 Team Profile: TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
For the twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, a Nov. 16 victory over Bahrain in Manama secured them the last spot in this year’s Cup. Minutes after the final whistle, fans back on the islands erupted into the streets waving red, black and white flags, singing, dancing, cheering and crying.
This marked the Soca Warriors’ first trip to the World Cup finals thanks to coach, and now hero, Leo Beenhakker. To celebrate, the government declared the following day a public holiday, and fans had the opportunity to revel some more, greeting players at the airport as they arrived home. Even as the smallest nation in the Cup, with a population of only 1.1 million, T&T is expected to ruffle a few feathers in this tournament.
The team’s leader is 34-year-old Dwight Yorke (Sydney FC), noted as the country’s best-ever player. Yorke has played for three English Premiership clubs, including Manchester United, and Man U coach Alex Ferguson considers him a “natural killer.” Still in excellent shape, the veteran striker will finally make his first World Cup appearance and is determined not to go down without a fight.
Following behind Yorke is Stern John (Coventry City). Affectionately known as Bravo, this strong forward scored 12 goals in qualifying. Now playing in England’s second division, John also is an MLS veteran.
An interesting player to watch on the pitch will be 37-year-old Russell Latapy (Falkirk). He will serve as the only player/coach in Germany, and is apparently only on the national team because Yorke adamantly insisted. A former star in Portugal’s Superliga, Latapy provides his team with experienced leadership and guidance.
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Comments
trinidad & tobago will make it past the quarter finals
Posted by: nakata | May 19, 2006 10:02 AM
I am extremly pleased of t&t's acomplisment,and credit must be given to the coach and his staff for instilling beleaf in the guys, some of whom I played with like Latapy who is a genius with the ball. He has brought stability,experience,creativity and leadership among other things to our team. Yorke,Stern,Calos,otis,marvinand the others have done us proud and will also do very well in germany.
Posted by: Carter a Trini living in jersey | May 19, 2006 11:11 AM
holy crap! that number six is really tall!
Posted by: Anonymous | May 20, 2006 02:02 PM
Russell Latapy is not only on the team because Dwight Yorke insisted... but because apart from Yorke he is probably the best player to ever come out of Trindad and Tobago. Yorke encouraged Latapy to come out of international retirement, and I for one am glad that he did. Although he does not have the speed he once had, he still has his remarkable 360 degree vision on the field, as well as the ability to read any game. He brings the advantage of experience and a level of confidence to the team.
Posted by: Esther Fraser | May 22, 2006 12:56 PM
BAYER04
Posted by: Anonymous | May 23, 2006 04:51 PM