The highway to the 2026 FIFA World Cup produced a tense however goalless encounter on Friday night time as Trinidad and Tobago and Curaçao fought to a 0-0 attract Group B motion at Hasely Crawford Stadium.
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Either side created alternatives, however the contest was in the end outlined by commanding goalkeeping and determined defensive stands.
Early threats however no breakthrough
The hosts practically seized the initiative within the seventeenth minute when Tyrese Spicer met a cross with a agency header, solely to be denied by a pointy reflex cease from Curaçao’s veteran goalkeeper Eloy Room. Ten minutes later, Curaçao answered by way of Jeremy Antonisse, who unleashed a speculative strike from distance, although it sailed harmlessly extensive.
The guests got here even nearer within the thirty eighth minute when Roshon van Eijma powered a header towards the highest nook, however Trinidad and Tobago’s Denzil Smith produced a superb diving save to maintain the Soca Warriors stage.
Room stands tall within the second half
The house aspect started the second interval with renewed urgency, pushing numbers ahead and testing Curaçao’s protection. Room was referred to as into motion repeatedly, first getting down low to push away a long-range blast from Dante Sealy within the fifty fifth minute. Moments later, Juninho Bacuna got here to his goalkeeper’s rescue, heading Andre Rampersad’s effort off the road.
As Trinidad and Tobago pressed tougher, Room delivered once more, twice denying Spicer and talismanic striker Levi García in fast succession late within the match. His six-save show was a masterclass in focus and composure beneath strain.
Curaçao practically snatch it late
Whereas the Soca Warriors dictated a lot of the second half, Curaçao nonetheless threatened on the counter. Within the 89th minute, Tyrese Noslin virtually stole the factors with a thunderous right-footed drive that skimmed extensive of the far publish. It was the guests’ clearest take a look at purpose, and a reminder of their harmful attacking edge.
On the remaining whistle, the scoreboard remained unchanged, however the duel between the 2 goalkeepers was the night time’s defining story. Smith, with two key saves, supplied Trinidad and Tobago with stability on the again, whereas Room’s commanding six-save efficiency earned Curaçao a beneficial away level.
Either side will return to motion on Tuesday, with Trinidad and Tobago touring to Kingston, Jamaica, whereas Curaçao welcomes Bermuda in what might show a decisive fixture of their qualifying marketing campaign.
