Trinidad and Tobago’s senior males’s Head coach, Angus Eve, believes that the current triumph within the CONCACAF Nations League over america will present a major enhance to his group’s growth as they put together for the Copa America play-in encounter in opposition to Canada in March.
Regardless of a 4-2 mixture loss within the general quarter-final tie to america, Eve and his Soca Warriors discovered solace of their spectacular 2-1 victory within the second leg, held on the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo on Monday.
Whereas america secured spots within the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals and the Copa America, together with Jamaica, Mexico, and Panama, Trinidad and Tobago is now set to face Canada. Honduras will oppose Costa Rica to find out the ultimate two CONCACAF representatives for the celebrated Copa America.
The underdog position
The upcoming match in opposition to Canada presents the Soca Warriors with one other alternative to embrace the underdog position, however Eve and his gamers are eagerly anticipating the problem forward, fueled by their confidence-boosting win.
“This end result considerably contributes to constructing the group’s confidence. Each time the blokes play, their confidence grows. After they face an opponent like this and produce such a efficiency and end result, it instills additional perception in themselves,” remarked Eve.
Eve additionally praised the management of captain Aubrey David, who assumed the group captaincy after the retirement of Kevin Molino. David’s contributions on and off the sphere have been essential.
A step in a optimistic route
“It is a improbable end result for us contemplating the place we’re in our growth,” famous the tactician.
David, at 33, expressed his satisfaction with the group’s progress, saying, “I believe it’s a step in a optimistic route for us to get the win. That is the final FIFA window for the yr, so I believe we now have ended the yr on notice, and the gamers have numerous perception amongst themselves that we are able to compete in opposition to the likes of the US and these groups.”
Whereas celebrating the victory in opposition to the US, David acknowledged that the group’s final aim was to qualify for the Copa America match, which they’ve one other alternative to pursue in March.
League A Finest XI
Within the highlight in opposition to america was defender Alvin Jones, named within the League A Finest XI for the window, who impressed with a strong right-footed free kick within the second half.
“Scoring the winner in opposition to the US at house is a major achievement for me, and this month holds nice emotional significance for our nation,” mentioned Jones, referencing the thirty fourth anniversary of the 1989 World Cup qualifier between the Strike Squad and america.
“We have now a wealth of younger expertise rising, and it’s about teaching and nurturing them. This win can enhance our confidence as we sit up for the following spherical and our quest to qualify for Copa 2024,” Jones concluded.