TT go for full points

TT are fifth in the six-team table in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying, popularly known as the “hex.” TT are eager to get some points on the board after losing their opening two qualifiers vs Costa Rica (2-0) and Honduras (3-1).

TT are only ahead of USA (zero points) on the standings.

Costa Rica lead the standings with six points, followed by Mexico (four points), Panama (four points) and Honduras (three points).

Each team will play eight more matches with the top three teams qualifying automatically for the World Cup, while the fourth place team will compete in a playoff match to qualify.

Lawrence, who replaced Tom Saintfiet as head coach in January, won his only match in charge so far - a 2-0 win over Barbados in a friendly earlier this month.

Following the Panama match, TT will face Mexico on Tuesday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium from 7 pm.

TT midfielder Nathan Lewis knows the importance of tonight’s match against Panama.

“We need the three points, we need to go out there and put our best foot forward. We need the three points,” Lewis said.

Striker Jamille Boatswain, who had a dream debut for the national team when he scored both goals against Barbados, is hoping for a solid team performance.

Boatswain said, “First to begin we have to keep the ball, defend, play hard, work together as a team and try to get as much goals as we could.” The striker is counting on the TT public to be the 12th man in the match. “I hope that everyone come out in their numbers and show their face and give us that support that we need. Because as good as the team (can be), crowd support is another part of football.” Defender Aubrey David is not looking too far ahead, preferring to focus on tonight before Mexico.

“My mindset is just very focused, looking ahead to the first game against Panama and aiming to get points from that game. That is the main focus right now, just the first game against Panama and then after that we will deal with Mexico,” he said.

David said TT must utilise the home conditions. “We need to be dominant as the home team, we need to stamp our authority on the pitch. We also need to be disciplined and play together, one love, and I think we just need to be focused and we will get the job done. “The vibes in the camp is very good.

Everybody knows each other, it is a brotherly love, we are all just getting ready for this game and we want to make our country proud.”

TT squad Goalkeepers: Marvin Phillip, Jan Michael Williams, Glenroy Samuel
Defenders: Radanfah Abu Bakr, Aubrey David, Curtis Gonzales, Sheldon Bateau, Daneil Cyrus, Mekeil Williams, Tristan Hodge, Carlos Edwards, Alvin Jones Midfielders: Andre Boucaud, Joevin Jones, Khaleem Hyland, Kevan George, Hughtun Hector, Hashim Arcia, Kevin Molino, Leston Paul, Levi Garcia, Cordell Cato, Nathan Lewis

Strikers: Kenwyne Jones, Willis Plaza, Jamille Boatswain

Panama squad Goalkeepers: Jaime Penedo, Jose Calderon

Defenders: Roman Torres, Felipe Baloy, Harold Cummings, Amir Murillo, Luis Ovalle, Adolfo Machado, Fidel Escobar, Erick Davis

Midfielders: Anibal Godoy, Armando Cooper, Miguel Camargo, Ricardo Avila, Edgar Barcenas, Gabriel Gomez, Amilcar Henriquez, Josiel Nunez, Alberto Quintero

Strikers: Blas Perez, Abdiel Arroyo, Luis Tejada, Tony Taylor