Lawrence: No time to celebrate

The 42-year-old TT coach, during the post-game media conference at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, stressed, “We can enjoy only five minutes because the focus would be immediately on Mexico. We have to start preparing.” Mexico defeated Costa Rica 2-0 at home on Friday night, and will face the TT squad at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Tuesday.

He said he is taking nothing to chance with the Mexico game a couple of days away and is awaiting a report from a scout that attended Mexico’s game.

“I’ve got an idea what Mexico (are) all about,” said Lawrence. “I managed to send somebody out to watch the Mexico game. We’ll get a report and we’ll work on Mexico immediately.” Lawrence refused to divulge the identity of the person sent to the Mexico-Costa Rica but he pointed out, “It’s one of our coaches who works with the (TT Football Association).

It’s somebody that I trust.” He continued, “I’m not stupid, I know we’re not wealthy as a nation but there are ways to get things done. I just suggested we’ve got coaches involved in the FA, somebody who I trust, let’s send him to the Mexico game.” Kevin Molino scored in the 37th minute to guarantee full points for the hosts on Friday evening, and Lawrence lauded his forward’s performance.

“Kevin was outstanding from a point that he was one of our players that allowed us to get up the pitch,” said Lawrence. “He was always involved in everything. It’s just unfortunate that he ran out a bit of gas (but) he was brilliant.” Reflecting on the goal, the ex-TT defender said, “They (Panama) had one player (defender Roman Torres) off the pitch. I thought we just needed to take advantage of it so I tried to get them to get the ball forward as quick as possible because they were down to 10 men. Fortunately, the boys responded to it and we got the goal.” Asked about his captain Kenwyne Jones’ showing, Lawrence replied, “The captain led by example.

The captain gave me all what I wanted from him. He gave me every single thing he (could). His decision-making at times could be better but as long as he gives me (effort) I’m happy.” Another shock move in the starting line-up was Daneil Cyrus moving from his usual position as right-back to centre-back, due to the unavailability of Sheldon Bateau (suspension), Radanfah Abu Bakr and Carlyle Mitchell (injury).

“Before I left Trinidad to go abroad (to coach), that’s the position I saw him play. And I thought he was a good centre back. We tried him in training. He did well (against Panama) but he has to keep his concentration going all the way through.” About the supporters who attended Friday’s game, the TT coach urged them to not give up and urge the players forward as they seek to qualify for Russia 2018.

“I want to thank them for their efforts. We have to start believing as a nation that it can be done. It is very difficult but it can be done.

We just need to get away from the idea that when it looks like it’s going to happen we’ll jump on board.

Let’s get behind the boys now,” he declared.

Panama coach Hernan Gomez was so upset by the result that he refused all requests for interviews, by both the local and Panama journalists.