TT vs Peru

PEOPLE from all walks of life, started the trek to the National Stadium from the time gates opened at 2 pm yesterday, for the final football match TT vs Peru, before the Soca Warriors leave for a pre-World Cup camp in Europe in the lead up to the World Cup Finals in Germany.

There were interesting reactions, verbal and otherwise, from fans who made their way into the Stadium. Some members of the Keith Noel Committee took the opportunity to display t-shirts with “Yes” printed on the front as they called for change in the country.

A TT fan stated, “I have to feel good about this match but outside of that the price of the ticket was too high. So I hope we win the game.”

At 3.30 pm, when the single-pan band struck up a tune inside the admission area, people put a little more gust in their steps thinking they may miss something. But just outside the neighbouring Jean Pierre Complex, a “scalper” was trying to sell uncovered stands tickets for $200. This got a fan really vex and he blurted out: “but I paid $300 for my ticket.”

However, the majority of fans expressed a sense of excitement. One man said, “I’m expecting that we are reaching the finals of the World Cup, from this game onwards.”

Another patron wasn’t as enthusiastic stating this was just a friendly and he doesn’t expect any of the players to play at their best for fear of picking up an injury.

At 4.15 pm, as the crowd got bigger, all types of clothing styles were on display, clearly leaving the impression that some “fans” really came to pose. A lady was heard saying: “I am happy to be here and I would have even paid for the ticket.” Asked if she paid for her ticket she replied, “Hell no, it was free!”

At 4.45 pm, the Peruvian team arrived in a PTSC bus without fanfare, so too did the FIFA officials who came in five maxis.

The TT team were expected to arrive at 5.15 pm.