Playing with heart and soul

Already, the world has received a clear signal — the TT squad is a force to be reckoned with. Coach Beenhakker, team captain, Yorke and several of the players have been vociferous over the past seven months with the sentiment that TT will not be going to Germany to make up numbers.

The outcome of the debut game against the talented and experienced Swedes meant that they walked the talk.

We are now accustomed to the sea of red and euphoria associated with TT doing well in international football — an occurrence we can’t get enough of. Moreover, the international media appears to be smitten by the Soca Warrior bug since the display of sheer courage and resolve that earned TT one point thus far in the competition.

Playing with ten men for 44 minutes on their debut game, as the overwhelming underdog and maintaining an ironclad defence can only be a sign of greater things to come. No one can question the Warriors’ resilience, their determination to succeed against tremendous odds. This is why so many neutral fans became “Unknown Warriors.” Existing today is an unofficial international Warriors Club where fans are automatic fans of TT by extension. This phenomenon was achieved in sport and is the reason why significant funding must now be allocated to sports in TT — to keep the dream of a unified and globally recognisable TT alive.

There is something ethereal about playing with heart and soul — something special that is recognisable and magnetic.

You are compelled to belong.

In this connection, special mention must also be made of the tenacious goalkeeper, Shaka Hislop. He denied the relentless Swedish onslaught several goals and forced a sarcastic commentator to rethink his position.

Now that the TT outfit has the respect of the football world, they must forge ahead with the same mindset — to do their best and revel in the experience.

Whatever the outcome with the other matches, the Warriors are already proven champs in my book.