Connection, Mexicans square off in World Club tie

By JOVAN RAVELLOPro League football champions W Connection are carded to come up against Toluca FC of Mexico at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium at 6 pm today bidding for a semi-final place in the World Club Football Championships.

Connection, who are representing Trinidad and Tobago, emerged from their group, with representatives from Jamaica and Martinique to play in the knock-out stage of the tournament. W Connection were edged out 3-2 in their away fixture last month. Citing fatigue and respiratory problems due to the altitude of the Mexico City  venue, Connection led 2-0 up to the 60th minute only to fall 3-2 at the final whistle. This time, however, the central Trinidad based outfit figure the odds are in their favour as they come up against the Mexicans in their backyard. Though they will be without the services of goalkeeper Jefferson George and influential midfielder Stokely Mason, who both have chicken pox, Connection have been involved in extensive preparation leading up to this match. They need to win by two clear goals to advance from the round of 16 into the April 9 and 16 semi-finals.