Homesters look to draw first blood

The team, which assembled on Monday, has been hard at training under the watchful eye of head coach Leo Beenhakker, as they put their last minute touches on preparations for the all important match.

TT will be seeking to draw first blood in the first leg of the encounter in order to take an advantage into the second leg in Riffa, scheduled for next Wednesday.

Beenhakker said the morale in the team was high heading into the match, and the team was focused on achieving the desired result.

"I think generally the mood has been a very good one. Everyone is on the same track and wants to do the same thing. I don’t expect anything different," Beenhakker told TTFF Media.

"It’s the same all the time and the fans who have given us fantastic support have every reason to be excited and behind the team."

He added: "As I said I don’t think the time difference or the short space of time has been a problem or will turn out to be one because we have guys who are well experienced and prepared and have done it before playing in different parts like Japan and Australia."

Trinidad and Tobago are also seeking to redress the disastrous events of November 1989 when the "Strike Squad" were beaten 1-0 by the United States when they needed a mere draw to qualify for the 1990 World Cup in Italy.

Dwight Yorke and Russell Latapy, members of that squad 16 years ago, are now senior players in the team and are hoping to cap distinguished professional careers with national glory.

"It’s without a doubt one of the biggest stages of our career if we can get to the World Cup and countries like ours don’t get this opportunity as often as others," Yorke noted.

"It’s bigger than the Olympics and I’m really geared up for it and excited more than anyone else I think."

Latapy added: "I think there’s a lot that can be said from our younger days from playing football in the yards in Laventille to then reaching to a decent level with our clubs and then having a chance now to play in a World Cup at what is definitely the twilight of some of our careers."

Latapy and Yorke both came out of international retirement to help TT reach this stage of the World Cup campaign. Yorke returned in February at the start of the final round and his experience as captain helped the team immensely.

The Scotland-based Latapy returned in August and had an immediate impact on the team’s attack and midfield and has been an inspiration to an otherwise talented but young unit. Beenhakker, who replaced Bertille St Clair after T&T’s nightmare start to the World Cup campaign, has made the world of difference to the team and this was reflected in the team’s 2-1 upset of Mexico in the final match of the qualifying round.

Bahrain, boosted by the inclusion of their professional players, are also confident of a first leg victory and despite playing away from home, are looking to spring a surprise.

"Our players will love this atmosphere. For them it will be a motivation," head coach Luka Peruzovic said.