Showdown at sundown

Both teams will be playing for a World Cup spot for the first time in their history, following today’s match-up and the return leg in Manana, Bahrain, on Wednesday.

The first international meeting between both teams will feature the flair and creativity of the hosts against the patient but counter-attacking methods of the visitors.

Both squads will be coached by Europeans, with Dutchman Leo Beenhakker at the helm for Trinidad and Tobago, while Yugoslav-born Belgian Luka Peruzovic will be giving instructions from the bench to the Middle East nation. According to Beenhakker, "Bahrain’s style of play makes them a very tricky opponent.

"They have a ferocious defence and are not over-eager about getting forward," he said in a recent interview.

"They will sit back and wait for the right time to hit on the counter-attack. But regardless, we will play to win in both legs and play to our strengths."

Trinidad and Tobago finished fourth in the CONCACAF World Cup final round qualifier, behind United States, Mexico and Costa Rica, while Bahrain were fifth in Asian qualifying, with Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Iran already assured of places in Germany 2006.

Peruzovic pointed out, "I’ve watched some videotapes and, to be honest, Trinidad and Tobago are a good team.

"They have some highly skilful players and their European-based stars are very experienced," he added. "But I believe we have a chance as long as we play to our strengths."

The expected sellout crowd in attendance today will see a Bahrain team which relies on its defensive structure and a never-say-die mentality.

The national players must also be mindful of Bahrain’s trump card — striker Ala’a Hubail —who has been the key to Bahrain’s quest for a spot in Germany.

On the other side of the coin, the Bahrain defenders will have their hands full dealing with Stern John, who has scored five goals in Trinidad and Tobago’s last four games, including victories against Guatemala, Panama and Mexico. In addition, there is captain Dwight Yorke and midfield general Russell Latapy, who both returned from international exile this year to fulfil their lifelong dreams of World Cup qualification.

The duo were starting members of the Strike Squad at the same venue on November 19, 1989, where Trinidad and Tobago lost 1-0 to the United States for the second and final CONCACAF place to Italia ’90.

Yorke’s comeback brought a level of experience and professionalism to the team, but Latapy’s change of heart was the x-factor in TT’s "Journey to Germany" drive.

Another point to note is the number of players who are on yellow cards, with Yorke, Brent Sancho, Densill Theobald, Kenwyne Jones, Chris Birchall, Aurtis Whitley, Avery John, Marvin Andrews, Carlos Edwards and Cyd Gray for TT, and Mohammed Hussain, Sayed Mohammed Adnan, Abdullah Al Marzooqi, Mohammed Hubail, Saleh Farhan, Hussain Baba, Mohammed Salmeen, Rashid Al Dossary, Ahmed Hassan, Daij Nasser and Talal Yousef in danger of missing out on Wednesday’s match if they receive a booking today.

Australian Mark Shield will be the referee with countrymen Mark Gibson and David Wilson as assistants, and Christopher Breeze the fourth official. There was a mad rush for tickets yesterday when, in less than two hours, all tickets were sold out

CONCACAF boss and FIFA vice-president, Jack Warner, was critical of some ticket agents who had pre-sold tickets. Warner admitted that he was told by the banks that they pre-sold tickets to avoid pandemonium and to ensure safety at their workplace.

Fans yesterday complained of the chaos and lack of organisation by the TTFF with reports of persons clashing with police as they sought tickets for today’s contest, which kicks off at 6.30 pm.When sales got going yesterday at 8 am, there were incidents of police struggling to maintain calm amid the rowdy scenes.

Some persons even resorted to purchasing tickets from scalpers, reportedly for double the price of $100 (uncovered) and $200 (covered), in order to avoid the chaos at the venues.