Warriors to play mas with Iceland

Kick off time is noon, TT time.

But fans in Trinidad and Tobago will get the chance to see the Soca Warriors in action on local television Channels 4 and 16 from 8 pm on Tuesday. The match, according to the TT/Germany 2006 Limited, will be aired live throughout the Caribbean but not in TT, because the Carnival celebrations will be televised by Channel 4 which has exclusive rights to broadcast the football in Trinidad and Tobago. Highlights of the match will be aired in 10 second inserts during the parade of bands, and later in its entirety.

Carnival Tuesday’s clash will be the first for the Leo Beenhakker-coached team since their memorable 1-0 win over Bahrain on November 16 last, which pitchforked them into the World Cup Finals for the first time.

Action in the match will be shown in Iceland, United States via Fox Sports, IEC in Sweden and in England.

Eurosports have also expressed an interest in airing the match for which Transworld International (TWI) will be responsible for production. Local radio listeners can follow the match live on TBC Radio from 4 pm on Tuesday with local Dave Lamy and Martin Fisher the commentators and colour commentary by ex-England international John Barnes, who is of Trinidad and Tobago parentage.

"This is a big game for my team and we are obviously using it as preparation for the World Cup." Beenhakker said. There is a lot of hype surrounding the Soca Warriors who are bombarded with requests from international television and radio agencies during their short stay in London.

TTFF international relations consultant Mike Berry and Optima Sports’ Andy Howes, match promoters, both said tickets for the match "have been going at a decent rate and the hype among the West Indian community in London has been encouraging."

A contingent from the recently established "Warrior Nation" supporters and base member Inshan "Flex" Mohammed are also expected to be in attendance to ensure the Red, White and Black are well represented.

Poison UK and two rhythm sections have been booked to entertain the crowd "Trini style" at the venue which has a capacity of just over 19,000. The Queen’s Park Rangers club and police have also agreed to allow fans to enter the venue with musical instruments but will not however be allowed to gather in large standing groups in the stands.

There will also be a Carnival Mas display at the match put on by Assistant team manager George Joseph and equipment manager Ikin Williams left for London yesterday to oversee prior arrangements for the team’s arrival on Sunday, as well as that of new Adidas kits and equipment.

The full Soca Warriors contingent will assemble at the Renaissance Hotel, Heathrow.

The Soca Warriors squad is: Dwight Yorke (capt), Stern John, Shaka Hislop, Kenwyne Jones, Marvin Andrews, Carlos Edwards, Dennis Lawrence, Kevon Neaves, Anthony Noreiga, Aurtis Whitley, Cyd Gray, Russell Latapy, Anthony Warner, Chris Birchall, Ricky Shakes, Nigel Henry, Clayton Ince, Avery John, Silvio Spann, and Collin Samuel.