‘South Africa here we come’

We got in and we played well and I am looking for 2010.”

Michelle Kalloo’s optimism and pride were echoed by others who crowded Movie Towne to witness Trinidad and Tobago’s must-win match against Paraguay, on Tuesday. The Woodbrook resident is already looking to the next World Cup in South Africa, and is sure TT would be there.

Although TT went on to lose by two goals the mood after the game was still jubilant and there were no tears. Some supporters formed a conga line going around the Caribbean vibes engine room which kept the atmosphere lively at the lobby of the popular cineplex.

Throngs of supporters wearing red or white (the team colour for yesterday) watched the game live on the ten big screens at MovieTowne, Mucurapo. There was seating capacity for 2500 although not all the seats were used.

From the start at 3 pm supporters were kept alert as the Paraguay team tried to score. They cheered for every free-kick which TT got and every attempt at a goal. There was clapping every time Kelvin Jack (who made his World Cup debut) saved goal after goal from being scored against the local team.

Then in the 25th minute Brent Sancho accidentally headed a ball into the TT goal and gave Paraguay the lead. The supporters at cinema nine erupted with shouts of “nooo”. The commentator for the game remarked that it was TT’s first goal but it went into the wrong net.

Supporters were again on their feet when Paraguay’s Caniza appeared to score a second goal in the 36th minute. There was a collective sigh of relief when it was ruled a hand ball, although replays showed the linesman erred. Adding to the tension among supporters was when Cornell Glen had to be taken off the field after twisting his ankle. Despite being one goal down supporters clapped the team at the end of the first half.

As the pace of the game quickened during the second-half, the crowd got more vociferous with their support and criticism. There were shouts of “come on fellas put some pressure on it”, “well done, well done”, “up the road, up the road”. People began shouting “goal, goal” every time the Soca Warriors took possession and ran toward the Paraguayan goalie.

The introduction of Russell Latapy in place of Whitley lifted the mood of supporters as they anticipated a goal. Indeed, the “Little Magician” provided several moments when a goal seemed inevitable. But it was not to be. Frustration set in with the countdown to the final whistle and the many missed chances at scoring.

“Just blow the whistle ref. I can’t take it,” one spectator said with resignation. Nelson Cuevas scored Paraguay’s second goal in the 86th minute of the game.

While satisfied that TT put up a fight when it was over, some supporters expressed disappointment with the performance. Jeremy Joseph from Maraval said the Soca Warriors played “fair enough” but he expected better from the team, especially from Stern John, while Jamie Gomes, who is a TT national residing in London, thought that TT should have played the first half as good as they played the second-half.

There were supporters who said Latapy should have been on sooner and for other games. Others critiqued technique. “”Our biggest problem was the passing of the ball. If we could pass more accurately we would have done better,” said Kirk Gurley.