Hart shifts focus to Guatemala

The “Soca Warriors” are currently top of the four-team group with 10 points - three ahead of second placed USA, while Guatemala are third with six points.

TT only need a point to secure a spot in the Final Round.

“It’s obvious that we need to get points from these two games,” said Hart, during a recent interview on the TT Football Association (TT FA) website. “Guatemala is the (next) game at home and we are all aware of the business that needs to be done to get us into the next round.” The former Canada coach said he will announce his squad for both matches within the next fortnight and he is continuing to monitor the exploits of the national players, both on the local and overseas circuits, before naming the final roster. TT also face the United States in Jacksonville, Florida on September 6.

TT defeated Guatemala 2-1 in Guatemala City, in their earlier qualifier on November 13 with Khaleem Hyland and captain Kenwyne Jones scoring for the twin-island republic.

Hart said, “anything can happen in one game and we are quite aware of the mentality of Guatemala. They have to get points from the next two games and they will see this game as potentially the game that they need points from so we just need to be focused and concentrated on our own game, fulfilling our roles and responsibilities and taking care of business.” Regarding his squad selection, Hart stated, “I’m looking at the players and the games with their clubs. A lot of them have gone through their pre-seasons with their clubs.

I am in contact with most of their players and I am seeing them through live feeds. Yes it is important that they are playing.” As far as the local- based players are concerned, the TT coach noted, “the lucky thing is that some of them are playing in the Champions League.

Some of them are not playing and that has to weigh heavily on the selection.” Tickets for the Guatemala contest will go on sale on Thursday.

Priced at $300 (covered section) and $150 (uncovered section), they will be available exclusively through Sun Tixx on the VIA network.

Fans can visit any National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) Lotto outlets nationwide to purchase their tickets.