TT seek points away to Costa Rica

Trinidad and Tobago have never beaten Costa Rica in a World Cup qualifier, and will enter today’s game on the heels of a 2-0 loss, away to the United States, in Denver, Colorado last Thursday.

Also on Thursday last, Costa Rica were shockingly held to a goalless draw at home by Panama.

Mexico, who drew 1-1 with the United States on Sunday at Mexico City (this game was brought forward due to Mexico’s participation in the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia later this month), sit atop the six-team standings with 14 points from six games.

Costa Rica are next with eight points from five games, followed by the US (eight points from six games), Panama (six points from five games), Honduras (four points from five games) and TT (three points from five games).

Panama and Honduras will square off today, at Panama City, from 9.35 pm (TT time).

Captain Kenwyne Jones, in a pre-game interview, said, “We don’t expect any favours nor any easy moments because we have always found ourselves in a position where we have to pull ourselves out from difficult situations and it’s no different at the moment. We have to make it right for ourselves.” The muscular striker added, “History shows that we never get anything when we play here but history is the past and we have to focus on pulling out everything for a chance of taking away at least a point from here. But winning is the main thing of course.” In their previous CONCACAF Final Round meeting, Costa Rica defeated TT 2-0 on November 11 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, with goals from Christian Bolanos and Ronald Matarrita.

“It’s going to be another match where we have to stay focused for every moment and try to break them down when we can. We must believe from now and for every minute during the game that we can get this done,” USbased midfielder Kevan George said.

Costa Rica coach Oscar Ramirez told the media on Sunday that nothing but a win for his team would be satisfying.

“This second round is always important. The only way is to win.

We have to think about nothing else at this stage,” Ramirez said.