Braithwaite: Yorke’s the key tonight

These were the words of Director of Sports at CONCACAF and FIFA member Richard Braithwaite yesterday.

Trinidad and Tobago face regional powerhouse Mexicans in a crucial World Cup qualifying match needing a win if they are to finish fourth and earn the right to play in the fourth-place play-off with either Bahrain or Uzbekistan.

According to Braithwaite the match will not be an easy one.

But he said the Warrriors have the home advantage and the players are aware that with a win, they will be putting one step in the door of the 2006 Germany World Cup.

Braithwaite, who is a former manager of the team under the reign of Tobago born coach Bertille St Claire, has again reiterated that Sydney FC striker Dwight Yorke will be the key if the team is to advance.

He pointed out that the former Manchester United striker has been criticised heavily in the past which included a one-man placard protest of his selection for the team’s opening match of the campaign against the United States at the Queen’s Park Oval on Ash Wednesday. However the former Mmanchester United star has answered his critics with a series of outstanding performances so far.

He added that Yorke’s ability to play the full 90 minutes in every match for the Warriors has been a reflection of hisfitness and commitment to the national team.

"I think it will be a fitting conclusion for the country’s most celebrated footballer in our history to lead the national team to the world’s biggest football event," Braithwaite said.

He added that the last encounter against the Panamanians showed the team’s fighting spirit crowned by Stern John’s wonderfully taken goal in the 62nd minute whch secured victory.

He said John too has had a rough time with the critics but is a true professional and has answered by scoring goals.

Braithwaite will be one of many football fans and supporters who will be pinning their hopes on a goal from John tonight.

The public has come on board of this event and Braithwaite has expressed his satisfaction for the support, which he says, will be well-needed.

Braithwaite feels that the turn-out of the crowd at tonight’s match will be an expression of the nation believing in the World Cup dream.

This he said is very important since qualification for the World Cup will do wonders for the national psyche and give a much-needed boost to morale and self-confidence.