Victory over Bahrain ‘really feels great’

The sturdy Morris said he wants the team under Dutch coach Leo Beenhakker, to be properly prepared for the world’s greatest tournament in Germany.

He pointed out that he did not want the country’s footballers to go to Germany to celebrate but to make an impression.

Morris who led the popular Strike Squad to within one point of qualifying for the 1990 World Cup in Italy, only to be defeated 1-0 by the United States at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, was elated when reached yesterday.

"I am really happy for the players and the team, it really feels great," Morris said. He pointed out that the team’s qualification for the World Cup came at the right time, a time when the country has been plagued by violence and crime.

Morris added that the qualifying berth will see an obvious development of football in this country.

These sentiments were also echoed by ex-national striker Maurice Alibey who was also a member of the Strike Squad.

Alibey said there will be an obvious improvement in the development of the sport here since the youths will now have role models to look up to.

"Our campaign was not anything like this but I think that it’s really good for the players and the country that we have qualified for the World Cup" Alibey said.

He said he was ecstatic when he saw the Trinidad and Tobago footballers triumph over their counterparts from Bahrain.

The goal came from a 48th minute header from Dennis "Tallest" Lawrence which sparked wild celebrations in the streets of Trinidad and Tobago.

Work in the capital city of Port-of-Spain and all others, came to a virtual standstill from approximately two o’clock yesterday afternoon.

Alibey, the speedy striker said all he wanted was for the players to get their just dues for the work they have put in.

He made it clear that the players and the country will be satisfied if they are given what they rightfully deserve.

Morris added also that it was a personal feeling of accomplishment for him since he has played and coached some of the players who played important roles in taking us to the prestigious World Cup finals.

TT Pro League chief executive officer Dexter Skeene and another Strike Squad man said, he was elated with the result but added that it is a time for the entire football fraternity to capitalise on such an opportunity.

He pointed out the win should be a signal for proper infrastructure and programmes to be put in place for the country to make other World Cup tournaments.

The win means also that there should be a period of intensive preparation for the team.

In a news release yesterday, Skeene said: "It was a dream of every footballer and footballing nation to qualify for the World Cup.

"It has been a long and hard journey for Trinidad and Tobago but we have finally made it, Skeene added

The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee also extended best wishes to the national team on their victory.