‘Soca Warriors’ whip St Pauli in tune-up

The World Cup debutants took the lead after 14 minutes through Kenwyne Jones to give the travelling support amongst the 20,000 sell-out crowd something to cheer about.

The drums began to beat even louder when Jason Scotland doubled the “Soca Warriors” lead later in the first half.

The German team pulled back a goal through a penalty early in the second half.

“Soca Warriors” defender David Charles was sent off late in the game to compound an uncomfortable evening.

The Trinidad and Tobago footballers who open their Group B account against Sweden on Saturday, have played five games in the past 13 days.

“I don’t think we have played or prepared any different to any other team here,” Beenhakker told reporters when asked about his busy schedule.

“You have to give players a chance to get as fit as possible and to see them perform as much as possible.”

Asked about the red card, Beenhakker said: “I didn’t really see any problem, but these things happen.”

The Dutchman remained upbeat about his team’s performance, especially after Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to fellow finalists, the Czech Republic.

“This was a tough game and the type of game we expected and wanted,” he said.

“It’s good that we got the win after Saturday, especially since most of the players that played will probably not start against Sweden,” Beenhakker said.

But for a good display from Trinidad goalkeeper, Clayton Ince, the home side could have given Beenhakker even more to ponder and went close to spoiling the Caribbean-style party.