Germany this time we reach

But today, there will be no denying the “Soca Warriors” making local history this time at World Cup 2006, when they stride on to the field at Dortmund at high noon today.

The 1973 edition of Trinidad and Tobago footballers were left with tears streaming down their faces by the three officials.

We had scored six times against hosts Haiti, but unbelieveably each time the Trinidad and Tobago footballers got the ball into the net, except once, the referee and his (hench) linesmen waved off the goal.

There was a rotten smell to it all, however.

When the game was over, then Haitian leader Jean Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier ordered jewelry stores opened and the Trinidad and Tobago players were allowed free access to all types of jewelry — watches, chains, bracelets and what have you.

Then came 1989 and the Strike Squad, and it was deja vu. Not once but three times Everald “Gally” Cummings who was Player of the Tournament in 1973, had to swallow another bitter pill.

In the very first game in California, the Strike Squad had to scramble a draw with the United States on a Hutson “Barber” Charles” equaliser, following what appeared a blatant off-side goal.

I was there in Costa Rica when the Strike Squad, trailing 1-0 were awarded a corner kick.

From the kick, a defender lobbed the ball straight at Charles and he deftly chested down the sphere and on its downward flight, he smashed the ball into the back of the net with rocket-like ferocity.

But horror of horrors. The referee blew his whistle signalling hand ball and gave the Costa Ricans a free-kick and the Strike Squad were beaten 1-0.

Then manager as he was in 1973 Oliver Camps flew into an almost uncontrollable rage.

He made a beeline for the referees’ room, but was restrained before he could reach there.

And finally, we were robbed of an appearance in the prestigious World Cup in Italy 90, when Argentinian referee Juan Cloustares refused what appeared a open and shut penalty plea` against the United States (again), and we were beaten by Paul Caliguri’s goal, turning the Hasely Crawford Stadium from a “Sea of Red” into a “River of Tears.”

It is history time today.