Pride in losing for Soca Warriors fans

The Soca Warriors, as they are known by their fans, kept England at bay until the 83rd minute before going down 2-0 goals from Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard.

In the capital Port-of-Spain, football fans gathered at popular bars as the match finished, much as they have done throughout their team’s campaign. The mood around the capital was upbeat, with most fans proud of the team’s performance.

“I’m going to wear red tomorrow. We still have to show support,” said Lisa Ready after the match.

Trinidadians had been wearing red since Wednesday and as a show of support most of the nation’s cars have been decorated with flags since the World Cup started, with some cars now sporting three and more flags.

Thursday was a public holiday, which left most people at home, with friends or at bars and other venues to watch the match. The streets, which were deserted during the match, came alive. St James, an area popular for its many bars was the scene for an impromptu Carnival. Talk at bars after the match focused on how well the Warriors played and how England was sufficiently worried to bring on star striker Wayne Rooney.Rooney’s entrance was seen as a victory by some. “Hey, we’ve made it to Germany, we’ve done good already. What more do you want?” one fan asked. Not everybody was upbeat.

“The last thing I saw was the sad look on Shaka’s face,” said an ice cream vendor. She had watched the match then rushed to the corner to catch the crowds that were gathering at one of the popular bars. Trinidad’s hopes of reaching the last 16 knockout stages have not completely vanished however as a win over Paraguay in their last game coupled by a loss for Sweden against England could see them snatch an unlikely lifeline. (AFP)