From: Allan La Rose
In Houston, Texas Compliments of GFF, Colours, Isotonix and Oasis Water
Guyana’s Lady Jags and Trinidad’s Soca Princesses will meet this afternoon in the most crucial group ‘B’ fixture of the CONCACAF final round Women’s Olympic Qualifiers at the BBVA COMPASS Stadium with a prized semifinal spot at stake.
Both Nations enter the game on three points but the Jags only need a draw to book a place in the final four since they have a better goal difference than the Trinbagonians.
Head Coach Mark Rodrigues in a pre-game interview with Stabroek News said that awin would be the ideal result to go into the semifinals with.
“We have had a lot of big games in the past but it’s the biggest game for tomorrow. With regards to the current situation, yes it is a huge game and we need that win or tie, and obviously we prefer to win because it will give us more confidence going into the semifinal. At least we have the lil cushion of knowing that with a tie we still go through.”
Yesterday the squad spent a quiet day recovering from the come-from-behind 2-1 win over Guatemala on Sunday with just light stretches and ball work as they remain focused on the next stage of their dream journey to the Rio Olympics.
“It’s going to be a similar game plan to a certain extent as we played against Guatemala. Don’t get me wrong, because in that game we were hoping to be up at the half, but the game turned out differently. When the game starts you have to quickly assess where you are. We want to score first and early then have them change their tactics on us,” stated Rodrigues.
In their previous two meetings in 2010 the Trinis prevailed 3-1 and 3-0, but this third meeting Coach Rodrigues intends to turn the table around although he recognizes and respects the strengths of his opponents.
“Trinidad is loaded with talent. I mean they are such a talented team- speed, lots of skills, several players who have played professionally and they are physically bigger than us, so we have a lot to contend with. In terms of their mixture they have so much they can throw at you. We are hoping to win the game tactically and that’s the game plan,” related Rodrigues.
The Coach also added that despite not having a fully fit squad the Jags are ready and unconcerned with the higher ranked Soca Princesses.
“Quite honestly, there is no tension from the players. Our staff does a very good job in keeping our players relaxed at all times while still being very focused on what the goal is. We’re probably the most casual team out of the eight teams here, but yet we are the most focused. The girls are very relaxed and extremely focused. They know what’s at stake. The one thing we have is the belief that we can achieve that goal of getting to Rio.
“I don’t want to be so bold as to go out and say be assured we will advance to the semifinals. Our hearts and souls along with our belief system will drive us to be victorious tomorrow and get us to the semis,” he cautioned.
He added the fact that the team will meet the US in the semis has boosted the will of the Jags.
Kick off time is 19:00hrs Guyana time which is two hours ahead of the time here in Houston.
