Despite Trinidad and Tobago, one of Guyana’s opponents in the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers, suffering a 7-0 loss to the USA, former Golden Jaguar captain Christopher Nurse, says that the result is deceptive and should not be used as part of the management team’s match analysis.
Nurse told Stabroek Sport during an exclusive interview that, “I think it’s a very misleading game to use for any match team or player analysis. The last time Trinidad was defeated 7-0 was 20 years ago vs Mexico in 2000. You could have pre-predicted that result based on the lack of preparation Trinidad has had due to COVID-19 and the squad compilation. Sad to say, the game was over within the opening 25 minutes. You cannot play the number-one team in CONCACAF without adequate preparation and your strongest squad.”
He added, “For me it should have been a private scrimmage behind closed doors. However, I’m certain the opportunity to make some revenue governed that decision but it seems to have caused more problems than progress for Trinidad.
“Guyana should not use that game as the basis of analysis as the squad for March will look much different and as such it wouldn’t be accurate to compare.”
CONCACAF giant USA mauled the Caribbean heavyweight ‘Soca Warriors’ 7-0 in an international friendly hosted in Orlando, Florida January 31. Guyana will open their Group-F campaign away to the twin-island republic on March 25 and are currently training five days a week at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Training Centre, Providence in preparation for the encounter.
According to Nurse, Trinidad and Tobago will likely opt for different tactics against Guyana than what was employed against the Americans.
He noted that the ‘Soca Warriors’ head-coach Terry Fenwick has referenced the utilisation of homegrown talent in the makeup of the squad which is similar to Guyana’s position.
He explained, “The Trinidad head coach [Terry Fenwick] however, did give insight into his style of play and as such the coaching staff can begin preparations for some of the challenges they may face irrespective of personnel. Of course the tactics Trinidad used versus the USA in contrast to Guyana may differ. However, there is a basis for specific preparation here. Similar to Maximo after the game, he [Fenwick] seemed to make reference to preference of local players so the squad for March is still uncertain.”
Nurse opined that the ‘Soca Warriors’ might retain the services of Kevin Molino, Khaleem Hyland, Aubrey David, Joevin Jones, Greg Ranjitsingh, Luke Singh, Lester Peltier, Levi Garcia, and Sheldon Bateau, as the core of their squad for the encounter with Guyana which has historically been an exciting affair.
“Guyana versus Trinidad is always an exciting encounter and nothing different should be expected from this one,” Nurse declared.
