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Afterglow

June 11th, 2006 | By: Stacy-Marie Ishmael | 15 Comments »

“We are not talking about mathematics, we’re talking about football. And in football anything is possible. We are very proud of our team. We are the first to recognize that Sweden has more talent than us and had more opportunities to win the match. We have our eyes wide open. But don’t blame us that they didn’t score a goal.” [Leo "Warrior Chief" Beenhakker"]

I still haven’t recovered. I’m still bursting with pride, and I’m touched by the lovely comments that have been posted on the blog since Saturday. I’ve sent commiserations to my Swedish friends, and we’re united in our hope that they’ll whip England.

It is now the evening after the (incredible) day before. Time for reflection.

I admit to being incredibly amused by the post-match analyses. Speaking after the match, Cornell Glen said, “[now], we can finally get some respect from people. You have to earn it and I think we did that today.”

Quite right. The patronising, oh-look-at-the-little-islanders coverage has given way to a grudging concession that the Warriors didn’t come to Germany to party (even if the supporters have). The Warriors came to play.

How did we play? Better than I’ve ever seen. I was surprised by how calm we were, how composed, how steady and settled.

My favourite quote from the Warrior camp thus far:

Beenhakker to Hislop, 20 minutes before the game: “You’re playing.”
Hislop to Beenhakker: “I’m ready.”

On our World Cup debut, the only anxious faces were those of the Warrior Nation (and as the game progressed, those of the Swedes.) Those who have been following the Soca Warriors over the years will know that discipline and cohesion have never been the team’s strength – never, until now. Beenhakker is a marvel.

Thoughts for England? First and most obviously, we need to maintain that composure. Second, we need to play more aggressively – but not Avery John aggressively. We can’t afford any more cards. On Saturday we defended to the very end, but against England (and for a point or three) we need not only to lock them down, but to sieze the ball and shoot. Third, we – the Warrior Nation – need to continue to rally behind our Warriors. We must shine our nationality brighter.

What will happen on Thursday, June 15th?

I have no idea. I have only hopes, dreams and the Spirit of a Warrior.

Vibes it up.

Tags: Avery John, Cornell Glen, England, Leo Beenhakker, Soca Warriors, Trinidad and Tobago

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Comments

By Mimie | June 12th, 2006 at 9:32 am

I was extremely stunned by the performance of Trinidad & Tobago against Sweden. I indeed gave my support for Trinidad. Two thumbs up for Shaka. He was marvellous. I have no doubt Trinidad will be 1 of the best team in this 2006 World Cup. Work for the best. God bless!

Posted from Indonesia

By Celosia Mendes | June 12th, 2006 at 2:23 pm

Talk about an afterglow!!! it is Monday morning and on my way to work this Trini cannot stop smiling. As a 10 old when I first watched the World Cup in 1982 and everyone since then this is by far the best. I have never felt prouder to be a Trinidadian and to see the boys fight to the end. I will be supporting the Soca Warriors with my lovely and beautiful fellow Trinbagonians worldwide. Did it not feel good to sing the national anthem, wear the colours and earn national respect. We refuse to loose, and no matter what we can walk with our heads held high. Come on warriors yuh could do it against England. God Bless to all my fellowman.

By Marise | June 12th, 2006 at 6:05 pm

I was one of those who spent the night in the National Stadium here in Trinidad last year for my ticket with the firm belief that we would whip Bahrain…..we didnt, but then we won the away match and qualified for the World Cup!

I woke up Saturday morning even before dawn with butterflies in my belly, was in all red by 10am, 2 hours still to go till kickoff. Even my dog was in red…I STILL have butterflies!

I was in a bar, TGIF to be exact, surrounded by fellow Trinis, I had to sit up on the partition cuz it had no room, everyone had noisemakers, flags, whatever they could get their hands on….

and we held Sweden, to a draw…Sweden!!!! By the end of that match it was pandemonium in sweet T&T

I cried…big hardback me, CRY!!!!

By the end of the day I was hoarse and exhausted…..too tired from the non-stopp jamming here in Trinidad to even watch the replay!!!

All I have to say is England…watch out

From a diehard Trini

Outside with everybody who doubted us from the get go!!! Outside!!!! Fire fuh all ah allyuh!

Bless

Posted from Trinidad And Tobago

By sungoddess | June 12th, 2006 at 6:46 pm

See how ya have to run down some people… thank CFR for the heads up. BTW: You look like you’re in your element in footie heaven ’round here…

By melp | June 12th, 2006 at 8:30 pm

It was indeed a proud moment to watch our men finally come together for this 1st World Cup game and battle out Sweden. Despite the draw, to us it is a win.
And I am here to tell other teams,watch out! We come to shut allyuh down.

I watched my 7 yr-old US born nephew cry as the game ended. I looked over and asked him why. All he could say is ‘I am happy!’ He made tears come to my eyes. That is pride and patriotism!

All the predictions had us nil against Sweden. I wonder what they saying now.

I hope Trinis at home would put down their guns, forget the racism and allow the rest of us to enjoy this great moment in history.

Keep it up Soca Warriors. Tell them we reach and we here to stay!

Posted from United States

By callie | June 12th, 2006 at 9:26 pm

I am still stunned, as many swedes are. But i am not a swede but a proud fan of Trinidad And Tobago
a true cinderella story! you never know wuts possible unless you dream so if your cheering for Trinidad And Tobago
you better dream big!!

By Joy | June 12th, 2006 at 9:31 pm

I love you soca warriors, keep it up. Trini to the bone

By crabbie | June 12th, 2006 at 9:36 pm

Too right, Stacy (oh god, ah sorry but ah can’ leave yuh blog alone!) . They’ve always had talented players but the way Beehakker’s been able to bring that talent together is the key. England’s game was lacklustre at best. If the Warriors can play with that same discipline and determination – and if they put together a real offensive strategy we could do something brilliant on Thursday. Marise, you make me want to fly home this minute! Melp, I hope so too.

Posted from United States

By Astra | June 12th, 2006 at 9:58 pm

I have had bragging rights at work all day; espcially after the USA lost 3 nil. I will me happy and supportive no matter what Dwight and the boys do for this point foward. I hope to see Latapy take Avery spot and I want the British to be quaking in there boots because we coming out for blood!

Posted from United States

By Big-Baller-Shot-Caller | June 12th, 2006 at 10:27 pm

On behalf of USA and Mexico fans, congratulations, it is a great moment for your nation and people.

So far, Mexico and Trinidad are the only teams from our CONCACAF region displaying honor and pride, leaving it all on the field.

Posted from United States

By CAM | June 12th, 2006 at 10:40 pm

I’m a SOCA Warrior. Now its on to June 15th and a very frightened England.Like us they are yet to score. We learnt on Saturday that a little more experience and a lot less nerves and we would have cleaned up Sweeden. Go Warriors!

Posted from Trinidad And Tobago

By Julia | June 12th, 2006 at 11:32 pm

We had a great party in Dortmund on saturday! Maximum Respect to the Players AND the Soca Artists!
There is a “soca warriors in germany” photo-group on flickr here.
You can participate or just have a look

Posted from Germany

By sophia | June 12th, 2006 at 11:55 pm

I am a Soca Warrior. As a Trini living/working in England, its been unbearable over the past month listening to everyone say England will crush T&T. I continued to keep the faith and flew the T&T flag proudly on my car and wore my Warriors band in a show of loyalty. Good luck guys on Thursday. You have made us happy beyond belief already.

Posted from United Kingdom

By Edd | June 13th, 2006 at 1:07 am

most wonderful, exciting game i’ve seen..hail up to all warriors….one love…the games that unite us..

Posted from United States

By Sillyrabbit | June 13th, 2006 at 5:09 pm

I am married to a Trini man we live in the U.S. I have never seen such dedication and unity by one team even though I am not a Trini I am proud. The U.S
Might want to take a lesson or two.

Posted from United States

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