The B Factor

June 1st, 2006 | By: Stacy-Marie Ishmael | 4 Comments »

Birchall - Port Vale Warrior The most (the only) impressive thing about our recent friendly against was Birchall’s goal in the 26th minute: a low, hard and accurate shot taken edge of the penalty box. ‘Me mum’ didn’t hesitate, didn’t bat an eyelash - just levelled that ball past the keeper. Stern John, are you paying attention?

At the moment, I’m so impressed with Chris Birchall that I’m tempted to emblazon my T&T shirt (acquired with considerable difficulty, given that they’re sold out all over the world) with the number 7.

As I mentioned in my post-match analysis of our 2-1 loss to Wales, it was Birchall who set up the only goal of that match (scored by Stern John), and he (along with Carlos Edwards, Latapy and Collin Samuel) was one of the most convincing performers throughout.

I expect great things from this young man - including a couple of goals against the Czech Republic on Saturday (fingers crossed) and - dare I say it - one or two against you-know-who on June 15. In an interview with the UK Guardian, Birchall said of his Liverpool hero Steven Gerrard, “Gerrard is a player I watch week in, week out on Match of the Day and the live games that are on Sky because that’s the position, centre midfield, where I’ve been playing for the past year for Trinidad.” He then went on to say, “But on [June 15th] I’ll be trying to win the ball from him and going in for some hard tackles with him because I know that’s the kind of player he is. I’m the same really. I like going in for tough challenges - reputations won’t mean anything that day.”

The spirit is strong in this one - even the Duke of Yorke agrees with me.

Vibes it up Chris.

Tags: Chris Birchall, Soca Warriors, Trinidad and Tobago

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Comments

By Trent | June 1st, 2006 at 8:28 pm

stacy-marie: Does Birchall get much stick because of his birthplace, or is he fairly well-accpeted by the players and fans?

By stacy-marie | June 2nd, 2006 at 6:04 am

Trent, he’s totally integrated into the team and the fans’ only concern is how he’ll play against England. He’s said in the past that’s a bit of a nightmare (given that his father and all his friends support England) - but if an opportunity comes to score against the Lions, he’s taking it with no regrets.

Posted from United Kingdom

By Trent | June 2nd, 2006 at 3:00 pm

Glad to hear it.

Posted from United States

By Dom | June 3rd, 2006 at 6:44 am

Its Great Too see Chris birchall is making a successfull appeal too make it big over the world, as a life long port vale fan, i have too admit, birchall has only just started too make an impact, id say he isnt the best player we have, but this world cup run should do him well, maybe our manager will able too sell him for alot of money, which would be a great thing for our club, i really hope he does well against england too, id be impressed if he scored, but i say thumbs up to T+T all the best guys!

Posted from United States

By The Birchall Blogs - FIFA World Cup 2006 - Trinidad and Tobago World Cup Team Blog | June 8th, 2006 at 6:48 am

[...] I’ve said before that Birchall is a great example of the Warrior Spirit, and a true Soca Warrior, down to his taste in music. Said he in his blog profile: “I really love the Trinibago music - Soca.” [...]

Posted from United States

By Who’s your favourite Warrior? - FIFA World Cup 2006 - Trinidad and Tobago World Cup Team Blog | June 10th, 2006 at 9:04 am

[...] My fondness for Chris Birchall (7) is well established; I adore Carlos Edwards (11) for his atheleticism, his flair and his writing skills; I’m a long-time fan of Brent Sancho (5) and I’m definitely enchanted by our number 10, the Little Magician himself. [...]

Posted from United States

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