Costa Rica tavels to Trinidad riding momentum of victory over United States

June 5, 2009

Fresh off a thorough 3-1 win against the United States that sent Costa Rica to the top of the table in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying, the Ticos travel to Trinidad & Tobago to play a squad that has never beat them in 12 previous qualifiers dating back to 1966.

On Wednesday night in front of a raucous crowd, Costa Rica dominated the Americans, scoring twice in the first 13 minutes and delighting the fans at Estadio Saprissa in San Jose.

The Ticos improved to 3-0 at the Monster’s Cave in the final round of qualifying, their lone defeat coming to Mexico in its only road match at Estadio Azteca on March 28.

While Costa Rica has momentum and history on its side, Trinidad, which is desperate for a result, will have the crowd support at Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet, Tobago. The Soca Warriors are tied with El Salvador in last place of the six-team group with two points from three matches, drawing Honduras and El Salvador.

Saturday’s match will mark the managerial debut of Russell Latapy, who replaced Francisco “Paco” Maturana. The Colombian resigned April 8 and the 41-year-old Trinidad legend, who scored a critical goal against the USA to advance the Soca Warriors to the final round of qualifying, took over on an interim basis.

“I’m pretty satisfied with the way things are going at the moment,” Latapy told FIFA.com. “I’ve had a good bit of time to work with the local players, and I have to applaud the coaches from the pro league here, who have allowed me access to their players for two full weeks of camp. So, as far as I’m concerned, things are going well and I couldn’t be more pleased.”

As if the task of securing points against Costa Rica isn’t daunting enough, it became even more difficult when Stern John injured his back, putting added pressure on other players. But English-born midfielder Chris Birchall told Trinidad & Tobago reporters that he’s ready to assume the responsibility.

“I know the last time was the goal against Bahrain (in the playoff for the 2006 World Cup), and then I scored in a friendly after the World Cup against St. Vincent, but it’s felt like such a long time since I’ve scored for Trinidad and I think I owe the team a goal or two now,” Birchall said. “It would be great to get on the score sheet on Saturday and help the team to a victory.”

By Dylan Butler

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