Trinidad and Tobago players warm up during a training session in Rotenburg, Germany, on Thursday. - Reuters
DORTMUND, Germany (CMC)
ROBUST GLASGOW Rangers defender, Marvin Andrews, has been forced out of Trinidad & Tobago's opening match of the FIFA World Cup against Sweden today after injuring his knee in a practice session on Wednesday.
It is a big blow for the Soca Warriors who are already faced with the giant task of upsetting Sweden, a side comprising several world-class players and which is ranked 31 places higher than they are in the FIFA World rankings.
"We have one problem and that is Marvin Andrews who would not be playing tomorrow (Saturday). The rest of the squad is fit and in good condition. We are all looking forward to the match tomorrow," head coach Leo Beenhakker said yesterday.
"We will have to take a scan on his knee and we are now monitoring his injury over the next 24 to 48 hours to see how serious it is. His absence is a big loss to the team. He is one of our two key central defenders who has played at the top level of club football with Rangers in the Champions League."
There are also question marks over Dundee goalkeeper, Kelvin Jack who is also nursing a minor injury but West Ham goalkeeper, Shaka Hislop is expected to replace him if he does not recover in time.
Trinidad & Tobago, only the second English-speaking Caribbean team to make the World Cup Finals, will clash with Sweden in a Group B encounter at the Westfalenhallen Stadium at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Caribbean time.
It brings to a close the twin-island republic's build-up to the prestigious event, which featured several training camps in Europe, along with several international friendlies.
"Preparation is always one thing, we all are accustomed to it but what we would really like now is to get the tournament going," the former Holland and Saudi Arabia World Cup coach, said.
"I have told the guys do everything that it is possible to do well, but first of all you must enjoy it. I want to see you play with a smile on your face."
While Beenhakker has chosen to keep the starting XI close to his chest, T&T's attack is expected to be led by Stern John with Christopher Birchall and Carlos Edwards contributing to the team's attacking options.
Former Manchester United star, Dwight Yorke will not play in an exclusive striker's role but is expected to play roaming role in midfield.
"Yorke will play where he always plays, he is a very intelligent player who has the role of roaming the field," Beenhakker explained. "He provides you with a lot of advantages to work with in that he can play in a lot of different roles in the team."
TOP-NOTCH PLAYERS
Sweden are expected to be a handful for the Soca Warriors especially since they comprise several top notch players.
Their attack is led by Juventus star Zlatan Ibrahimovic and experienced Barcelona striker Henrik Larsson, while the midfield is piloted by Arsenal's Freddie Ljungberg.
"On paper, Sweden and England are considered one and two or vice-versa normally, but when you do the Maths in football, one and one is not always two," Beenhakker reminded.
"We saw them play against Ireland on March 1 and they play as they normally do. They are a physical and very strong team and a very complete in many ways. Sweden is probably one of the most complete teams in Europe. But we also have our own way of playing and need to go out and play how we are accustomed too."
