BVI to host Trinidad after stunning Bermuda 2-0

BY DEAN GREENAWAY

The BVI will host regional football powerhouse Trinidad and Tobago on December 12, after stunning Bermuda 2-0 on Sunday, in the Digicel Caribbean Cup Group E playoffs, at the Arnos Vale National Stadium in St. Vincent. It was the first time advancing in a major regional competition after playing hosts St. Vincent to a 1-1 tie last Wednesday, followed by a 1-0 loss to the Cayman Islands on Friday. Their December 12 game against the Soca Warriors—the first meeting between the teams—is scheduled for 4 p.m. at the A. O. Shirley Recreation Grounds, followed by an away game on December 17.

With the victory over Bermuda, the BVI avenged a 5-0 home loss and a 9-0 setback in Bermuda, during the preliminary rounds of the 2002 FIFA World Cup preliminaries.

Striker Venton James scored both first half goals in the 25th and 36th minute for the victory, atoning for a foul three minutes before the end of regulation in the opener that gave the BVI a 1-1 tie with hosts St. Vincent.

On Sunday, Goal keeper coach Dowling Daley described the victory as a ‘great, great, game today.’ “We went out there with the urge to play and that is what we did. We pressed and we attacked,” Daley explained. “This is a great success for the coaching staff and the players. It’s a big improvement for the BVI because it’s the first time we’ve ever advanced to the second round.”

Ben Davis, the newly appointed BVI Football Association’s Technical Director, said the main strategy was to put James up front to use his technique and strength to turn the Bermuda defenders and try and get as many shots on goal as they could. “He was there to set players up and knock the ball to the oncoming mid field players and that was the main strategy we worked on as far as attacking is concerned,” explained Davis. “As for defending strategy, it was important that we maintained our shape and had at least nine players back behind the ball. We actually acted as a block and then we counter attacked as much as we could, especially down the flanks and the middle.”

Davis said Bermuda was playing three slow players in the backfield and they were very heavy muscled players. “Having observed them in their two previous games we realized we could attack them and it paid off,” Davis added. “Everyone was surprised. I think everyone was expecting the BVI to be the whipping boys as usual and they were shocked that we were so organized, even in the first two games against St. Vincent and the Cayman Islands. Even when we didn’t have the ball, we were organized and that is basically is the key. When you win the ball back, you can then express yourself. You can play the game and attack.”