Freddy Hall, the Bermuda goalkeeper, will wear the captain’s armband in tonight’s World Cup qualifying match against Guatemala as his side go in search of a positive result.

Hall captained Bermuda for the first time in last week’s friendly against Puerto Rico in the absence of Nahki Wells, who has missed the trip to Guatemala City because of an ankle injury.

The 30-year-old, who made 21 appearances for Telford United in the Vanarama Conference Premier last season, believes Bermuda are up to the task against a much-fancied Guatemala side.

“We all know the task we’ve got ahead of us,” Hall said. “The guys are definitely prepared, ready and anxious to get out there and get the result that we need.”

“Every time you step out there you want to do well for your country and being skipper tomorrow is definitely a big honour.

“I think we’re definitely prepared. We’ve got a good balance, some young players as well as experienced players, so there’s a good balance within the team. It’s a good group of guys and we want the same goal. We’re going to fight to the end.”

Hall, one of the team’s most experienced players, will be the last line of defence as Bermuda try to keep the tie close in the first leg.

“I wouldn’t say there’s much pressure; I go into every game not wanting to concede,” said the former Toronto FC player.

“If we play well as a unit and keep our blocks solid, do our jobs individually, we should have a good chance of doing okay.

Coach Andrew Bascome could make one or two changes from the team which drew 1-1 with Puerto Rico at the National Stadium.

Hall said that the excitement has been building in Guatemala ahead of tonight’s match, which starts at 11pm (Bermuda time).

“Everywhere we go we’ve got security with people trying to get pictures and what not,” said the former St George’s player.

“The whole country knows about the game and they’re really eager for it. We were surprised when we got down here that the weather wasn’t as bad as we thought it would be, although it’s still a little hot.

“It is definitely not as bad as it was in Mexico.”

Hall said the team will do all they can to ensure they are still within a fighting chance of advancing to the third round when they face Guatemala in the return leg on Monday night at the National Stadium.

“We all know we have the country behind us, although Bermudians can be a hard bunch to please sometimes,” he said.

“We definitely want to make them proud and to fill the National Stadium when we return.”