Bermuda national football coach Kenny Thompson says the Island's football programme has proven it deserves more than it's receiving.

As fever builds towards Sunday's vital return leg of Bermuda's second-round World Cup qualifier against El Salvador, he declared it “very frustrating when we are unable to get finances for basic things” as potential sponsors adopt a “show-me-first-and-then-I'll get-on-board” attitude.

Now, with Bermuda standing a good chance of advancing to the qualifying competition's third round for the first time, he says the Bermuda Football Association (BFA) and the national team have earned the right to more support - especially financial.

“Certainly - win or lose - the BFA and the players have done their part. They have been committed to this programme since November. They (players) have not had a break since they showed up to their clubs' pre-season programmes last August,” said Thompson.

“They have done their part and I'm proud of every member of this team because of the trying circumstances. With their responsibilities to families and employers, they have still found the time and energy to commit to this programme. They have gone beyond doing their part.

“Now, instead of us showing the country, the country needs to show us.”

Revealing that he learnt the El Salvador team would be paid should they be successful, Thompson queried why Bermuda has the attitude it does towards its national team when the “show me” part would be easier if backing was forthcoming from the outset.

“If we have the right infrastructure we can get results. The infrastructure costs money,” stressed the coach who is aiming to create history.

He noted players had been criticised for lacking commitment and not living up to their potential. However, he said the overriding reason for this was not just a lack of motivation but also a lack of the appropriate tools to fulfil the potential.

One such tool, he noted, was the funds to expose Bermuda's top footballers to international competition consistently so they could hone their skills and be better prepared for top-flight tournaments.

In this regard, he highlighted and praised the BFA's foresight in organising a three-match tour of Central America in April as Bermuda geared up for the Salvadoreans.

“It was beneficial in exposing players to the region and to the type of football we could expect. That's why the investment was made. It has proven very valuable because the younger players had no idea (about football in Central America).

“In travelling to El Salvador following that tour, they had an idea of what we would face.”

Regarding El Salvador - who narrowly defeated their guests 2-1 last Sunday - Thompson said their Spanish-speaking rivals displayed their quality at home and Bermuda have a healthy respect for them.

However, Bermuda have faith in their own ability and, after a rough baptism down south, are confident they will not disappoint fans at the National Sports Centre.

“The players were put through the wringer on Sunday and they came through with minor scars. That's served to hearten our team.

“We're in a position where the players feel ‘Okay, I can handle that. That's not so bad so let's go a step further now'.

“We're feeling quite confident but not complacent,” said the architect of Bermuda's game plan.

Having witnessed what his squad can do, Thompson does not have any major concerns though some key players are recovering from injuries.

“Judging from the focus, attitude and performance in the first match I know the players are up for it.

“I have to applaud the attitude of the guys. It's been first class. They showed a lot of determination - a quality that's often lacking in Bermudian players - in very difficult circumstances. It was a very good result and now we must concentrate on an equally good performance at home.

“They believe in themselves and that they can go one step further in defeating El Salvador on Sunday and progressing to the next round.”

The national coach disclosed that strikers John Barry Nusum and Stephen Astwood had indicated they should be fine by the big day but fellow frontman, Shaun Goater, was still in doubt with a calf strain.

However, Thompson is confident Bermuda can handle the mission minus the influential Reading player.

“I'm not overly worried. I have a lot of trust in the players who could replace him. In their own right, they can do a good job and make an impact. It goes back to what I've been saying all along: the importance of developing a squad that's capable of withstanding these very real situations that come up in football,” he said, listing Meshach Wade, Clevon Hill, Brendan Minors and Ottis Minors as additional players who could come into reckoning for Sunday's clash.

Three of Bermuda's most faithful supporters, Billy Richardson, Sinclair Augustus and Ross Hayward, have been offered VIP seats for Sunday's match by the BFA - their reward for travelling to El Slavador last weekend. It's believed they were the only Bermuda fans who made the trip to Central America after a planned charter flight fell through.