'We're under no illusion'
A CONFIDENT Bermuda World Cup squad flew out to Trinidad last night with giant-killing on their mind.
But coach Kenny Thompson says a narrow defeat will still be an acceptable result ahead of the return leg where he hopes a passionate home crowd can will Bermuda to victory.
Bermuda have no injury worries after convincing back-to-back wins against Barbados over the weekend.
Thompson told the Mid-Ocean News: "Spirits are high, they have good reason to be confident because they put a lot of work in but we still know we have a very daunting task against a very tough Trinidad team."
Thompson was at the helm of the national squad for a two-match series against Trinidad in 2004 which saw the Caribbean side narrow winners at home before Bermuda got a 2-2 draw when the Soca Warriers had a man sent off. But Trinidad and Tobago have beaten Bermuda four times from five attempts in the past decade, with 13 goals scored to just two conceded.
And Trinidad and Tobago are the best side in the Caribbean after appearing at the 2006 World Cup and picking up eight titles from 13 Caribbean Cups, although seven of the regional finals were held on home turf.
Trinidad lie 87 in the FIFA world rankings, with Bermuda way down at 139. But Trinidad will be without Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones after he suffered serious ligament damage to his knee in last week's 3-0 friendly loss to England while Jones' strike partner, Southampton's Stern John, was also a casualty of that match. He missed out on the 1-1 draw with Jamaica at the weekend but could return for the Bermuda match.
Thompson said he didn't want to get too bogged down on the individual strengths of the Trinidad side.
"We are focused on our own concepts. We don't want to focus too much on individuals because if they are not there then you think what now?"
Thompson believes former Manchester United star Dwight Yorke is unlikely to play after his appearance against England was described as being almost like a testimonial by some critics.
Technical director Derek Broadley watched Trinidad live against Jamaica in April while the BFA has also studied DVDs of the Barbados, El Salvador and England games while they are trying to get their hands on a copy of last weekend's Jamaica friendly.
That performance saw Trinidad pack the midfield but they are likely to be more attacking on Sunday.
"They are normally a passing team. We have watched them in some recent matches. They like to keep possession a little bit but they are also very prepared to play long passes.
"They are a quality team, we are under no illusion. It's going to be very difficult but we are very confident we can come back with a result."
He will obviously be hoping for a win or draw but will also be content with a narrow defeat. "We need something that gives us a chance here. We don't want to come back with a mountain to climb."
He remembers the 2-1 defeat in El Salvador which sparked hope Bermuda could get through to the next round ¿ hopes that were dashed when Bermuda could only manage a 2-2 draw. He said Trinidad are a similar level to the victors that time around.
Lately Bermuda have been playing with two up front but Thompson hinted a more defensive formation might be an option on Sunday.
"I would expect a very similar team to Monday night ¿ with maybe one or two changes.
"We have to be ready for all situations," says Thompson who is keen on players who listen and follow instructions as the match changes.
He also wants players who can withstand pressure without losing their heads and he said players needed to concentrate throughout the 90 minutes because mistakes will be punished.
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