final qualifying stages for next November's Youth World Cup in New Zealand.

Following the side's 3-0 thrashing of tournament favourites Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday night, they now take on Netherland Antilles this evening, aware that another win will take them a huge step closer to the last qualifying matches in El Salvador in February.

The third and final game of the current qualifying series is on Sunday against Barbados, who thrashed Netherland Antilles 5-1 on Wednesday.

Bermuda Football Association president Neville Tyrrell said he and the entire BFA executive were "ecstatic'' on hearing of the team's victory over Trinidad and believed they would now be full of confidence for tonight's encounter.

"I was elated when I first got the news on Wednesday evening,'' said Tyrrell.

"And all of the other BFA executives that I have talked to about the result were just as thrilled. We have still got our fingers crossed because the team have got another important match tomorrow (Friday). And even though some people may think that the Netherlands Antilles are lesser opponents than Trinidad, the game is played on the field and we will have to wait and see that result.

"But obviously if we get a victory against the Netherlands Antilles then it probably would mean that our foot would be in the door to the next round. I have spoken with our General Secretary (David Sabir) down there and he tells me that everything is going well, the players are hyped and all they want to do is get on the soccer pitch and do what they have to do.'' Tyrrell said he had realised for some time the youth team had enormous potential with a number of talented youngsters who were continuing to improve under technical coaching director Clyde Best.

But he cautioned that there was still a tough road ahead, with matches against El Salvador, Mexico and Canada awaiting should they advance from the current tournament.

"One sunshine doesn't a summer make, but we are building,'' said Tyrrell.

"We have a sound nucleus and if we can stay on course over the next two years, I am certain we are going to be a power to be reckoned with in this region.'' The BFA, he said, were just as optimistic as Best who said before the trip to Trinidad that he felt the youth squad could become the first local side at any level to advance to the finals of a World Cup.

"Well that has certainly been the mood of the executive because, if you remember, when we started our six year plan we clearly stated that our emphasis was going to be placed on our youth, certainly under-20, under-17 and under-15 and we have concentrated our efforts in that area,'' said Tyrrell.

"When we saw this under-17 team perform last year we knew that it had a lot of promise.

"We were slightly disappointed with their performance in the International Youth Tournament here this year, but we knew that there would be better results coming down the road and here we are.''