to pull Bermuda soccer out of the doldrums at National Stadium this evening (8.30).

The first leg of the Olympic qualifying tie against Costa Rica throws the Island's youngsters into international competition for the first time since they were mauled 5-0 by the same Central American team at the Pan-Am Games in March this year.

And, sadly, there's nothing to suggest that Bermuda, while having brought in a crop of new faces, will show any improvement.

In fact, their build-up has been plagued by problems off the field. The on-off-on again saga caused by Bermuda Football Association's financial plight, can have done nothing to help team morale.

Thus, the number of spectators who make their way to National Stadium this evening may well have a bearing on how the players perform.

If home advantage, as some say, is worth a goal start, then Bermuda sorely need the vocal support of a large crowd that could help lift spirits and perhaps erase painful memories of the Miami Seven episode and the fall-out from which local soccer has yet to recover.

Costa Rica, for their part, won't be slow to expose any weaknesses. While Bermuda's build-up to this Olympic tie has been interrupted by one crisis after another, and a noticeable lack of match practice, their opponents have reportedly continued where they left off in Argentina.

Many of the visiting players recently completed their domestic season, and the national team's preparation has included a string of matches against other Central American sides.

Coach Juan Blanco told The Royal Gazette earlier this week that he considered his team, following recent additions, to be even more potent than the outfit which reached the quarter-finals of the Pan-Am Games.

And that can't be good news for Bermuda coach Mark Trott who is fully aware of the Costa Ricans' strength.

To be fair, the 5-0 defeat in Argentina came at a stage when Trott had no option but to abandon the defensive tactics which had resulted in respectable losses to both Chile and Brazil. It was do or die time, and Trott's young charges went down fighting.

Yet there was no disguising the Costa Ricans' explosive attack -- not only against Bermuda but also against the likes of Brazil and Chile. Given room to operate, they can tear apart the best of defences.

Strikers Sergio Morales and Ronald Gomez cracked two goals apiece in the Tandil Stadium drubbing, and both are likely to be in this evening's starting line-up.

While Bermuda are unlikely to be as lax in defence this time around, they can expect to have their hands full by players who aren't afraid of rifling in shots from long range and can break with electrifying pace.

It promises to be a tough test for the local youngsters -- and if their Olympic dream is to remain alive -- one they can't afford to lose.

Bermuda's squad of 20, from which the 16 for the match will be chosen: Dwayne Adams, Timmy Figureido, Dano Outerbridge, Andrew Rahman, Stanton Lewis, Kimandi Binns, Janeiro Tucker, Giovanni Wilson, Aaron Lugo, Jahmah Samuels, Nakia Smith, Ottis Steede, Raynell Lightbourne, Lamaul Crofton, Quincey Aberdeen, Tafari Outerbridge, Jamel Smith, Ascento Russell, Keimon Lawrence, Keith Jennings.