World Cup Team Checks: Trinidad and Tobago

World Cup Qualifiers

A two-legged relegation series against Bahrain guaranteed Trinidad and Tobago the fourth North and Middle American Zone ticket to the Germany. Trinidad and Tobago captured the series with a 1:0 win and 1:1 draw.

Stars

Strikers are the jewels of the Trinidad and Tobago team. Dwight Yorke, who already has a European Cup title to his name, and Stern John can always be found hunting goals around, and in, the penalty box.

Coach

The Caribbean kickers look to Dutchman Leo Beenhakker to bring order and discipline to a team of passionate soccer players.

World Cup History

A World Cup newcomer, Trinidad and Tobago is only the fourth team from the Caribbean to qualify for the finals. Cuba did it in 1938, followed by Haiti in 1974 and Jamaica in 1998.

Match Schedule: Preliminary Round

June 10: Trinidad and Tobago - Sweden in Dortmund

June 15: England - Trinidad and Tobago in Nuremberg

June 20: Paraguay - Trinidad and Tobago in Kaiserslautern

World Cup Base

Trinidad and Tobago will be falling into beds in Rotenburg an der Wümme after their World Cup matches.

Outlook

Even Trinidad and Tobago's local fans have mixed feelings about their team's chances. While some are thrilled their heros will be able to prove themselves against tested teams like England, Sweden and Paraguay, others fear the experienced World Cup sides will send their World Cup younglings back to their islands with tails between their legs.

If T&T want to avoid embarrassment, they'll need to shore up the defense to fend off their opponents' counter-attacks. But there is hope for moving beyond the first round, most of the national team members have top experience in the English Premiership that could help carry them through tough stretches.