September Review: North America-Group 2

Standings



Game Results

Game 1-Trinidad/Tobago def. Bermuda 1-0 in Port of Spain, Trinidad/Tobago on September 2, 2011

• Trinidad/Tobago-Kenwyne Jones (45')

Really shaky opening performance from the 2006 Finals participant. A lack of finishing touch and some very shaky goalkeeping are just some of the problems facing Trinidad after this game. Those problems won't cripple them against teams like Bermuda, but when they face Guyana in November or if they advance to the next round, they won't be able to get by on performances like this one.

Game 2-Guyana def. Barbados 2-0 in Georgetown, Guyana on September 2, 2011

• Guyana Goals-Shawn Beveney (26'), Charles Pollard (73')

Strong opener from Guyana who held a noticeable advantage in speed and fitness in this match. Guyana was able to control the ball for most of the game and wore down the Barbados defence on their way to a 2-goal victory. With a number of other quality scoring chances including a disallowed goal for a questionable offsides call, Guyana could not have asked for a better start to qualifying. Key for Guyana has to be managing to repeat this performance consistently, especially when it comes time to face Trinidad.

Game 3-Trinidad/Tobago def. Barbados 2-0 in Bridgetown, Barbados on September 6, 2011

• Trinidad/Tobago Goals-Keon Daniel (17'), Darryl Roberts (67')

Better showing by Trinidad who like Guyana were able to exploit a sluggish Barbados team and wear them down on the way to an easy victory. Positive sign for Trinidad is that they were getting goals from people other then English Premier League striker Kenwyne Jones, a necessity if they wish to advance through qualifying.

Game 4-Guyana def. Bermuda 2-1 in Georgetown, Guyana on September 6, 2011

• Guyana Goals-Vurlon Mills (50',60')
• Bermuda Goals-Khano Smith (90')

Another day and another comfortable victory for Guyana who again were able to control possession and create opportunities offensively with their speed. Guyana missed some opportunities which would have put the game away and will not be pleased that they allowed Bermuda an opportunity to tie so late in the game but they have played remarkably well in two performances so far.

Thoughts

Barbados/Bermuda-I'm pairing these teams together because I'm just going to end up saying the same thing for both. In a nutshell, they're done. Down 6 points with 4 games to play, they really need a miracle to advance from this group and I haven't seen anything from either that leads me to believe they're capable of doing that. Maybe there's a slight glimmer of hope for Bermuda since they get 2 home games in October but I doubt it.

Guyana-Much better team than I was expecting coming in and I see no reason why they can't top Trinidad and advance to Round 3. Strong team offensively with a lot of speed and if they can refine their offence slightly and eliminate the number of offsides calls they take, they'll give opposing defences fits. Haven't seen a lot from their defence which could be a little suspect. We won't know that until November when they play Trinidad though.

Trinidad/Tobago-They improved from Game 1 to Game 2, now they need to make sure they continue to do so. Based on what they displayed in September, I don't think they can be the favourite to advance in this group. That can certainly change though depending on what steps they take to improve as a team, particularly in the offensive end. Too many scoring chances wasted against lower-calibre teams which will kill you as you move forward. Look for game 2 starting goalkeeper Marvin Phillip to get the nod through qualifying over game 1 starter Anthony Warner. Warner was very shaky in net, unable to confidently handle simple passes back from his defenders.

Going Forward

On October 7th, Bermuda will host Trinidad while Barbados hosts Guyana. On the 11th Barbados will travel to Trinidad while Guyana is at Bermuda.

Barring any major surprises, Guyana and Trinidad should finish October both with 12 points setting up a November showdown to advance. Both Barbados and Bermuda will officially be eliminated on the 7th if they LOSE their games or if one DRAWS and the other LOSES. Only wins from here on out will save them.

Post-September Standing Predictions Revisited:

Prediction:

Trinidad and Tobago-6 pts
Guyana-4 pts
Barbados-1 pts
Bermuda-0 pts

Actual:

Guyana-6 pts
Trinidad and Tobago-6 pts
Bermuda-0 pts
Barbados-0 pts

I was really unconfident in picking this group in August. Apparently that was unjustified. It's a 2-team group, plain and simple.