October 16th 2008.

Finally, on the 12th try, Trinidad and Tobago has come away from a World Cup qualifier with victory over the United States following last night's 2-1 win at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

The triumph, coupled with Cuba's 2-1 defeat of Guatemala, has put the Soca Warriors firmly in second spot in Group 1 with eight points, four adrift of the United States but more crucially, three ahead of the Guatemalans.

A point on November 19 against Cuba will seal qualification to next year's six-team CONCACAF Final Round competition for a place in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The almost capacity crowd that descended on the Hasely Crawford Stadium had their two veteran heroes, Captain Dwight Yorke and Russell Latapy, to thank for the vital win against a revamped, inexperienced American team.

Both goals and the USA equalizer came in the second half, following a first period in which T&T had its chances but failed to capitalize.

Early second half pressure saw T&T twice coming close in the 53rd minute.

First, Scotland's short pass set up Carlos Edwards, whose shot was blocked by defender Jose Torres Jr. And from the resulting corner, Scotland's left-footer only carried the ball wide at the back post.

Finally, in the 61st minute, the deadlock was broken. And by who else? The "Little Magician" Latapy.

His clinical low left foot drive rebounded off the left upright and then goalkeeper Bradley Guzan before crossing the line and giving T&T a 1-0 lead.

Latapy's chance had come as a result of Chris Birchall's powerful run through midfield from which he found Edwards on the right flank.

Edwards's deep, pin-point cross in turn found the late-arriving Latapy, and the rest was history.

But once again, it looked like T&T's celebrations would be soured when substitute Charles Davies tapped in a square pass from the centre of the penalty area to pull the USA level at 1-1 in the 73rd.

But, last night, the Warriors would not be denied. And when Yorke was pulled down in the penalty area in the 78th, the old fox converted the spot kick himself to give T&T victory.

It was not always pretty. Some players did not always show the urgency required.

But T&T's leading men made sure the script was not spoilt once again.



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