Hackshaw First Trinidad and Tobago goal was ‘unbelievable’

almost 2 years in TT News day

DAVID SCARLETT
TRINIDAD AND Tobago men’s football team defensive midfielder, Neveal Hackshaw, was elated by his winning goal that led his team to their first victory in the CONCACAF Nations League – a 1-0 victory against the Bahamas at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo on Monday.
In his post-match media conference, he stated, “My first goal for my country was unbelievable and I hope that I can score more.”
The 26-year-old, who plays for Indy Eleven in the United Soccer League (USL), called for more fans at TT home games, but he believes that the only way to attract them is through positive performances on the pitch.
“The victory (against Bahamas) was extremely important and we needed it after the (2-1) loss in the first game (against Nicaragua on Friday)," he said. "The guys stuck to the game plan and executed it well. We want them (the fans) to come out, so we need to work hard and keep the (good) performances going.”
When asked about the team’s tight schedule of four games in ten days, Hackshaw replied, “I’m always willing to play for my country so, once I’m on the field, I will give one hundred per cent until I can’t go anymore.”
As the team prepares for their next fixture against St Vincent and the Grenadines on Friday, Hackshaw saied that they are excited and looking forward for another three points.
TT captain and goalkeeper, Marvin Phillip, also spoke to the media and claimed that it was “a better performance than Friday’s game (against Nicaragua)”.
He added, “After Friday, the camp was a bit dejected, so we knew that we had to come out and put in the work to get the three points. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy; Bahamas stuck to their game plan, sitting behind in three blocks, so it was good to (finally) get the three points to start us off in this competition.”
The experienced TT goalie added, “We now need to build on this victory because we know Saint Vincent will be tough. So, we must work hard and remain focused to get another win.”
Bahamas coach, Nesley Jean, felt that his team played well and showed that they are willing to work hard.
According to the 36-year-old Jean, “Obviously, coming from a small (footballing) nation, we look up to teams like Trinidad (and Tobago) and the other big countries. Our guys are improving as a team and are putting in the work. Many of our players are very young – this was their first game – and although I’m not happy with the result, I’m happy with the work they put in.”
Jean also spoke about his game plan. "We changed the system and tried to press them up the field. At halftime, I told my guys that they had to believe in themselves, and it showed that we play (well) if we’re willing to.”
He continued, “In the first half, we wanted to contain them; we knew that they would have come straight at us. We (then) conceded a goal from a corner, which no coach enjoys, so there was a huge difference in the second half as we had a different formation, marked man-to-man, and it was a better showing from the guys.”
The Bahamas team travelled to Trinidad with just 18 players in the squad. Jean addressed that matter by saying that it was mainly due to injuries, but the players who stayed at home cheered them on and hope to be in the team for their match against Nicaragua on June 10.
Trinidad and Tobago’s next CONCACAF Nations League fixture against St Vincent and the Grenadines on Friday will take place at the Arnos Vale Stadium, Kingstown from 3 pm.
The post Hackshaw: First Trinidad and Tobago goal was ‘unbelievable’ appeared first on Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.

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