The streets of London were ablaze on Saturday as Trinis and other supporters from the Caribbean and around the world wore red to support Trinidad & Tobago Football Squad 'Soca Warriors' debut in World Cup '06 against Sweden. The word was football as fans and supporters young and old converged on their favourite 'limin spot' to enjoy themselves. It was straight case of win or lose bachannal will prevail in true Trini style. Corn soup, Carib, drums, whistles, horns combined with the pulsating sound of sweet soca music gave a Carnival like atmosphere to the many pubs where big screen TV’s could hardly be heard, this was further endorsed by the temperatures outside. What more could you ask for?
During the first half as Dwight and the boys kept up an amazing pace which brought screams and shouts of delight to already animated (I meant inebriated) fans in the Battersea venue where I was ( Dem douglas could cook!). At halftime with both teams goalless the delight was jubilant, I am sure the cries could have been heard all the way in Carenage. When the second half started and we were suddenly down to ten men as Avery got a red card (I’ll reserve meh judgment on the refereeing) you could have heard a pin drop but in true Trini style I heard someone say ‘tief...tief’ then pandemonium as the tempo rose again. This continued right to end of the match. The Swedes attempts to penetrate our goal remained futile as some brilliant defending and the watchable talent of goalkeeper Shaka resulted in them going away empty-handed. The disappointment was obvious on their faces but not on the faces of the supporters of 'Soca Warriors'.
I expect London to catch afire again on Thursday when supporters take to the streets in search of the perfect venue to watch the 'Soca Warriors take on England in what can only be described as 'the one to watch'.
All in all it was a tremendous effort from the players. Trinidad & Tobago we want ah GOAL!
by A.S

Friends, It has taken me so long to get over the result of Thursdays match, not that I was disappointed or anything (it was a brilliant game by any standard); but because I'm female and we recuperate slowly. The sprit shown by my fellow supporters during the game was unbridled. Eighty five minutes of 'Soca Warrior' determination was evident on and off the pitch. I was interviewed sometime after the game by CNN or GMTV( it was a blur ) such was the interest of the international community. Of the patrons gathered at Battersea Bar( formerly Chopper's) there was lots of optimism evident by the warm exchanges of congratulations. Of course much is at stake in the forthcoming match against Paraguay 8.45 pm Tuesday 20th 2006. In the eyes of the fans 'Soca Warriors' have achieved winning status simply by the effort shown. TNT We Want A Goal! Doh forget to wear yuh red!
by A.S

Yes people, The World Cup dream is over for 'Soca Warriors' but the memories of a an impressive debut in the football arena will live on for along time to come. It was a world class exhibition of the skill and talent our Twin islands possesses. Tanty Gloria call from 'Trini' to say that our 'Boys' were given a well deserved heroes welcome at Piarco...... The National Stadium was the venue chosen to officially welcome the team home. The carnival like celebrations was host for several large monetary gifts worth millions of dollars(TT) to all members of the Soca Warriors entourage, a fitting reward for a team that put on a marvelous display to rival the attention of the international soccer world.
'Tanty say everybody happy for dem.' AS