Yesterday was the draw for World Cup 2014 in Brazil, and for me heart-breaking memories were evoked because this week sees the 40th anniversary of one of the most disgraceful events in World Cup history.I refer, of course to the Haiti vs Trinidad qualifier on December 4, 1973. An American golfer who missed a short putt to win an Open championship was asked if he ever thought about it, and replied, "Sometimes I can go for a few hours without remembering it."
And to a certain extent I can empathise with him because victory over Haiti, and the subsequent wins over Mexico, Guatemala and Netherland Antilles would have been life-changing for me and the wonderful group of players I had the privilege of managing. I have just been looking through a large number of press cuttings from that fateful time and despite trying very hard to be objective, I cannot for the life of me see how the referee could disallow four goals in concert with one of his linesmen.
A reporter in a national Sunday newspaper heard about the game and asked me for an interview which I was only too delighted to give. He came up with the clever headline "Voodoo we play next?" which clearly suggested some kind of skulduggery had taken place.
I know that when T&T got to the finals in Germany in 2006 the islands went mad, and the feat was made even better following the major disappointments of 1973 and 1989 (when I had the honour of being invited to see the final qualifier against USA). You can imagine how I felt when T&T were drawn against England.
Despite all of the above I can honestly say that my time in Trinidad was some of the best in my whole life, and my grown-up children often reminisce with me how wonderful the experience was for them.Above all I want, through your newspaper, to send my best wishes to all who helped me have such a wonderful time in the Caribbean from players, coaches, officials, media personnel and not forgetting the very supportive T&T people.
Kevin Verity,
via e-mail
