There was no doubt that our national football team, the Soca Warriors were well accepted and appreciated by the Welsh fans if only because of the tremendous reputation which coach Dennis Lawrence had earned when he spent some years in the vicinity at Wrexham.
Honestly, the presence of the former central defender was more than what he could do with the actual playing of the national team but the amazing influence which he had made and brought the players towards an ideal frame of mind, plus a professional commitment to the players.
As to the game itself, the result was of paramount importance to both coaches. In the first place, Ryan Giggs is in the midst of demonstrating the quality of his coaching which was learnt from the brilliant minds of Sir Alex Ferguson and others. Dennis had begun his training preparation for this encounter by cleverly seeking to bring some level of discipline on and off the field, together with the full cooperation among themselves.
He must be aware of the complexities which obstruct the 100 per cent attention which all coaches may wish to have with the players, especially when they are preparing to progress positively for competition just months away.
On invitation from Dennis to witness one day of his sessions, I was able to witness the entire session which preceded my informal meeting with the lads.
I will recall that, in my observation, the emphasis of that session was targeting the defensive formula of his team and the mental focus of aggressive intent against any British team. He should be commended for this aspect of his work and there were a clear understanding and assertive implement of the art of defensive play. As to the result, there was a team which have not had the benefit of friendlies before this one and was faced with the FIFA ranked number 19.
The quality of the Welsh team was much closer to the level of players in the English Premier League (EPL) and in the environment in which they are accustomed to playing. They were fit, rugged and retained their aggression throughout the game. Their homeward advantage was clearly their 12th man and the desire to improve their win record following the last ten matches. Of course, they had over 66 per cent of possession as opposed to 36 per cent of the Warriors.
Dennis would have recognised that advantage, hence the reason why he planned sessions for defensive strength. He very nearly achieved his goals, except some extra minutes plus the 90 allowed, he would have claimed relative success. The Welsh continued to retain their aggression by exchanging players and knowing that the visitors would not be able to change course and aim for victory.
Many coaches aim for the pattern of play which they are working at. If this was the case, then there was satisfaction. Now, the road to the retention of success in defence, the next major feature will have to be midfield possession with the emphasis upon inviting his crafty midfielders to select passing lanes and expose the opposing defences to become vulnerable. Now that it is finished, the next few months will need many sessions which could focus upon Leston Paul, Kareem Hyland and any other midfielder of his choice.
The absence of many bits of penetration was not as regular as should have occurred, hence the few numbers of shots at the opponent's goals (2).
Keep your head up, Warriors and use this match as your beginning of what could be our best effort in the Gold Cup.