A day to remember for debutants Trinidad

NUREMBERG, June 15: World Cup debutants Trinidad&Tobago will long remember June 15 as the day their national team frustrated 1966 winners England for 83 minutes, their coach and players said.

England's blushes were spared when two goals in the last seven minutes from Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard earned a 2-0 Group B victory.

''When the dust settles it will be a day for all of us to be proud of and remember,'' goalkeeper Shaka Hislop told reporters.

''But for now we are disappointed.'' Until their late two-goal burst, England looked likely to follow in the footsteps of Sweden who were held to a 0-0 draw by Trinidad last Saturday.

Trinidad, with a population of 1.1 million, are the smallest country in these finals.

The Caribbean team defended well and had a few chances to score.

''We are very disappointed really,'' said substitute Cornell Glen. ''It was one of those games.

''We are having fun and we hope we made the people back home proud.'' Coach Leo Beenhakker said the islanders should remember their performance.

''Yes, this will be a day the country will remember,'' the Dutchman said. ''If you lose at the end of the game to the great team of England, yes, it will be a proud day for Trinidad and Tobago.''

REUTERS

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