THE Golden Jaguars begin a tough path towards qualification for World Cup 2012 as they face Caribbean rivals Barbados in the Group Two opening match of the World Cup Qualifiers, tonight at the Guyana National Stadium from 20:00hrs.
These two sides have been stern in their preparations and both expect to put forth good performances, come game time. Jaguars are currently ranked at 116 in the FIFA ranking while Barbados, nicknamed ‘Bajan Pride’ sit at 147 – both equipped with pretty young squads.
Barbados will be expected to enter the match with a wealth of confidence following their imposing 4-0 victory against St Lucia (187) two weeks ago while Guyana romped to a 2-1 win over the Indian National Football team (154).
On statistics, Guyana would be the more favoured side, as they have the home crowd support, but the sport has been known to brew some heart-shattering upsets.
Christopher Nurse, the Guyanese captain will also be in charge of the midfield with support from the likes of Shawn Beveney, Kayode McKinnon, Travis Grant and Christopher Bourne to name a few.
The defensive line will comprise veteran campaigner Charles Pollard, who is expected to lead, with the lively Walter Moore by his side to help the younger and less experienced players.
In the forward department, playmaker Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richards, Dwain Jacobs and Anthony Abrams are expected to be a force to be reckoned with given that they have been performing quite creditably in the 2011 season.
On the other side, negating the fact that Guyana are ahead on the FIFA ranking by 31 spots, Barbados are not likely to be a pushover as they will be led by captain Barry Skeete who commands the defensive line with help from fellow senior player Jonathan Straker.
Their midfield department comprises the rampant senior campaigner Norman Forde alongside Louis Moss.
Barbados boast quite a young striking force of Kadeem Atkins, Riviere Williams and Dwayne Marks but they have been known to get the job done correctly. Atkins scored a double against St Lucia and Williams supported with one goal.
Both teams prove to be formidable opponents but it will be the side which makes the least mistakes that comes out on top.
Guyana team: Chris Nurse (captain), Vurlon Mills, Gregory Richardson, Ryan Crandon, Anthony Abrams, Keivin Sullivan, Denver Dennis, Treyon Bobb, Walter Moore, Kayode McKinnon, Dwain Jacobs, Ronson Williams, Travis Grant, Richard Reynolds, Chris Bourne, Eusi Phillips, Jake Newton, Shawn Beveney, Charles Pollard and Anthony Benfield.
Barbados team: Barry Skeete (captain), Norman Forde, Jonathan Nurse, Jason Borill, Dwayne Mars, Revere Williams, Kadeem Atkins, Mario Harte, Jason Lovell, Ramuel Miller, Craig Worrell, Bentley Springer, Kyle Gibson, Renaldo Marques, Lovis Moss, Omar Archer, Johnathan Straker and Carl Joseph.