THE history making ‘Golden Jaguars’, Guyana’s flagship senior team, arrived in the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago yesterday  morning ahead of their final round-two FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 qualifying game, having already sealed their place in the third-round for the first time in its history. Regarded as the underdogs by many, the Jaguars defended their territory in grand style when they defeated the Soca Warriors on Friday last at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence and in the process ended T&T’s hopes of any World Cup glory this time around.
The squad, led by Christopher Nurse, while brimming with confidence will not underestimate their opponents despite the fact that they have qualified for the third-round where they will face the Mexico, El Salvador and Costa Rica.
Also creating history by advancing to the next stage was Antigua & Barbuda which stunned Haiti 1-0 in Antigua also on Friday last. Antigua, with a population of 89,000 will join the United States of America, Guatemala and Jamaica in the next round of qualifying.
Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz speaking briefly at the team Hotel, Cascadia, St. Ann’s Port of Spain, said that they (players) are in good spirits and focused ahead of the return game against Trinidad and Tobago which will be played at the Hasely Crawford Stadium tomorrow kicking off from 17:00hrs.
Shabazz, who has been a great inspiration to the team and a serious disciplinarian, noted that there is no room for complacency and each player understands that they are here for business.
The English based duo of Ricky Shakes (10th) and Leon Cort (81st) netted Guyana’s goals in the win against Trinidad & Tobago which got their consolation goal (a deflection from a free kick) off the boot of Stoke City forward Kenwyne Jones in the 2nd minute of added on time.
Playing away from home is always a challenge but Shabazz is of the view that his team will deliver another positive result come tomorrow evening.
The team is expected to have a training session today (morning) having rested yesterday afternoon after touching down in Trinidad.
Following their loss to the Jaguars, it was the first time since the 1982 World Cup Qualifying campaign when they drew 0-0 with Netherlands Antilles twice, that T&T failed to progress into the penultimate qualifying round or semi-final stage of the qualifiers.

Group B Standings:
Country           P          W        D         L          GF       GA      Points
Guyana           5          4          1          0          9          3          13
T&T                5          3           0         2           9          4           9
Bermuda         5          2          1          2          6           6          7
Barbados        5          0          0          5          1          12         0