GLENDALE, Phoenix (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago’s coach Stephen Hart says the Soca Warriors have defied their critics by reaching the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The Caribbean side brushed aside Cuba 2-0 at the University of Phoenix Stadium here Sunday, to follow up their 3-1 victory over Guatemala last week in their opening game, and strengthen their hold on Group C with six points.
“I think it was important for us to qualify. No one gave us any chance back home … to even win a game. That’s what they were saying,” Hart told a post-match media conference.
“It’s important for the people, for the young players back at home, it’s important for our football. I cannot tell you how important it is for us to get to the quarterfinals.
“I am very happy for these young players because they believed in me. I showed faith in them and they were rewarded tonight.”
First-half goals from Sheldon Bateau and Andre Boucaud were enough to seal the points for T&T, who now face CONCACAF giants Mexico in their final game today, at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
Mexico lie second on four points after beating Cuba in their opening game but were then held to a goalless draw by ten-man Guatemala on Sunday.
Hart said it was important to qualify without having yet played their third preliminary game but stressed that T&T need to remain focus for the contest against Mexico.
“We wanted to qualify for the quarter-final, not leave it until the last match. We’ve never done that before, and we’re looking forward to playing Mexico because it is one of the measuring sticks in CONCACAF,” he pointed out.
“We can go into the game in a good frame of mind, with no nerves really and I think it is important that we use the game as much as possible for our preparation for the quarter-final.”
He added: “At the moment, we’re a very young team. We’re building, we’re not at Mexico’s level but I want us to approach the game without any fear … because if you want to qualify for another World Cup you have to play and get a result against teams like Mexico.”