Only one obstacle stood in front of the United States Men’s National Soccer Team’s (USMNT) goal of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Just as it was 28 years ago, Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) was their ultimate foe. However, their 1989 dream was not to be repeated.
On October 10th 2017, T&T defeated the USMNT in a 2–1 qualifier game meaning that for the first time since 1990, the United States failed to qualify for the World Cup.
T&T celebrates Alvin Jones’ goal vs USA during the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva, Trinidad and Tobago.
USA players react to their 2–1 defeat at the hands of T&T
As the T&T Men’s Team had long lost any chance of World Cup participation, very few fans were in attendance after a string of disappointing results.
The winning goal was broadcasted in screens across the country, reported in major headlines in newspapers and social media was alight with laughter and joy against the team that had caused such heartbreak on that faithful November night in 1989.
In stark contrast, the Port of Spain National Stadium was filled to capacity on November 19, 1989.
The USMNT’s monumental victory against T&T in the 1989 qualifier saw an end to the 40-year drought of World Cup participation. In that match, T&T solely needed to draw in order to qualify for the first time in their history.
A 61-year old retired civil servant from T&T recounted the pain that Trinbagonian nationals felt in 1989. Even though Trinidad and Tobago was already eliminated from 2018 contention, he remarked that “the revenge was sweet.”
T&T Players celebrate their victory against their football rivals since 1990.
The D.J. at the stadium blasted the song “Fighter” a calypso tune dedicated to the T&T Team that finally qualified for the 2006 World Cup.
Other T&T supporters celebrated purely because of the excitement of the game. Local commentators highlighted that the lack of pressure on the T&T Team allowed them to play more freely and without boundaries.
USA’s Matt Bessler sits dejected after failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
The USMNT are now faced with a barrage of questions that may endure for another agonizing four years.
