Robinson: Bermuda have mountain to climb

Lawrence Trott

Published Aug 31, 2018 at 8:00 am (Updated Aug 30, 2018 at 10:26 pm)

Do-or-die clash: Bermuda coach Naquita Robinson’s side face Antigua tonight

Naquita Robinson says the Bermuda women’s team have a “mountain to climb” to advance from the Caribbean final round of the Concacaf Women’s Championship Qualifier in Kingston, Jamaica.

Robinson’s side must win both of their remaining games, against Antigua & Barbuda and Trinidad & Tobago, and hope other results go their way to have a chance of finishing in the top three.

Bermuda are without a point or a goal from their first two games, a 4-0 defeat by the host nation and a 2-0 loss to Cuba, and face winless Antigua tonight.

“We had a great talk with the girls this morning [yesterday],” said Robinson, the coach. “They understand the mountain we have to climb.

“It’s a bit disappointing as this team was quite capable of winning last night [against Cuba]. However, in the grand scheme of things, we are moving in the right direction.”

Robinson has called for her team to show “more heart and aggression” against Antigua, who lost 7-0 to Cuba on Monday and 5-0 to Trinidad & Tobago on Wednesday. Trinidad face Jamaica in tonight’s other match.

“Tomorrow [today], we need to play with more heart and aggression, and capitalise on our chances,” Robinson said.

“We did well to create chances but didn’t finish them. Our final two games are winnable. The girls have to believe in themselves and each other.”

The top three teams will progress to the finals from October 4 to 17 in Cary, North Carolina, Edinburg, Texas, and Frisco, Texas. At least three teams will then qualify for the Women’s World Cup in France next year.

Bermuda reached the final round after topping their qualifying group in Guyana in May, with wins over Surinam and Barbados.

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