World Cup hopes dashed

THE TT Under-17 footballers could not contain Jeffry Miranda, as he scored a hat-trick to knock TT out of the Concacaf Under-17 Championships and World Cup qualification, at the IMG Academy, in Bradenton, Florida, United States, yesterday.

Miranda’s hat-trick led Honduras to a 4-1 win over TT in the round of 16 contest. TT needed to advance to the semifinals of the tournament to book a place at the 2019 FIFA Under-17 World Cup.

Honduras could have taken the lead as early as the sixth minute as TT conceded a penalty when Tyrese Pierre fouled Jose Aguilera. TT goalkeeper Kahail Oliver came to his country’s rescue as he dived to his left and saved the low shot. Oliver kept his team in the match early on with another impressive save in the 17th minute.

The match seemed to be heading for a goalless first half, but in first half stoppage time Miranda got his first goal. After a cross from the right side, Miranda headed the ball home to give Honduras the lead in the 46th minute.

The half-time team talk seemed to inspire TT as Jaiye Sheppard controlled the ball near the penalty spot, turned quickly and struck a left-footed shot in the goal.

Honduras only took four minutes to regain the lead. Some poor marking from TT left Aguilera open at the top of the box and he ran onto a pass and found the back of the net with his left foot.

Miranda did not stay out of the action for long as in the 76th minute he tapped the ball home from a few yards out. He completed his hat-trick in the 87th minute with a convincing shot in the roof of the net that gave Oliver no chance.