Trinidad and Tobago v Paraguay Preview: Even the Trinidad and Tobago players concede they are pleasantly surprised to still have an outside chance of progressing to the second round of this World Cup.
What they are less happy about, however, is the coverage they received prior to the tournament getting under way. They felt it was quite dismissive of their chances and disrespectful. Whether they qualify or not, they reckon they have already done enough to silence their critics.
"You had some parts of the media saying that we were here for a jolly-up and that we are going to get hammered, but that has not happened. Our expectation was just to come here and acquit ourselves well and I think we have done that so far," said former Bohemians left-back Avery John, who was sent off in the game against Sweden.
"There was definitely a case of us not being taken seriously. You hear reports of people saying that we are not going to do anything at the World Cup. But we have made a point. We have given a good account of ourselves so far and it's not over yet."
With Cyd Gray injured John is set to reclaim his place in the team's starting line-up and coach Leo Beenhakker is likely stick with the second striker up front as his side looks to make up three points and three goals on their qualification rivals Sweden.
Paraguay, also looking for their first goal of the tournament but already certain to go home after tonight's game, are without injured midfielder Carlos Bonet and so Julio Dos Santos comes in. But it will be an otherwise full strength side with veteran Carlos Gamarra making his 110th and final appearance for his country.
Probable line-ups
Trinidad & Tobago (4-4-2)
Hislop; Lawrence, Sancho, Edwards, A John; Whitley, Birchall, Theobald, Jones; S John, Yorke. Coach: Leo Beenhakker
Paraguay (4-5-1)
Bobadilla; Caniza, Caceres, Gamarra, Toledo; Dos Santos, Acuna, Paredes, Riveros; Santa Cruz, Valdez. Coach: Anibal Ruiz.
Referee: Roberto Rosetti (Italy)
Kick-off: 8.0pm
Venue: Stuttgart
On TV: Highlights BBC 1 (10.35) and UTV (11.15)
