T&T fall 3-0 to Russia

Smith Shines As Trinidad and Tobago Fall 3-0 To Russia In Kaliningrad

Goalkeeper Denzil Smith produced a standout performance between the posts as Trinidad and Tobago went down 3-0 to Russia in an international friendly at the Kaliningrad Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The hosts struck twice inside the opening 15 minutes through Mingiyan Beveev and Aleksandr Silyanov before Aleksey Batrakov added a third just before the hour mark. However, the scoreline could have been heavier were it not for a series of outstanding saves from Smith, who was undoubtedly Trinidad and Tobago’s top performer on the night.

Russia started aggressively and Smith was called into action almost immediately, making two important saves from forward Ivan Sergeev within the opening six minutes to keep the score level.

The pressure eventually told in the seventh minute when Beveev reacted quickest to a corner kick and fired home from close range to give the hosts the lead.

Russia doubled their advantage in the 15th minute as defender Silyanov finished clinically from inside the penalty area following another flowing attacking move.

Despite the early setback, T&T showed character and threatened on the counterattack. Ryan Telfer nearly pulled one back after a powerful run from inside his own half, while Andre Raymond’s dangerous delivery from the left flank helped earn the Warriors their first corner kick of the contest.

From the resulting set piece, defender Anthony Herbert directed a header on target, although Russian goalkeeper Anton Mitryushkin was equal to the effort.

he visitors, under head coach Derek King continued to compete strongly throughout the first half with Daniel Phillips, captain Andre Rampersad and Justin Garcia working tirelessly to disrupt Russia’s rhythm.

The home side and 2018 World Cup hosts extended their lead in the 60th minute when Batrakov finished after Lechi Sadulaev created the opening down the left side.

However, Smith continued to frustrate the hosts with a string of impressive saves, including a remarkable double stop to deny Sergeev and substitute Maksim Petrov during the second half.

King introduced goalkeeper Jabari Brice in the 74th minute after Smith’s heavy shift also the fact that he went into the match nursing a knock from playing for his club.

T&T almost found a late consolation when Reon Moore broke through on goal in the 84th minute, rounded the goalkeeper and fired into the side netting.

Midfielder Molik Khan once again demonstrated his growing maturity at the international level. The 22-year-old displayed excellent composure in possession throughout the contest, maintaining a high passing accuracy while competing effectively against an experienced Russian midfield.

The result brings to an end a challenging run of international assignments for the Warriors against Bolivia, Venezuela, Gabon, South Korea and Russia as King and his staff continue preparations ahead of the next phase of competitive action later this year in the Concacaf Nations League in September.

Result
International Friendly Russia 3 (Beveev 7′, Silyanov 15′, Batrakov 60′) Trinidad and Tobago 0

Trinidad and Tobago Starting XI
Denzil Smith (Jabari Brice 74); Kaihim Thomas, Anthony Herbert (Ali Kazim Nakhid 74), Justin Garcia, Andre Raymond (Noah Powder 61); Andre Rampersad (Captain), Michel Poon-Angeron (Daniel David 86), Daniel Phillips; Reon Moore (Jaheim Faustin 87), Molik Khan (Judah Garcia 74), Ryan Telfer.
Head Coach: Derek King