PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (AP)—A pair of goals by Kenwyne Jones and Dwight Yorke in a two-minute span in the second half helped Trinidad and Tobago to a 3-0 win over Cuba on Wednesday night and a place in the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying. Keon Daniel added a late goal for Trinidad, which needed only one point to advance.
“It was significant that we had this result tonight because even though people felt this was going to be an easy game, we didn’t play particularly great in the first half,” Yorke said.
There was some tough talking at halftime, he added.
“We got in at 0-0 but things could have gone the other way and we recognized that. Some harsh words were said and full credit to the players, because they stepped up to the plate.”
On a heavy surface soaked by two days of torrential rain, Trinidad almost took a second-minute lead when Cuban defender Jenier Molina slipped and gave up possession. Russell Latapy’s shot was wide and the game remained scoreless.
Cuba had a chance in the 24th minute when Mario Leonard’s drive beat goalkeeper Clayton Ince only to hit the inside of the post. Roberto Balmaseda failed to convert the rebound.
Jones missed a number of opportunities before Yorke’s pass put him through one on one with Cuban keeper Danis Quintero Chevans in the 67th minute. The Sunderland striker slotted the ball beneath Chevans to send the home fans in Hasely Crawford Stadium into a roar.
“I believe Kenwyne Jones has the capacity to be one of the best forwards in the world,” said Trinidad’s Colombian-born coach Francisco Maturana. “He is a rock, and it’s been a few years he’s been like that.”
Two minutes later, Jones returned the favor when he hit Yorke inside the penalty area. Yorke drifted past a Cuban defender before driving a low right-foot shot beyond Chevans.
Daniel completed the scoring in the 89th minute. Carlos Edwards worked down the right flank, ran to the byline and cut the ball to the top of the box, where Daniel calmly side-footed a shot into the top of the net.
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