Barbados (pictured) will visit Aruba for a World Cup qualifier on June 10 in Oranjestad. (Photo: Aisha-Zakiya Boyd)
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Experienced defender Emmerson Boyce and goalkeeper Keasel Broome are the two overseas-based players named Sunday in a 20-man Barbados squad that will face host Aruba on Wednesday in the first leg of their World Cup Qualifying, second-round series.
The 35-year-old Boyce turned out for the now-relegated Wigan Athletic in the English Championship last season, while Broome is a recent signee for New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League.
Broome said he was excited about Barbados’ chances and was hopeful of taking something away from the encounter in Oranjestad.
“I’m expecting us to work hard,” said the 23-year-old. “It’s going to be a tough game against Aruba, both home and away. To get even a point on the road and a win at home is the expectation.
“Preparations have gone well. I’m trying to bring as much experience and professionalism to the team as possible. I think together as a unit we’re very solid, especially in defense, and we have a solid leader in Mario Harte, so I think that altogether we have a good side.”
Barbados has trained intensely in recent weeks to prepare for the Arubans, who received a first-round bye. Technical director Marcos Falopa said the side would be giving its all as expectations were high.
“We have prepared for the changes from a physical aspect because recovery will be a little difficult and we also tried to work hard with the mental preparation,” the Brazilian pointed out. “We will try our best [because] it is not easy. It is a game and you can win, draw or lose, but it is important to have the mentality that you will give something for Barbados because the Barbados national team wants to win.
“The boys are very aware of the tactical things. There will be about six to eight players from Holland on their (Aruba) team. They (Aruba) are well prepared I believe and they play a style of short passing [and] good counter-attacking. It will be a good game. We have some good hopes for this game.”
The second leg will be played June 14 at the Usain Bolt Sports Complex in Bridgetown, Barbados.
BARBADOS ROSTER
(2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying: away v Aruba, June 10, 2015; home v Aruba, June 14, 2015)
GOALKEEPERS: Keasel Broome, Dario Weir,
DEFENDERS: Paul Alexander, Ronaldo Bailey, Emmerson Boyce, Akeene Browne, Rico Graham, Ramon Manning, Ricardio Morris
MIDFIELDERS: Jamal Chandler, Romario Harewood, Jomo Harris, Hadan Holligan, Sebastian Hunte, Rashad Jules, Renaldo Marques, Raheem Sargeant
FORWARDS: Jomo Harewood, Mario Harte, Arantees Lawrence
