18 hours after their crushing defeat in Monterrey, all 21 members of
the National Football Team returned home on Sunday afternoon. It was their first
time trip home since leaving for Houston nearly two weeks ago and the first
since standing up to the regional powerhouse Mexico. And while they may have
deserved a hearty welcome, they didn’t get it. It was little fanfare but
our seven news team which has been with the team throughout was there and Keith
Swift has perhaps what is the end of the story for a team that went so far and
came so close to respectability, but ended with a bitter taste in their mouths.
Keith Swift Reporting,
A small crowd greeted members of the National Football Team with applause as
they exited the airport on Sunday afternoon. It was applause some players say
they didn’t deserve.
Ian Gaynair, National Football Team
“I di try to be proud but it is hard for me right now. I just feel
shame, I’ve never taken so much goals in my life yet.”
Deon McCauley, National Football Team
“It is a very sad sad feeling for me.”
Ian Gaynair,
“I am ashamed. To tell you the truth I am really ashamed. I don’t
want to lift up my head to no one.”
Team captain Shane Orio says Mexico beat us 7 goals to nil because the team
made major mistakes in Monterrey.
Shane Orio, Team Captain
“For us it was a total disaster. Out of the seven goals, about three
were auto-goals. They dominated for 90 minutes, we expected that. But the same
thing that happened the first game happened, we weren’t able to keep possession
of the ball and I think that really killed us last night.”
Harrison Tasher, National Football Team
“The first game we played well and the second game I felt we were 
going to do the same but my defense didn’t kick in like the first game.”
Ian Gaynair,
“The team was too relaxed because the first game we played good and
they felt that it was all over. We had 90 minutes to play and everybody played
relax in the game.”
Harrison Tasher,
“We don’t play home, we played at Mexico’s home and it
is not a easy task. It is a hard game for us because the Mexicans were home
and it’s hard, its not easy like how the people think.”
Ian Gaynair,
“I don’t think it was the weather, like I said I think it was
the players who weren’t that serious and I think Mexico, they came out
to load us up.”
Deon McCauley,
“I don’t really want to point no fingers, all I can say is that
the team didn’t come out to play and when you don’t come out to 
play against someone that is playing at home, it is a very very had thing because
those guys, they played a very very good game. The game could have easily been
20 to nil.”
Danny Jimenez,
“I think we could have done better but we are not blaming it on anyone.
Every body just didn’t put in what they were supposed to put in and I
think everyone was satisfied with the 2-0 win in Houston and they thought they
had already overcome the world or something like that but I still can’t
believe what happened in Monterrey.”
Shane Orio,
“After looking back at 7 goals and three being auto-goals, it is very
difficult not to be frustrated. You will be frustrated and at this given time
I am still frustrated because it is always going through my mind, what I did
wrong or what I could have done better. I think it was a mistake by not only
the players. I think all of us hold the blame; from the coaching staff down
to the last player.”
And that includes the team’s coach Ian Mork.
Ian Mork, Coach
“Yesterday was disappointing. Obviously 2-0, we shocked Mexico, we
shocked CONCACAF and everyone so I think we still have to give the players credit
for that. But as you saw, there were too many basic mistakes. With the ball
at this level, we have some players that aren’t taking care of the ball.
And at this level it has to be a given that we can keep possession and move
the ball when we have space and it wasn’t happening. So I am disappointed
that we made so many mistakes in the game, especially against a team like Mexico.
But it has to be a learning experience and we have to move on and I think the
players will be better for it in the long run.”
And that’s because FFB President Bertie Chimilio says that while we played
and lost, all is not lost – including the money from the game in Houston.
Dr. Bertie Chimilio, FFB President
“We just got to look at the positive side of this game. It is something 
that is going to help us in the future and we could only get up from this. We
played Mexico, the best in CONCACAF, and that sets the stage for us to take
off into other areas of football.”
Keith Swift,
Sir a lot of people are saying that what probably was on the minds of these
players was the situation with their payment. Has that been worked out?
Dr. Bertie Chimilio,
“It has been worked out. That was worked out a long long time. I don’t
think that was a problem from day one.”
Keith Swift,
How soon will these players get their money?
Dr. Bertie Chimilio,
“As soon as everything is given to us, they will get their money.
They have agreed on a sum and they will get their monies upfront.”
Shane Orio is sure the FFB will hold up to its side of the bargain and pay
them – but he says that with their poor performance on Saturday night
– the players didn’t hold up to their side.
Shane Orio,
“I think as a player if you ask for something off the field, then
you have to go and defend it on the field. We as a team asked for something
off the field, it was granted to us, it was given to us. Last night was our
opportunity to defend it on the field and we were unable to do it.”
7NEWS has seen the contract signed between
the Football Federation and the players. It is dated June 19th and promises
$9,000 Belize dollars to each player which will be paid before July 7th. Because
of the loss, a cumulative 9 goals to nil, Belize’s ranking in FIFA will
nose dive. But FFB President Bertie Chimilio says Belize can rebound quickly,
starting with the Nation’s Cup in January. Recruitment for that will start
sometime after September. Shane Orio, who by critical acclaim was Belize’s
MVP, leaves Belize almost immediately to return to Costa Rica where he plays
professionally. He has one more year to play there.
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