7 News Belize

Planning For Belize Victory Against DR
posted (June 11, 2015)
Belize beat the Dominican Republic "2-1" three hours ago in Santo Domingo. It was a thrilling game, and a tremendous win for Belize.

7News was there with the team - and we'll have their post-game reactions shortly. But they say they key to success is preparation, and that started this morning at the courtyard Marriot in Santo Domingo -when the team had its last strategy session -Jules Vasquez was allowed to sit in:..

Jules Vasquez reporting
This morning at 9:00 the team gathered in a hotel conference room for an X's and O's session. In a very thorough 90-minute meeting, Assistant Coach Charlie Slusher outlined a detailed game plan - but more than just X's and 0's, he urged them to seize the moment:

Charlie Slusher, Assistant Coach
"Life could be hard on us, if we don't handle ourselves today."

Slusher also went over what the coaching staff wanted on the defensive and offensive ends. He also warned them against bad habits.

Charlie Slusher, Assistant Coach
"The amount of crowd that start moving, there is no way you could pick up that man. You have to be close to your people who you will mark and have the advantage to protect the goal from him."

The team was attentive and focused - both veterans and younger players, stayed locked in throughout the meeting.

But, Slusher had help. The veterans on the team like Elroy Smith, Shane Orio, Elroy Kuylen and Cafu Roches spoke up on the finer details of on field tactics.

Shane Moody Orio, Goalkeeper
"It is important for the whole country and the team to go out there and score. And if we score one, don't just sit back and say okay we just score one."

There were also various bouts of applause, and near the end a good amount of laughter and playful teasing.

But, in closing the team leaders kept everyone focused:

Dion McCauley
"Don't complete the game and just do what we need to do to win this game. We know that all of us in here are talented enough to win this game."

Dalton Eiley, West Wing Defense
"We have the man power and capabilities of getting goals. Just keep that confident level going."

Charlie Slusher, Assistant Coach
"We can make history guys for our country again, to make it to the third round. First time Belize have made it to the third round of the World Cup qualifiers. Listen to me, a lot of people might doubt us, but if you don't believe in your dream and that it could come through, you will not reach anywhere."

And not just dreams, prayer too, shoulder to shoulder - followed by one last charge:..

Charlie Slusher, Assistant Coach
"Let us work and try to do as much as we could at the end of the day if we don't make it - we try our best to reach far."

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