Here’s how the day went in St. Lucia in advance of Canada’s World Cup Qualifier Friday night. No training Wednesday, simply a travel day for the team from Fort Lauderdale where they gathered and trained earlier in the week.
It was a three-hour flight from Miami to St. Lucia. It’s a volcanic island, very mountainous and very beautiful.
It was also a 90-minute ride from the airport to the hotel. Here’s why. The only flat area large enough to support an international airport is at the south end of the island, while the best beaches and resorts are at the opposite end.
The terrain is rugged. The roads are shall we say, adventurous. The strangest sight along the way was a small banner promoting the game, strung between a couple of trees beside the road in a remote mountainous area. At least the local wildlife will know it’s on.
The good news is Beausejour Stadium is only 15 minutes from the hotel. The team is scheduled to hold a training session there Thursday morning.
It’s a cricket oval built nearly 10 years ago. It holds about 13,000 people. No word on how many will show up Friday.
It is the rainy season here. So you can imagine it’s hot, humid and the threat of rain is always around, although there was no rain after we arrived Wednesday.
However, by kickoff at 6 p.m. ET the sun will be gone and it does cool down a little.
More to come Thursday via blogging and tweeting.
Also, check sportsnet.ca Friday during the game for a live coverage include a chat.