About the Country
I think there may be a few of you that don't know much about this wonderful place, so here I will fill you in. Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island nation in the Caribbean. It consists of 2 major inhabited islands (Antigua, Babruda), as well as many other little islands. The country is nicknamed "Land of 365" beaches, due to the many beaches surrounding the island. The Islands culture, language and governance have strongly been influenced by the British Empire, which it was a part of until 1981. I would strongly recommend going to this beautiful country on holiday. I myself have been begging my parents to go there for our family holiday for hours now.
The Football Team
A member of CONCACAF, Antigua and Barbuda are currently ranked 90th in the world. Their highest ever ranking was 83rd, in November 2011, so the future is looking very bright for this small country. In the 2014 World Cup Qualifying, they breezed through their group which contained Haiti, Curaçao and the US Virgin Islands. They won 5 out of their 6 games, losing the once, and scoring 26 goals in the process whilst only conceding 5.
They now head into the next round and will face much tougher opposition. In their group they will face USA, Jamaica and Guatemala. But with young stars coming through, I think it's very possible that they could finish 2nd behind the USA.
They now head into the next round and will face much tougher opposition. In their group they will face USA, Jamaica and Guatemala. But with young stars coming through, I think it's very possible that they could finish 2nd behind the USA.
Key Players
Dexter Blackstock
By far Antigua and Barbuda's best player, Dexter Blackstock has made no appearances and scored no goals for the nation. In fact, he only received his first call up the other day. Born in Oxford, which is a long way from the Caribbean, Dexter qualifies through his Grandad. As a Forest fan, and with him being a Forest player, I wish him the best of luck and will be following this exciting journey of his
Mikele Leigertwood
The Reading defensive midfielder is another Antiguan who qualifies through ancestors. Making 8 appearances for his nation, and scoring 1 goals, he has proved to be an integral part of the National side, just like he is for Championship high-flying Reading. An experienced and strong player who has been around the Championship for a decade now.
Peter Byers
Peter Byers is Antigua and Barbuda's all time top scorer at only the age of 27. Astounding. The lightening quick forward has an eye for goal alright, and he managed his feat in only 36 games for his national team. Byers is currently playing for the Los Angeles Blues, and has scored 3 goals in 9 appearances for the side. He started his career at SAP, scoring 73 goals in 79 games for his side. this quickly earnt him a reputation as being one of the world's hottest young talents.
Dexter Blackstock
By far Antigua and Barbuda's best player, Dexter Blackstock has made no appearances and scored no goals for the nation. In fact, he only received his first call up the other day. Born in Oxford, which is a long way from the Caribbean, Dexter qualifies through his Grandad. As a Forest fan, and with him being a Forest player, I wish him the best of luck and will be following this exciting journey of his
Mikele Leigertwood
The Reading defensive midfielder is another Antiguan who qualifies through ancestors. Making 8 appearances for his nation, and scoring 1 goals, he has proved to be an integral part of the National side, just like he is for Championship high-flying Reading. An experienced and strong player who has been around the Championship for a decade now.
Peter Byers
Peter Byers is Antigua and Barbuda's all time top scorer at only the age of 27. Astounding. The lightening quick forward has an eye for goal alright, and he managed his feat in only 36 games for his national team. Byers is currently playing for the Los Angeles Blues, and has scored 3 goals in 9 appearances for the side. He started his career at SAP, scoring 73 goals in 79 games for his side. this quickly earnt him a reputation as being one of the world's hottest young talents.
.
