The prime minister declared a national holiday and tens of thousands of fans danced to steel drums and soca music when Trinidad and Tobago qualified for its first World Cup.

For the tiny twin-island Caribbean nation, just making it to Germany was a remarkable accomplishment.

"Every kid dreams to play in the World Cup," said 37-year-old midfielder Russell Latapy, who came out of retirement from international play last year to help his country qualify. "As a kid you say funny things. But saying it as a kid and doing it at the twilight of your career are two totally different things."

Trinidad now turns its attention to the tough task ahead in Germany. T&T will be underdogs in all three of its matches in Group B, starting June 10 against Sweden. That is followed by a much-awaited matchup against its former colonial ruler, England, on June 15, before Trinidad finishes up the first round on June 20 against Paraguay.

Playing in the only group with three teams that made it to the second round in 2002 makes Trinidad one of the longest shots to advance in this year's tournament. But the Soca Warriors aren't ready to concede just yet.

"Life is full of surprises, isn't it?" striker Dwight Yorke said. "Football is unpredictable. The important thing is the country is behind us, supporting us, backing us at every turn."

Yorke also came out of international retirement last year and helped Trinidad qualify by beating Bahrain in a playoff. Yorke is the highest-profile star on the team and probably Trinidad's greatest player ever, starting for many years in England's Premier League.

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