PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Trinidad and Tobago coach Wesley Gomes believes his side can excel at next year’s World Cup in Sydney, Australia, despite being drawn in a tough group.

The Trinidadians have been installed in Group A alongside World number one Australia and the number two-ranked New Zealand at the August 7-16 tournament. Caribbean rivals Barbados are the other team in the group.

Gomes said facing sides like Australia and New Zealand would be great preparation for their objective of breaking into the top six in the world.

“My aim is for us to finish among the top six and if you want to be among the best you have to beat the best teams in the world,” Gomes told the Trinidad Guardian.

“They have been the top teams in the world for a while now, but we have been preparing as hard as we can.”

Trinidad are ranked ninth, just one ahead of Barbados, and will be turning to their archrivals for help in their preparation though Gomes believes the Barbadian authorities are unlikely to agree to practice matches.

Gomes is also eyeing matches against European oppositions and Caribbean powerhouses Jamaica, who ranked number four in the world.

“We know things are tough when it comes to financial support, but we are looking at some matches in Europe against Wales, Scotland and Ireland in early May and then some against the Jamaicans just before we head to Australia,” Gomes said.

“Our plans were to play some matches against Barbados, but with us being drawn in the same pool and beating them on the last three to four times we have played each other, I don’t think they will agree to it this time around.”

T&T qualified for the World Cup by winning the AFNA Championship in Calgary, Canada, last August. Barbados finished second to also book their spot.

Gomes said the squad had continued in training since returning home and would take a short break for the Christmas holidays before resuming in the New Year.