ALTHOUGH Group B of the final round of World Cup qualifying in Concacaf sees Bermuda as underdogs against Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), and even Curacao, it is a tag they don’t mind.

Bermuda-based journalist Earl Basden feels the same.

“Obviously, we’re hoping the likes of Jamaica, Trinidad take us for granted,” he told the Jamaica Observer. “We know when we travel to those two prospective countries their public’s going to really get behind them. The fact that we’re going to be hosting Jamaica early, then going to Jamaica, we’re hoping to get an advantage because some might underestimate the opportunity of playing Bermuda.”

Basden says although these matches will be played in a FIFA international window, during which club football takes a break, there may be some players opting out of the trip to face Bermuda as they don’t think they pose enough of a risk of defeat.

“But that’s our hope — that they underestimate us, and leave a door open, and give us an opportunity to get three points,” he said.

One of the unique characteristics of Concacaf football is that it pits teams used to colder climates and thin air, at high altitude in North and Central America, against teams used to warm weather year round in the Caribbean. Basden says it is to their advantage that Bermuda does not have to think about the climate for these games as all the teams in this group are from the Caribbean.

He is, however, wary of Curacao who some consider a serious silent threat because of their ability to recruit players from the Dutch Eredivisie. In addition, their Head Coach Dick Advocaat’s resume — with him having won major titles in European football — makes him arguably the most accomplished manager in the group.

“They are the ones that may be the strongest because of the resources they could possibly utilise,” Basden reasoned. “I’m pretty sure with the challenges teams would have going through the US, with what’s going on [politically], they’ll utilise their connections in Europe and get guys to come for the game in Bermuda via that route, and they’ll have a very strong team for all the games that they play.”

Bermuda, like the other teams in the group, will rely on players who play for American and European clubs.

“We have the likes of experienced players like Zeiko Lewis, Reggie Lambe, Willi Clemons, and Dale Eve, the goalkeeper. Those are more senior players,” he said.

Basden also cites Nahki Wells, 35, of Bristol City, as another who could play a key role if called up.

“We have a lot of young people coming through as well so it’s a blend right now, and I think everyone is enjoying themselves together so that’s what’s made the success so far for Bermuda,” he said.

Their head coach is Canadian Michael Findlay, who Basden says has built well on the foundations laid by his predecessor Carl Lightbourne.

“The players have to collectively believe in the goal, and he’s got buy-in now from them, and we’ve seen the programme go from strength to strength,” Basden said.

The Bermudan public is split in its expectations. Some believe Bermuda could qualify for the World Cup, especially with two second-placed spots across Groups A, B, and C entering an intercontinental play-off. Others just see this as an opportunity to develop the programme for future qualifying efforts.

“After our Nations League campaign a lot of people felt that we have the talent to get to the next stage, it’s just whether we have the time — meaning whether we have the team together for a long period of time for everybody to build together,” Basden said. “This opportunity now is another big chance, and these big chances for places like Bermuda come around every once in a while.”

Basden would like to see month-long training camps during which players could work on key areas such as fitness.

Jamaica travels to Bermuda on match day one, then they meet again in Jamaica on match day four. The dates for these games have not yet been decided by Concacaf.