Antigua & Barbuda had never reached the semifinals, but after a long history of trials and tribulations it looks like this island nation of over 89,000 inhabitants will finally get the representation it deserves. Unfortunately, the battle has just begun. Grouped together with the United States, Jamaica and Guatamala – Antigua & Barbuda will need the help of all their top players and the finely-tuned coaching skills of Englishman Tom Curtis if they hope to climb to the top of the competition.

While soccer has never been as popular in the United States as with the countries in Europe, you can bet that avid fans along the west coast will have their directv California television services cued and ready for the excitement yet to come.

Not only will it be a big victory in the Caribbean league, but it can also make for a great mark in the upcoming World Cup qualifying, for the cup to be held in Brazil in 2014. So, not only does the team hope to continue their strong play in the Caribbean, and hopefully bring home the cup for their fans, but they are also hoping to showcase their skills, and try to make a qualifying spot in the upcoming 2014 cup. With continually strong play, the young stars are hoping for an upset in the championship series.

Antigua Barracuda’s first game was against the Puerto Rico Islanders in April 2010. It plays its home games in the Stanford Cricket Ground (affectionately known as the “Sticky Wicket Stadium”) located in Saint George Parish in Antigua. Their home uniform is light blue with white stripes at the shoulders, and their away uniform is black with white stripes at the shoulders. Most of its players come from Antigua and Barbuda, although they also Jamaican players and a player from Saint Lucia, Guyana, the Dominican Republic and Saint Kitts and Nevis. They have a truly international team.

They hope to make one of the qualifying spots, as this will greatly improve the world of soccer in the country, and hopefully bring in more interest to the sport, and potentially even bring in stars from other countries, as well as outlying islands, to want to play for the team. So, as the qualifying has begun, the team hopes to make a mark, and take one of the 32 spots in the 2014 Cup.

Tom Curtis does not expect the team is going to go undefeated, win the cup, and become the leader in the standings after one season, but he does hope to give players a boost with his open coaching style, and method of training. So, for Antigua and Barbuda fans, look out for the team this year, as Curtis promises a turnaround from last seasons early elimination, and promises to take the players to the next level. So, now the team is going to have to wait and see what can be done, and if Curtis was the right choice.The information party rocks on: Antigua and Barbuda