“Willkomen zu Deutschland und zur FIFA Weltschale.”

Welcome to Germany and the FIFA World Cup.

In one week’s time on June 9, 2006, the world will converge on Germany for the kick off of the 18th FIFA World Cup Finals.

For the first time, Trinidad and Tobago, the smallest nation to grace such an auspicious football stage, will be there, accompanied by all the cultural entertainers, fans and opportunistic politicians who want to cash in on the success of our team.

As Trevor Sudama said in 1989: “The government only riding the backs of the Strike Squad.”

Now, it is the Soca Warriors, but same difference!

Needless to say, this is a very special moment and although I will not be making the trip to Germany (fate conspired against me), I will be with the team in spirit.

No matter what, they will have my full support and that of every patriotic Trinidadian and Tobagonian.

Gary Shilton once said: “You’ve got to believe that you’re going to win, and I’ll believe we’ll win the World Cup until the final whistle blows and we’re knocked out.”

Those words ring through with a sense of dedication and loyalty that must be upheld during this World Cup and into the future.

No matter what, through the good times and bad, support the team.

Offer your prayers and your best wishes -- everything helps.

American rock star Jon Bon Jovi said: “Nothing is more important as passion. No matter what you want to do with your life, be passionate.”

Many a fan supported the team throughout the years. In 1973, Trinidad and Tobago was robbed of a chance to compete in the finals in Germany 1974; in 1989, somebody sold out the team and we were unable to participate in Italia 1990.

The 1994, 1998 and 2002 campaigns were just non-existent, but come 2006 and we are in Germany -- what a wonderful feeling!

In fact, I remember a co-worker of mine faking a dentist visit and stuffing cotton in her tooth just so she could call in sick to attend the match between Trinidad and Tobago and Bahrain at the National Stadium in November last year.

We have arrived, and how fitting it is to note that we celebrated Indian Arrival Day earlier in the week.

Trinidad and Tobago will be playing Sweden, England and Paraguay in Group B.

Our first match starts in Dortmund on June 10 when we play the Swedes. Now, Sweden is a very strong team (ranked 16th in the world) and with the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic who is very skilled and powerful to match; his only weakness being his notable temper.

The encounter at Dortmund will prove rather interesting.

The city, with all its splendour, hosted matches during the 1974 World Cup and the UEFA Cup Final in 2001.

Next, we face the 10th-ranked England in Nuremberg.

They fancy themselves as the creator of modern-day football, appearing 11 times in the World Cup Finals and winning the trophy in 1966.

Beckham and Rooney (if fit) will give us a run for our money, but nothing is impossible.

Wouldn’t it be something if we beat England in a World Cup match?

Only time will tell.

Our final first round match is with Paraguay, ranked 33rd at Kaiserslautern.

There, we will face the likes of Carlos Gamarra and Denis Caniza.

Nothing should be taken for granted.

The World Cup, in and of itself, is something very special.

Through the years, the tournament has seen the likes of Pele, Beckhenbauer, Platini, Charlton, Kempes and Garrincha.

They dazzled us with their exceptional skills, displayed the true beauty that is football and lifted the hearts and minds of entire nations.

That is the power of football.

There were exceptional moments in the World Cup. Following the massive earthquake to hit Mexico in 1985, the World Cup of the following year was in doubt, but the Mexicans pulled through, rebuilding their nation at record pace to have everything ready for the finals.

The most notable goal for that World Cup was Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” against England in the quarterfinals.

Some teams have come into the World Cup and made an impression.

South Korea in 2002 made it to the final four.

Cameroon, Senegal and the Reggae Boyz remain in the hearts of all football-crazed fans.

Trinidad and Tobago, with our style and players are bound to do likewise and perhaps, we can pull off a surprise or two.

For those of you heading to Germany, enjoy your trip, be safe and make as much noise as possible.

Whilst there, take in the German sites, sounds, beer and women -- yes I said women, and make sure to use a condom.

What is confusing to me, though, is the absence of the Woodbrook Playboys and the Laventille Rhythm Section from the official contingent of artistes going to Germany.

What the hell is that?

Both sides have been with the Soca Warriors even when it wasn’t fashionable to be a supporter.

Now, they have been left out in the cold.

At the same time, government ministries are sending “officials” to Germany to do what they and God alone knows.

Anyway, not even the incompetence of government bureaucrats can spoil this moment.

In one week’s time, my vacation will begin.

I will take in every single match of the World Cup Finals and I will be supporting my boys all the way -- win, lose or draw!

The time has come to be a Trinbagonian first and anything else after.

For the next month, let us forget the hassles of our daily routine and lend ourselves to the magical atmosphere that is the 18th FIFA World Cup in Germany.

The time has come indeed!

In one week, our world will be transformed.

Let us show our players that we are behind them.

According to Pele “Enthusiasm is everything. It must be taut and vibrating like a guitar string.”

My brothers and sisters, let’s show our enthusiasm.