Why Tahith Chong didn't feature for Curaçao as Sheffield United 'agreement' revealed
Sheffield United attacker Tahith Chong did not feature in Curaçao’s 1-1 draw with Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday in Port of Spain.
Winger Tahith Chong played no part in Curaçao’s 1-1 draw with Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday evening after Sheffield United reached an agreement with his national team for him not to feature.
The former Manchester United man, who joined the Blades from Luton Town just over a year ago, was an unused substitute as Curaçao came from behind to qualify for the Concacaf Nations League quarter-finals for the first time.
After Luke Phillip had given Trinidad and Tobago a half-time lead, Curaçao equalised just past the hour mark when Jordi Paulina connected with Juninho Bacuna’s low cross to slide the ball home from the edge of the six-yard box.
Paulina’s effort was enough for Curaçao to secure top spot in Group A, with Dick Advocaat’s side, who made their World Cup debut during the summer, finishing one point ahead of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, respectively.
The quarter-finals will take place during the November international break.
Having featured in Curaçao’s first three Nations League outings, making two substitute appearances and one start, it was a surprise to see the Blades attacker fail to make it off the bench against Trinidad and Tobago.
However, boss Advocaat confirmed in his post-match press conference that some members of his squad had not been granted permission to play by their respective clubs.
“Today, we knew in advance that some players couldn’t play because of club privilege,” Advocaat told the media. “Chong, [Armando] Obispo — we made some agreements with their clubs.
“I am a coach who says, ‘OK, if we make an agreement, then we do it.’ But they are the better players as well. Still, the other players did it, and I am very pleased with the result after a very demanding two weeks.”
Chong was in the process of rebuilding his fitness levels prior to the international break after spending a few weeks on the sidelines through injury. He came on as a second half substitute in United’s 2-1 defeat to Stoke City just before the current pause, getting ten minutes under his belt, before featuring three times for Curaçao.
His three appearances for his country amounted to 176 minutes, during which he scored one goal and registered one assist, helping Curaçao beat Costa Rica 4-3 and Trinidad and Tobago 1-0.