Having only formed their FA and joined FIFA in 1998, the US Virgin Islands are newcomers to the oft-times cruel world of international football.

While most of their games are played against neighbours the British Virgin Islands, their first-round one-off qualifier for South Africa 2010 was a baptism of fire. Grenada, complete with foreign-based pros Shalrie Joseph and Jason Roberts, showed no mercy on the USVI side, running up a 10-scoreline to send the wide-eyed islanders heading for home.

Nearly always rooted at the foot of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, the US Virgin Islands will need a change of approach if they are to break the trend of mediocrity that tends to dominate their football. The next target is clear: a place in the CONCACAF group stages in qualifying for Brazil 2014.