when the spectators were their most receptive? Unlikely.

The atmosphere created at National Stadium on Saturday night had everything to do with a highly enjoyable effort from the local team as they strode into unchartered waters -- the second round of the most prestigious competition in sport.

From now on the opposition will be stiffer but Bermudians should look back on Saturday in particular and have reason to be proud, of themselves as well as the team.

The decision to have radio disc jockey Glenn (Smooth Operator) Blakeney perform his trade in front of an open audience was a stroke of genius. So too was the promise of having a celebration party at the end of the match with Magnum Force, a hit DJ group with the youngsters, spinning out the tunes.

This all gave National Stadium the look of a Bermuda Day celebration zone, the fun starting when Blakeney implored the crowd to perform the Wave after announcing the teams.

And wave they did with even Premier John Swan doing his best to keep up.

It came as no real surprise when a pumped-up Bermuda side threatened the Antigua goal within the first minute.

They truly felt Bermuda was with them. And it has not always been like that in our love-hate relationship with past national squads.

Critics will be critics but I am glad to write that some may have been converted after Saturday. If not, then they may never be working in the best interests of Bermuda soccer.

The starting line-up that coach Gary Darrell put on the field displayed a brand of soccer that put smiles on many a face. This Bermuda team, despite making four changes to the outfit that won 3-0 in Antigua, played beautifully for 90 percent of the match.

Shawn Goater, however long he stays in this new midfield role, was afforded the freedom to show off some of his skill and the crispness with which the ball flowed through the midfield was a sight to behold.

Despite playing deeper, Goater still had the bulk of the Bermuda chances and there seems no immediate need to change him with Kyle Lightbourne and Elliott Jennings both keen to impress up front.

Much-maligned Albert Smith was inspired and converted left-back Neil Paynter played with great purpose as Bermuda took the game to Antigua at a pace that dizzied onlookers.

Even when Antigua took a surprise lead, the fans were unfazed in their demeanour. It was as if Bermuda were destined to come back.

As prophecy would have it, Goater popped up twice to resume an amazing scoring spree that has brought him 13 goals from 12 internationals.

This is not to say that all Bermuda touched turned to gold. For all their possession, Bermuda scored only twice, once from the penalty spot. The opportunities will be lesser when we come up against the likes of Canada, Jamaica or Trinidad, and El Salvador or Nicaragua in the second-round round robin.

Defensively, Bermuda were adequate. Goalkeeper Dwayne Adams was unlucky on the lone Antigua goal from captain Ivor Luke, which took a deflection. But he will be the first to admit that Saturday's was not one of his better matches as a senior international when his handling came into question.

Gary Gonsalves caused a few problems for centre-half Leroy Stevens and there was too much space afforded the opposition when we defended, despite having seven players behind the ball on most occasions. That will need to be addressed before the second round.

These minor wrinkles that need to be sorted are what should keep complacency from setting in as coach Darrell seeks that perfect performance.

But one of the intangibles in Saturday's victory -- the fans -- has already peaked.

For those who dislike the Wave, stay home! If the Wave is what it takes to whip the normally sedentary Bermudian fans into such a frenzy -- wave on.

Many will agree that Saturday's scene has no rival in modern times, the closest being the spring of 1979 when Bermuda won a Pan Am Games qualifying tournament against Mexico, Canada and the United States.

Bring back the Smooth Operator for the pre-game hype and music that can make Bermuda "Jump, Jump'' and why wait for a winning situation to have another celebration party. Every step taken from now is a new one for Bermuda -- it can all be a celebration, and will definitely sell the stadium out in anticipation.