The grit and guts shown by Bermuda in last night's World Cup qualifier against El Salvador came in for high praise from those who know football.

Sidelined by calf strains, soccer pros Shaun Goater and Kyle Lightbourne applauded the efforts of those who filled their boots in securing a 2-2 draw.

“I thought we did very well and gave a good account of ourselves. I was proud to sit up in the stands watching that game.

“I'm so pleased for everyone and how they performed. I think everyone could go home knowing they have done their best and done Bermuda proud. Even though we were a man short we stood up well to the challenge. We pressed on and created opportunities,” said Goater, alluding to the red card that sent skipper Kentoine Jennings packing just before the half.

If there was one flaw in Bermuda's game, he thought it was that they should have flung more men forward in the final 20 to 25 minutes to try and get the necessary goals to win the tie outright.

Lightbourne expressed similar sentiments, saying “it was a lovely game though not the right result for us”.

Another former pro and ex-Sports Minister, Randy Horton, also hailed the hosts despite Bermuda's exit from the World Cup campaign.

“Bermuda was exceptional, especially after they were down to ten men. It was always going to be very tough but they showed character. They were impressive enough to be able to pressure the Salvadorean team and even gain some control as the match went on,” he noted.

“Coach (Kenny) Thompson and his team can walk out of this match feeling they have represented Bermuda to the best of their ability.

“I don't think anyone can find fault with the effort that the players put in. Even with ten men they were able to come close (to scoring) on a couple of occasions.”

The recently-inducted Sports Hall of Fame personality saluted the performances of striker John Barry Nusum and midfield playmaker Damon Ming in particular.

Nusum, he said, was “outstanding throughout . . . a true professional” and lauded the Canada-based player's sizzling header as “absolutely brilliant”.

Horton described Ming as one who “has a great future”, adding that he handled the ball better than any of his peers. Veteran Meshach Wade “held the team together in the middle of the park and showed leadership”, said the Government minister.

The home team also earned rave reviews from USA-based pro David Bascome who termed it a “character-building” experience for Bermuda with “players putting everything out” though missing a man.

“They dug deep and they played well enough to win. I know the players are frustrated. You can see the looks on their faces. We have a lot of talent and it definitely showed tonight. I was very impressed,” he said, noting “everybody did their part”.

Top coaches Devarr Boyles and Scott Morton also thought the Bermudians acquitted themselves well but felt they could have done even better.

“At the beginning I thought we were pretty intense and that we were giving a good account of ourselves but, after we up 2-1, I thought we could have been a bit more conservative as far as trying to maintain that lead to the half.

“I think we were still too open and looking to attack too much and it cost us,” said Morton.

Boyles also reasoned that Bermuda should have done more to protect their leads at 1-0 and 2-1 but, he added, the “general standard of play was quite good and the national team has come a long way in a short time”.

Both coaches felt the strike partnership of Nusum and Stephen Astwood was “quite good”, with Morton calling the latter an “excellent sub for Goater”. Wade, Ottis Steede and Shannon Burgess also received plaudits from the two.

Boyles said he would like to see the senior national programme continue and not stop just because Bermuda are out of the World Cup.

Lightbourne and Horton agreed it's crucial to progress with this good nucleus of players, the latter calling for the team to stay together and for support from the corporate sector.