bigger footballing nations a run for their money in the World Cup campaign which will start next year.

Confidence inspired by the national team's promising performances in April's Caribbean Cup qualifiers has led the national technical director to expect better things from his players.

In the 2000 World Cup qualifiers, the Island will first have to get through a straight knockout phase, played on a home-and-away basis some time between April and June, before going through to a group stage.

"If we can get through those first stages and get in with big football countries, we can surprise people,'' said Best.

"If you look at what we did against Denmark under-23s, then it is clear we can surprise people.'' The Danes were beaten 2-0 by Bermuda at BAA Field in January and afterwards their coach said they had been surprised by the home side's tenacity and speed.

Best has long called for more such tests against international opponents and he was delighted with the confirmation of a series of six friendly internationals over the next two months.

Though precise dates have yet to be set, St. Lucia, Barbados and Canada will all be sending teams to play two matches each on the Island between late August and late September.

Best said: "It's fantastic news. We need these challenges, we need all the games we can get.

"If we are going to compete at a higher level -- and the World Cup is a higher level -- then we need games against all types of opposition.'' Bermuda impressed in the Caribbean Cup, scored 11 goals in three matches, beat the Bahamas and the Caymans easily and just failed to qualify for the finals after a narrow defeat against Cuba.

Best, who has been training the squad twice a week, was hoping for more of the same in the upcoming friendlies.

"If we can produce that type of football again, then people will come to watch us. We are entertainers,'' he said.

The draw for the World Cup's opening phase will be made later this year.