ST. GEORGE'S, Grenada — Ranked No. 138 in the world, Grenada's soccer team has a monumental task ahead of them Sunday as it takes on No. 8 United States in a 2006 World Cup qualifier that has energized this Caribbean island and filled islanders with hope. The Spice Boyz will be attacking more than they did in the first leg match last week in the United States, Grenada's coach Ali Debellote said. "Last week's result was not a bad one, considering that the United States is ranked eighth," Debellote said. "However, we have all accepted the fact that we could have played better." Grenada was shut out 3-0 in the first leg against the U.S. team in Columbus, Ohio on June 13. Grenada needs to win by four goals against the Americans to advance to the next round and keep hopes alive of making the island's first-ever trip to the World Cup. If the teams are still tied by the end of play, 30 minutes of extra time will be played, followed by penalty kicks. "It's a mammoth challenge, but David did beat Goliath," said Rae Roberts, a sports columnist for the Grenadian Voice. "Grenada has to win by four clear goals to make its dream of reaching the third phase a reality." Grenada's team is nicknamed the "Spice Boyz." Grenada is second only to Indonesia in nutmeg exports, and the nutmeg fruit is featured on the country's yellow, green and red flag. Grenada won its first-round matchup by outscoring Guyana 8-1 over the course of two games. The Americans, who advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup, had a bye in the opening round of qualifying for the 2006 tournament in Germany. For many on this small island of 90,000 residents, Sunday's match is a big deal while in the United States it is widely considered a formality. "A lot of people who never heard of Grenada before will now hear about us because of this high profile game," said Ian Brathwaite, a 54-year-old businessman. "I think there will be a turnaround in the results because the Spice Boyz will have their entire country cheering them on this time." But Grenada's coach doesn't think a home advantage necessarily helps his players. "Sometimes we think that we have an advantage at home but when the crowd comes out and starts making noise the players tend to get a little nervy and sometime it doesn't work in their favor," Debellote said. "In recent times we have had pretty good results at home though, and we are hoping for yet another one." Others, however, are not as optimistic. "I would like Grenada to win but I am not holding out much hope," said Lydia Griffith, a 25-year-old store clerk. "I watched them play in Ohio and there is room for much improvement." SOURCE: CARIBUPDATE.COM