Overview:
When all hope began to fade, Les Grenadiers delivered a masterful efficiency in opposition to Costa Rica, making their dream of returning to the World Cup for the primary time in 52 years really feel more and more inside attain. Striker Frantzdy Pierrot scored the one purpose within the 1-0 victory over Los Ticos.
For a lot of followers, hope had practically disappeared. After a string of poor performances, particularly the 3-0 loss to Honduras on Oct. 13 in San Pedro Sula, confidence in Les Grenadiers was at its lowest.
However on Nov. 13, Haiti produced one in every of its most essential victories in many years—a commanding 1-0 win over Costa Rica at Ergilio Hato Stadium in Willemstad, Curaçao—reviving the dream of returning to the FIFA World Cup for the primary time since 1974.
Striker Frantzdy Pierrot scored the sport’s lone purpose within the forty fourth minute, tapping in a low cross from younger star-winger Ruben Windfall to elevate Haiti previous Los Ticos and put the staff getting ready to qualification.
Haiti strikes into second place in purpose differential, tied with Honduras in factors.
With the win, Haiti sits in second place in Group C with eight factors, tied with Honduras, and occupying the ultimate direct qualifying spot. Les Grenadiers will play last-place Nicaragua on Nov. 18—coinciding with Battle of Vertières Day—on the similar venue in Curaçao.
A win in opposition to Nicaragua would mechanically ship Haiti to the World Cup if Honduras drops factors to Costa Rica.
If Honduras wins its match, Haiti would nonetheless end second and advance to the intercontinental playoffs, whatever the consequence in opposition to Nicaragua.
A draw in opposition to Nicaragua may additionally ship Haiti to the World Cup if Honduras loses, or to the playoffs if Honduras attracts as nicely in its match in opposition to Costa Rica.
A positive matchup forward and a historic second awaits
The worst staff within the group, Nicaragua, sits on the backside with 4 factors from 5 video games. Haiti beforehand defeated them 3-0 at dwelling on Oct. 9, making a victory on paper extremely attainable and the staff’s first World Cup look in 52 years extra lifelike than ever.
After a disappointing 3-0 loss to Honduras of their earlier match, Haiti delivered a much more composed and disciplined efficiency in opposition to Costa Rica.
The protection held agency, with Burnley F.C. defender Hannes Delcroix showcasing confidence on the ball and delivering a number of exact passes.
Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde managed the tempo for Haiti, distributing from all angles and practically scoring his first purpose for the nationwide staff with a curling effort within the twelfth minute that compelled a save from Keylor Navas.
Goalkeeper Johny Placide, criticized after the Honduras loss, redeemed himself with six essential saves and had a commanding presence in his field.
Pierrot, who has additionally confronted harsh scrutiny for missed possibilities in latest qualifiers, earned reward from followers for delivering one of the vital essential targets of his profession.
Haiti will face Nicaragua on Nov. 18 in its remaining group-stage match. A win could be historic—not just for ending a half-century World Cup drought, but in addition for securing qualification on the anniversary of the Battle of Vertières, the decisive victory of the Haitian Revolution.
Les Grenadiers now stand nearer than ever to rewriting their soccer historical past.