GOLNOIR



	HAITI music: Djakout mizik-Biznis Pam What might have been. Imagine that there was no Duvalier. No raping of the country's financial resources. No starving of the people. Would Haiti be the top Caribbean team in CONCACAF? Unfortunately, history unfolded as it did and now Haiti is trying to resurrect its soccer team despite the turmoil in the world's first independent Black nation. Ironically, it was under the elder Duvalier's watch that Haiti made its one appearance in World Cup. Haiti became the first Caribbean team to actually qualify (unlike Cuba who was granted a free pass for whatever reason in 1938) and arrived in West Germany in 1974 as huge underdogs as they opened up against Italy. To the suprise of everyone they acquitted themselves well against the 2 time champions, behind the play of Emmanuel Sannon and Phillip Vorbe. Sannon's goal in the first half of that game was voted the goal of the tournament. They eventually lost that game and the following two but it remains the country's greatest international sporting moment. After decades of ruin, international soccer is back in Haiti. The side has appeared in the last two of the last three Gold Cups, making the quarterfinals in 2002 and has become one of the top five sides in the Caribbean. It appears Haitian soccer is back on the map and hopefully this team will rise through the ranks and become one of the better footballing Caribbean nations. PLAYERS TO WATCH Pierre Bruny is one of the Caribbean's best central defenders and Jean Phillippe Peguero and Alexander Boucicaut have both formerly appeared in MLS . Johnny DeCollines tries to get past the US' Eddie Pope in a match from Courtesy (Andy Mead/YCJ)YCJ Footy Photos Bottom line: Haiti is on the way back and hopefully the tenous social and political sitaution won't interefere with their progress. There are some talented players and a passionte populace that can help bring Haiti back on the international scene. HAITI FACTS: Association: Fédération Haitienne de Football Founded: 1904 Soccer Confederation: CONCACAF Colors: Red & Blue National Stadium: Stade Sylvio Cator Location: Port Au Prince Coach: Wagneau Eloi World Cup appearances: 1974 HONORS: 1957 Central American and Caribbean Champions 2007 Digicel Caribbean Cup Haiti News and Scores Back to Preceeding Page










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