Haiti’s climb to title becomes a little steeper
Underdog must take on favorite Mexico in semis
Underdogs proved resilient in Saturday’s Gold Cup quarterfinal matches at NRG Stadium, with one pulling an upset and one falling just short.
Entering the Gold Cup, Haiti had never won its group, much less advanced past the quarterfinal. But after sweeping the group — including an upset of Costa Rica in the group stage final that helped it avoid an earlier meeting with Mexico — Haiti was pitted against a high-scoring Canadian team with high expectations.
Haiti fell behind by two scores in the first half. But just as it did against Bermuda and Costa Rica, Haiti clawed back to capture the lead when forward Duckens Nazon slid a pass across the area to assist on Wilde-Donald Guerrier’s goal that gave it a 3-2 victory.
After his team had beaten two contenders, Haiti coach Marc Collat said during his postgame news conference that he wanted to play the favorites. He has his wish. Mexico advanced late Saturday night when its 5-4 edge on penalty kicks decided a 1-1 draw with Costa Rica.
“I hope that we’re going to give trouble to Mexico,” Collat said through a translator. “If we have to meet Mexico, we know that it’s probably the best team right now in CONCACAF, but that’s how you (progress).”
For Collat, Haiti’s success isn’t just a reflection of hard work and team chemistry. An infusion of FIFA funding also has helped facilitate the team’s growth.
“CONCACAF and FIFA for some time now have given funds to small nations,” he said. “This money really allows for the selections of better players who until then were not really willing (to play for Haiti). Today we have professional players on this team, which was not really the case before.”
Mexico also swept through its group, highlighted by a 7-0 win over Cuba. Despite that result, coach Gerardo Martino called Saturday’s performance the best of the tournament after Costa Rica took his team to extra time and then penalty kicks. Mexico won thanks to goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa’s save on the 12th penalty kick of the shootout.
“We may have played the best match ever as far as this Gold Cup,” said Martino, who’s undefeated since taking the Mexico job this year. “I’m very happy because these matches make me feel very excited.”
Mexico allowed two secondhalf goals in a relatively comfortable win over Martinique in its final group-stage game. The penalty that allowed Costa Rica to tie Saturday’s game also came in the second half.
Mexico remained in control against Costa Rica. But at times, the Central American nation failed to capitalize when Mexico scrambled to defend counterattacks. Those are the sort of chances Haiti has taken. If the Caribbean nation can take advantage Tuesday, Mexico could be in for a long night.
“For us, it’s such a joy. But of course, the competition is not over,” Collat said. “In soccer, anything is possible. So why not prove that once more?”