Originally posted on Top-soccer.com
Haiti will be seeking to continue their impressive Gold Cup run as they take on tournament heavyweights Mexico in the semi-finals on Tuesday evening.
Les Grenadiers are into the semi-finals for the first time in their history. In their seventh Gold Cup appearance, Haiti have been simply amazing. They won all three of their group stage games – including beating 2014 World Cup surprise packages to top group B following victories over Bermuda and Nicaragua.
But if their 2-1 win over Costa Rica was impressive – during which they had to come from behind following an own goal – their showing in the quarter-finals against Canada was something their fans will remember for a long time. Although they did top their group for the first time in their Gold Cup history, Haiti weren’t given much of a chance against Canada.
And things got really tough for them early on as the Canadians raced into an early two goal lead inside the first 30 minutes. However, the second period was all Haiti. Perhaps Canada felt it was game over after dominating the first half, but whatever coach Marc Collat said to his men in the locker room certainly had an effect.
Duckens Nazon, who sparked the comeback against Costa Rica, was again involved with his side’s rallying effort as he opened the scoring for Les Grenadiers to half the deficit. Herve Bazile then converted his penalty to equalize, and six minutes later, Wilde-Donald Guerrier then netted what would be the game-winner to dump Canada out of the competition and ensure Haiti continued their historic-making run.
Meanwhile, Mexico have looked pretty unflappable under new coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino, but El Tri had to work much harder than expected against the same Costa Rica that Haiti fought back to earn a 2-1 win.
Although Raul Jimenez gave the seven-time Gold Cup winners a lead, Los Ticos equalized, thus forcing the game to extra-time and eventual penalties. But Guillermo “Meme” Ochoa – who made a name for himself at the 2014 World Cup – proved to be the deciding factor as he ensured that Mexico’s bid to make it an eighth title remained afloat.
Not surprisingly, Mexico are viewed as the heavy favorites here. This will be the tenth encounter between El Tri and Haiti, and to date, Haiti have never beaten Mexico (seven losses, two draws). Furthermore, they have only managed to net twice against the seven-time Gold Cup winners. And in their only meeting at this competition (ten years ago), Mexico cruised to a 4-0 win over Haiti to head to the semi-finals.
Certainly, this is a different Haitian side than a decade ago, and having pulled off one of the biggest upsets of this tournament, they will be looking to manage an even bigger upset versus a tougher opponent. Mexico, meanwhile, would be remiss to take Haiti lightly, and it’s highly doubtful they will as the minnows have shown that they do indeed have teeth. Fatigue could be a problem as they did have to play an extra 30 minutes this past weekend, whereas Haiti settled their game inside regulation time.
So, will Haiti, who have already gone further than they ever have, go even one step further? Should they beat Mexico, they will take on none other than the USA – or possibly fellow Caribbean side Jamaica in the finals.
Belief will be high among Haitian fans all across the world for tonight’s match, and regardless of what happens they will be, without a shadow of a doubt, very proud of what the team have achieved thus far.
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