Overview:
Identified by followers as Chouchou pèp la (the nation’s sweetheart), Duckens Nazon silenced critics with a hat-trick in a vital 3-3 draw away in opposition to Costa Rica in San José, serving to to maintain Haiti’s World Cup hopes alive. After underperforming in current video games, particularly throughout this summer time’s Concacaf Gold Cup, many stated he was too previous to maintain taking part in for the nationwide staff. However Nazon, 31, regained the love of his followers.
A number of followers and sports activities analysts had written off Duckens Nazon, saying they by no means wished to see him put on Haiti’s jersey once more. At 31, the ahead not has the tempo and agility that when made him a feared attacker. Many thought his time had come to retire.
However, Nazon kole nan gòj yo— Nazon is caught down their throats, as some Haitians would say.
The 31-year-old silenced his critics and doubters on Sept. 9, scoring a dramatic hat-trick that rescued Haiti in a 3-3 draw in opposition to Costa Rica in a World Cup qualifier at San José’s Nationwide Stadium. The end result revived Les Grenadiers’ hopes in Group C and restored some religion of their beloved chouchou pèp la — “the folks’s sweetheart,” as many followers referred to as him.
This was a heroic comeback led by grit, not velocity.
Subbing earlier than halftime (40’) with Haiti trailing 2-0 after simply 35 minutes, with Costa Rica seemingly on cruise management. Nazon introduced the spark the staff desperately wanted in assault. He might not dazzle with the identical velocity anymore, however his relentless dedication — combating for each ball as if his life relied on it — made the distinction.
Nazon helped the Grenadiers flip the sport round within the second half after they have been awarded a penalty kick within the fifty fifth minute after a VAR assessment. Haiti’s all-time main scorer amongst energetic gamers stepped as much as take the shot and was initially stopped by former Actual Madrid and legendary goalkeeper Keylor Navas. Nonetheless, Nazon was fast to pounce on the rebound and scored (2-1).
Simply three minutes later (58’), the Haitian star striker acquired his second of the night time with a shocking equalizing bicycle kick in between a pair of defenders. Within the 86th minute, he accomplished his hat-trick with a robust strike from the sting of the field, placing Haiti forward (2-3) earlier than a late defensive lapse let Costa Rica equalize for the 3-3 draw.
Followers, a few of whom had lengthy criticized him, flooded his Instagram with apologies and reward. “You shut my mouth,” one consumer admitted. One other wrote: “All Haitians love you as we speak. I hope they all the time see how vital you might be to the nationwide staff.”
Translation: Regardless of all of the criticism from individuals who don’t know something about soccer about Nazon, I all the time noticed the fighter in him. He all the time does his perfect when he’s defending the crimson and blue. As soon as once more, we confirmed that there’s mild on the finish of the tunnel. Let’s maintain defending the Haitian folks with soccer. We’re Grenadiers.
Translation: Good things, I’m one of many individuals who used to speak badly about you. You shut my mouth. That’s how superstars reply.
Focus lapses price Haiti a comeback win and the possibility to high the group forward of the following two matches in October.
Whereas Nazon shone, Haiti’s defensive weaknesses remained evident. A careless midfield turnover within the opening minute gifted Costa Rica an early purpose, and in stoppage time, defender Juan Pablo Vargas was left unmarked on a free kick to attain the equalizer after Haiti took the lead 5 minutes earlier.
Now, after two video games, Haiti sits third in Group C with two factors. Solely the group winner advances on to the World Cup. Les Grenadiers will journey to face Nicaragua on Oct. 8, a must-win recreation to proceed sustaining their hopes.
As Haiti’s marketing campaign continues within the last spherical with 4 extra matches to play, Nazon’s warrior spirit might show simply as important as velocity and ability. His hat-trick in San José confirmed why he has lengthy been seen because the emotional heartbeat of the nationwide staff. Nazon is Haiti’s all-time high scorer, tallying 43 objectives in 70 appearances.
Not simply Nazon, Duverger additionally proved doubters improper
On the flip aspect, a participant Haitian followers anticipated to underperform shined: goalkeeper Josué Duverger. He began the match as a result of first-choice goalkeeper Johny Placide and backup shot-stopper have been unavailable.
Throughout a World Cup qualifier in opposition to Canada in June 2021, Duverger mishit the ball after which kicked it into his personal internet. This error was a significant cause why Haiti misplaced that recreation to Canada 3-0 and was ultimately knocked out of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
Due to that half expertise, Haitian followers had no religion in Duverger earlier than the match. Nonetheless, the 25-year-old made two essential saves, and his passes have been inch-perfect all night time. He redeemed himself from previous errors, shaking off the ghost of his notorious 2021 personal purpose in opposition to Canada.