Overview:
Residents expressed each pleasure and frustration after Haiti’s U-17 nationwide crew misplaced its first match 4–1 to Egypt on the FIFA U-17 World Cup. With 4 gamers from the northern metropolis on the roster, many followers stay optimistic because the crew faces England.
CAP-HAÏTIEN — As Haiti’s under-17 nationwide crew faces England on Nov.7 on the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, followers within the northern metropolis of Cap-Haïtien say they’re nonetheless rallying behind Les Grenadiers — even after the crew’s 4–1 loss to Egypt earlier within the week.
On Nov. 4, dozens of followers gathered inside a small Paryaj Pam betting workplace on Avenue 20H to look at the opening recreation. When the ultimate whistle blew, silence crammed the room. Some followers left quietly; others stared on the display screen — disenchanted however not discouraged.
“I don’t know if each Haitian feels this, however each time we take part in a contest, it’s all the time like this,” Kenley Amius, who performed on the under-17 crew nearly 10 years in the past, instructed The Haitian Instances.
“It doesn’t make me really feel good in any respect. We’re annoyed with how the sport was performed.”
Nonetheless, many felt proud watching gamers from their very own metropolis on the world stage. 4 members of the squad — Ricthie Valcourt, Dave Bernard, Alcime Arthur, and Woodson Félix — play for native membership Actual Hope Soccer Academy.
“Seeing boys I used to coach with taking part in on the World Cup provides me pleasure,” stated Loubentz Saint-Yllus, a 23-year-old midfielder for Splendid F.C. “Dave was my teammate — I haven’t reached that degree but, however I’m completely satisfied to see them there.”
Haiti’s U-17 standout performer, nonetheless, was not from the North however from Port-au-Prince — goalkeeper Clifford Géné, who at the moment performs in Jamaica for Mount Nice F.A. The 16-year-old made 9 saves and drew reward from followers on-line for conserving the rating from getting worse.
Head coach Éddy César tried to motivate the U-17 players’ spirits after the Nov. 4 recreation, reminding them that the competitors is way from over.
“No one put their head down,” César instructed his gamers on the bus. “Neglect the loss, study from it, and present a stronger aspect towards England. The mission stays the identical.”
Haiti, which has by no means received a FIFA World Cup match at any degree, will look to make historical past at the moment when it faces England in its second group-stage recreation.