PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI (AP) — haiti I held my breath for nearly two hours, but the troubles seemed to disappear with the promise of my first success. world cup Qualified since 1974.
The violence was temporarily forgotten, but hunger and homeless Louisius Diedson scored in the ninth minute of Tuesday’s game against Nicaragua, and Reuben Providence’s header just before halftime sealed a 2-0 victory and sent Haiti to the World Cup for only the second time in the country’s history.
“Grenade, oh!” shouted in Haitian Creole. The country’s streets, homes and makeshift shelters were filled as fans urged their Grenadier team to attack.
Haiti didn’t just need to beat Nicaragua. He wanted to prove that despite the multiple crises weighing on the country, it can still overcome it and hold its head high. history of hardship.
Pierre Jean-Jacques, 25, a mechanic who watched the game at home, said, “This is more than just a victory. It’s hope and unity as the country faces many challenges.” “I was completely focused. My heart was racing.”
After the game, he joined the thousands of fans who milled through the usually empty streets at that time of the night until late into the night. For fear of being killed or kidnapped.
“This victory brings a moment of joy,” he said. “I’m proud. I believe we can rise together.”
Tuesday night’s victory coincided with the 222nd anniversary of the historic Battle of Vertieres, which led to Haiti becoming the world’s first black republic.
However, there was no chance of a win against Haiti, where excitement remained high on Wednesday.
The team played all home games on a small island in the Dutch Caribbean. Curacao Because it was too dangerous in Haiti. Armed organizations control up to 90% of capitalPort-au-Prince.
Their coach, Sebastien Minet, told France Football magazine that he was managing some of the players in Haiti remotely. He couldn’t fly to a country where gang violence is rampant. Major international airports were closed Several times.
Immediately after the victory, jubilant crowds marched in the rain through the narrow streets of one neighborhood, playing music and chanting, “Haiti has qualified! We have no nation!” with reference to severe political instability Haiti shakes.
Thousands of other fans danced in the streets of Petionville until late into the night. Gunfire briefly rang out during the celebration, causing the crowd to raise their hands and cheer. In a country where more than 4,300 people were killed between January and September, such noise usually scatters people.
“I hope you enjoy it. It’s not over yet. It’s just the beginning,” forward Dakens Nazon said in a video posted online after the game. “There are a lot of people who didn’t believe in us, but we believe.”
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Coto reported from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
