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One rule of thumb when it comes to Haitian sports fans, they forgive but never forget.
Here’s a quick history lesson: The last time the Haiti National Team played against Italy was in 1974 at the FIFA World Cup in Germany.
Haiti’s Emmanuel Sanon rounded the famous Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff with a well-played virgin net at the first minute of the second half of the game.
That moment in history is significant for one reason: The play by Sanon broke Zoff’s record of no goals conceded from September 1972 to June 1974. In the end, Italy beat Haiti at the pre-tournament game 3 to 1.
39 years later, and it’s still fresh on the minds of Haitian soccer fans.
As Wyclef Jean tweeted via Twitter: “Today we play another former world champion in #Italy, can #Haiti show great team spirit again, let's shocked the world again #APRILSHOWERS”
The island nation is close to settling its score with Italy, and it came very close to doing so Tuesday when they tied 2 for 2 during a friendly game held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in Sao Januario Stadium.
During the first minute of the game, Italy scored, and earned another goal in the second half of the game.
The Haitian team fought back until scoring its first goal at the 83rd minute from a penalty against Italy.
At the 90th minute, Haiti’s Jean-Philippe Peguerro beat the Italian defense and scored a second goal for Haiti, sending a clear message: As a nation, Haiti will be taken seriously.
This is Haiti’s second time this month playing against a World Cup Champion winning team, as last week they lost to Spain.
Despite their loss, the team showed determination and effort, a feat attributed to their fans incomparable support for Haiti.
While the friendly match helped both teams work on their performances for the future, proceeds from it were used to aid in the relief effort for Haiti following the 2010 earthquake.
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