Tweet
FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea Republic 2007
Haiti and Honduras hit the high road
Haiti's Jean Fabien celebrates his a goal against El Salvador
(FIFA.com) 09 Apr 2007
Caribbean outsiders Haiti reached their first FIFA U-17 World Cup thanks to some impressive performances in CONCACAF Qualifying Group A in Tegucigalpa, Honduras between 4 and 8 April. Under the stewardship of coach Jean-Yves Labaze, the technically gifted - but previously disorganised - islanders found their true form and stormed to the top of the group thanks to two draws and a 3-0 thumping of El Salvador. The Haitians will be joined in the Far East by fellow debutants and qualifying hosts Honduras who also finished on five points from two draws and a win, but were edged out for first on goal difference.
If Haiti's surge was a substantial surprise, mighty Mexico's lethargic and toothless display in the Honduran capital had pundits and fans alike scratching their heads in complete befuddlement. The defending world champions failed to summon up the inspiration that their previous crop - led by Giovanni Dos Santos and Carlos Vela - produced down in Peru two years ago to bring a first major world trophy back home to Mexico. With three points from three draws and only scoring one goal, world-beater head coach Jesus Ramirez' youthful El Tri will be heading back home with many questions that need answering. Finishing just above whipping boys El Salvador in the final standings was not exactly what was expected of the green-clad side upon arrival in Honduras.
Haiti and Honduras hit the high road
Haiti's Jean Fabien celebrates his a goal against El Salvador
(FIFA.com) 09 Apr 2007
Caribbean outsiders Haiti reached their first FIFA U-17 World Cup thanks to some impressive performances in CONCACAF Qualifying Group A in Tegucigalpa, Honduras between 4 and 8 April. Under the stewardship of coach Jean-Yves Labaze, the technically gifted - but previously disorganised - islanders found their true form and stormed to the top of the group thanks to two draws and a 3-0 thumping of El Salvador. The Haitians will be joined in the Far East by fellow debutants and qualifying hosts Honduras who also finished on five points from two draws and a win, but were edged out for first on goal difference.
If Haiti's surge was a substantial surprise, mighty Mexico's lethargic and toothless display in the Honduran capital had pundits and fans alike scratching their heads in complete befuddlement. The defending world champions failed to summon up the inspiration that their previous crop - led by Giovanni Dos Santos and Carlos Vela - produced down in Peru two years ago to bring a first major world trophy back home to Mexico. With three points from three draws and only scoring one goal, world-beater head coach Jesus Ramirez' youthful El Tri will be heading back home with many questions that need answering. Finishing just above whipping boys El Salvador in the final standings was not exactly what was expected of the green-clad side upon arrival in Honduras.