That is indeed f**ked up.
To compound the matter, there were as many as 5 or 6 projected starters who could not play.
No wonder conspiracy theories are always alive and kicking. The guy who started in goal was not bad at all. He almost saved the first goal penalty. And I have doubts on the penalty also. I did not realize that this was going on in the first half. I saying why the hell they playing so defensive. Their forwards have some speed. Actually, one guy had a great shot saved by the Hondo keeper.
It was a mess all round. The player who started in goal is actually an outfield player, not a regular GK. So he is the one that absorbed those opening goals prior to the regular GK being able to come on the field. Haiti only had three subs who were eligible to enter the match.
Reminds me of something.
I coached an official match away in which I either had ONE sub or no subs (doh recall right now because effectively it was like having none ... I think we had two keepers who could travel and an early injury that reduced us to 11). But I knew the opponent fairly well and I knew how we needed to approach the game. We were obligated to play that match.
The first item to overcome was the psychological hurdle and to instill an element of belief and there's nothing better to do that than scoring a goal. The opponent was gracious at the onset off the field, but obviously self-assured. My players went out, did precisely what I asked them to do and within the first 20 minutes we scored two goals with no response from the home team although they had an early opportunity to take the lead. Those goals transformed the game. There were well-crafted goals generated in the run of play.
You should have heard what was going on in the other technical area and among their ample bench. Their players on the field were rattled. Ultimately, we were severely PUNISHED for our exuberance and the match ended disproportionately in the home team's favor and with me playing with 9 or 10 (injuries).
The opposing coach was still making subs deep into the match. Human nature and competition stimulates some interesting reactions.
But you know what, none of the players were deflated on the way home because of how they exceeded the circumstances in what was really an exercise in resilience and a life lesson. I was very proud of the players but not thrilled about the broader legacy of the match.
Interestingly, the opposing coach was HIGHLY criticized by other coaches for the way in which he conducted himself off the field and for the values/culture he instilled in the players on the field to stage their comeback.
I never uttered a word of protest to him. The score is documented, but those first 20-25 minutes are not documented in terms of contextualizing how players react to adversity.
This is a moment in which Haiti is experiencing unrest and delivering at this tournament would be injections of positivity for Haitians everywhere. I am impressed with their coach who really handled ALL of the circumstances and challenges with dignity.
Conspiracy? That fundraising fete match might have aided in their demise.