With a population of over 10.6 million people, Haiti is one of the most populated countries in the Caribbean. But in terms of football, this tiny island nation is a minnow compared to some of the sides they will be competing against in the Copa América Centenario this summer.
Still, Les Grenadiers do have a unique distinction. They are the second Caribbean team to feature in a World Cup, which they did in 1974. Unfortunately, that ended at the group stage. However, they did enjoy quite a bit of success in the Gold Cup back in the 1970's, finishing as winners in 1973 and runners up in 1971 and 1977.
Haiti's Copa América record
Given that this tournament has always taken place in South America, it is no surprise that Haiti has never had a chance to participate. Besides, only a handful of teams outside their federation have been invited, with Mexico being one country usually on the list, for example.
Anyway, this time around, Les Grenadiers have been given an opportunity to feature - after successfully navigating their way through a tricky play-off battle.
What lies in store for Haiti in their debut appearance?
Haiti will be making their first ever appearance at a Copa América tournament this summer
Haiti's current form
Over the past year, Haiti's form has been quite disappointing. Their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign started off well enough - at least until they hit the fourth round. Currently in the bottom of Group B, Les Grenadiers and their chances at qualifying look quite bleak, to say the least.
The start of 2016 did bring them a bit of respite, however. A hard fought 1-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago earned them their spot at the upcoming Copa América Centenario, and next up will be a friendly against Colombia.
In terms of rankings, Haiti are presently 71st in the world as per FIFA and 7th in CONCACAF.
The man on the tactician's bench
Former defender Patrice Neveu took over in December of 2015 and promptly guided Haiti to success against fellow Caribbean side Trinidad & Tobago. The French-born tactician has had quite a bit of experience managing national teams, although this is his first outside of Africa. Prior to arriving at his current position, he also coached the Mauritania, DR Congo, Guinea, and Niger squads. In addition, Neveu also has some experience at club level with teams both in his native France as well as in China.
Tactically, Haiti will be by far the underdogs in their group. So, as any football fan knows, what do the underdogs do to win a match? Adopt a highly defensive approach and hit on the counter-attack. They did it against Trinidad & Tobago, and it paid dividends. As such, they will attempt to do the same at the Copa América Centenario.
Copa America broadcasters in Haiti
Tele-Haiti is the confirmed Copa America broadcaster for Haiti. We will update this version of the article once we receive more information on their coverage of the tournament.
Go to Haiti's page for the team's full Copa America Centenario fixtures and global online and TV listings.
Haiti's Copa América Centenario roster
Here is Neveu's 23-man roster for Copa América Centenario:
Goalkeepers: Johnny Placide (Stade de Reims), Luis Valendi Odelus (Aigle Noir), Steward Ceus (Minnesota United FC)
Defenders: Romain Genevois (Nice), Mechack Jerome (Jacksonville Armada), Jean Sony Alcenat (Voluntari), Alex Christian (Boavista), Judelin Aveska (Atletico Uruguay), Stephane Lambese (Paris St-Germain), Reginal Goreux (Standard Liege), Kim Jaggy (FC Aarau)
Midfielders: Sony Norde (Mohun Bagan), James Marcelin (Carolina RailHawks), Kevin Lafrance (Chrobry Głogów), Jean-Marc Alexandre (Fort Lauderdale Strikers), Soni Mustivar (Sporting Kansas City), Max Hilaire (Pau FC), Pascal Millien (Jacksonville Armada)
Forwards: Kervens Belfort (1461 Trabzon), Duckens Nazon (Laval), Wilde-Donald Guerrier (Wisla Krakow), Jeff Louis (Caen), Jean-Eudes Maurice (Hà Nội T&T)
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