Heading out of Group C was the ultimate thing that Mexico could do to lighten the plight that they must endure following two crucial suspensions against Panama. However, their win against Guadeloupe in round tree, which helped them to top the table en route to the quarterfinals, didn’t signal the end of the suffering. The Mexicans are still without their coach Javier Aguirre as the man has to serve a three match ban following a moment of madness where he apparently kicked a Canalero.
Now a clash against Haiti doesn’t really look like the simplest fixture of the quarter-finals.
Haiti may be ranked way below El Tri in the Coca Cola Fifa rankings, but their ability to perform in big games is clear.
Picking up four points from a possible nine pushed Los Canaleros through to the next stage of the Gold Cup tournament. Haiti took full advantage of Grenada’s weakness in the second round to erase their disappointing 1-0 loss to against Honduras in their opening game. They then produced a wonderful result against the tournament’s team to beat, the United States of America. In fact, Haiti were just minutes away from grabbing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Yankees but they conceded a 90th minute equalizer. All the same, this 2-2 draw offered Haiti a precious point that made them late quarter-finalists.
Certainly, one may underestimate Haiti’s achievement because that United States squad did not comport much of the first team regulars. Either way, an underrated side like Mexico will surely not attempt to rely on this fact.
Support and pressure are behind El Tri as the gear up to overcome their challenges to beat Haiti. Succumbing to “minors” Haiti will be the worst nightmare for Mexico who seek to reaffirm their authority on the international stage.
Can Haiti pull up a shock with a giant killing over the Aztec Warriors?
