Saturday as part of their preparation for the Gold Cup USA 2013, at Sun Life Stadium before more than 36,000 spectators, our Grenadiers (ranked 63) faced in a friendly match the Spanish national selection "Roja" world champion and double European champion.

President Michel Martelly, Stephanie Balmir Villedrouin, the Minister of Tourism, Guy François Junior, Vice-Consul of the Republic of Haiti in Miami, Charles Castel, Governor of the Central Bank (BRH), the authorities of the Haitian Football Federation (FHF) whose Yves Jean-Bart, Carlo Marcelin and Wilner Etienne were present to support our national team.

In the first half, while the Haitian defense seemed a little uptight, the Spanish began the hostilities with a goal (1-0) by Santi Cazorla [Arsenal 1D] (8') followed 11 minutes later by a second goal (2-0) by Francesc Fabregas [FC Barcelona 1D] (19'). After only 20 minutes of play, the "Roja" led on Haiti 2-0.

Despite their efforts the Grenadiers were in a hurry : shot outside by Jeff Louis (37 ') and Charles Herold Junior (42') which should have enter the penalty area of the Spanish, the score 2-0 in favor of Spain remained unchanged.

After the break the Grenadiers, who seemed to have found new resources, besieged the Spanish camp before leaving to attack the goal guarded by Iker Casillas, powerless before of Haitians determined and motivated to prove to the world champions and of Europe that they have talent.

On a free kick, poorly returned by the Spanish defense, rear left, Donald Wild Guerrier (América FC Cayes) took the ball, avoiding the burden of Raul Albiol, he penetrated the opponent's square, dribbled to his left the Spanish goalkeeper, Pepe Reyna (Liverpool) and scored a goal (75 ') under the screams of joy of Haitian supporters, reducing the score 2-1, still in favor of the "Rioa." Despite their determination and several missed opportunities, the Grenadiers could not find the equalizer goal and had to bow at the end of the encounter 2-1 in favor of world champions.

Despite this honorable defeat, although obviously the Spaniards did not release their big game in this friendly match, probably to avoid risk of injury, our Grenadiers were impressive and showed a lot of potential, especially in the second period, what suggests good prospects for the next Gold Cup in United State in July 2013.

Next appointment, on 11 June 2013 where our Grenadiers will face in a friendly match at Sao Januario stadium in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), the quadruple world champion, Italy. The money raised will go to 12 Italian humanitarian organizations working in Haiti.

BF/ HaitiLibre