Haiti coach Sebastien Migne says his side have “everything to gain” when they face five-time world champions Brazil in their World Cup Group C clash on Friday.
Making their first World Cup appearance since 1974, Haiti opened their campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Scotland, with John McGinn scoring the winner despite a spirited Haitian fightback.
Migne believes the Caribbean nation proved they belong on football’s biggest stage and insists their qualification hopes remain alive.
“Tomorrow we’ve got everything to gain in a match like this,” Migne said.
“It’s been 52 years since we last featured in a World Cup, and now we’re up against Brazil. We’ve got to live up to our fans’ expectations.”
The Haitian coach acknowledged the scale of the challenge against Brazil but said his players are embracing the occasion and remain determined to make their country proud.
Haiti still harbour hopes of reaching the knockout stage, potentially as one of the best third-placed teams, and Migne said a victory over Brazil would trigger extraordinary celebrations back home.
“It would be absolute madness in Haiti if we won this match.”
The match presents one of the biggest opportunities in Haitian football history, with the underdogs aiming to produce a World Cup shock against one of the tournament favourites.
