Haitian soccer team eliminated from amputee World Cup
UPDATE 12/5/2014: Haiti has been knocked out of the amputee World Cup after losing to Turkey in the quarter finals. Fred Sorrells tells us it was a 1-0 game most of the match but eventually the team lost 3-0. Tomorrow Haiti plays a consolation game against Uzbekistan, the three-time amputee World Cup champion.
“We are so proud of Haiti’s historic run. Making the quarter finals for the very first time,” Sorrells said in a text message update.
Here’s a short video clip from yesterday’s win over Italy.
After a winning in a penalty shootout Thursday, the Haitian soccer team with deep ties to North Texas advances to the third round of the amputee World Cup.
On Friday the team takes on Turkey at a 10:30 a.m. game in Culiacán, Mexico. The team is posting updates on its Facebook page.
This is Haiti’s first time advancing in the amputee World Cup and only the team’s second appearance at the tournament, which began about 30 years ago. The team did not win any games at its first showing in 2010.
In preparing for this year’s cup, the Haitian team spent much of November in North Texas. Players worked with area soccer coaches to help improve their tactical skills. They practiced at Toyota Stadium in Frisco and with area schools. Local doctors also donated resources and services to help them.
So far, Haiti beat Germany 2-0 on Sunday and but then lost to Russia 6-1 on Tuesday. Haiti advanced to the second round to face Italy.
Fred Sorrells, of the Arlington-based International Institute of Sport who helped create the team, reports that the game was tied 1-1 and went into overtime. Mackendy Francois, pictured above, scored the game-winning penalty kick.
Francois, like many of his teammates, lost his leg during the deadly 2010 earthquake that devastated Haiti. The team was formed in the wake of that disaster, which players said is helping to change the way Haiti treats at the disabled.
The amputee World Cup concludes on Sunday.