Haiti crushes Puerto Rico 4-1, but questions linger about Migné’s starting 11 | ANALYSIS

CAP-HAÏTIEN — Haiti overcame a 1-0 halftime deficit to defeat Puerto Rico 4-1 in their opening game of Friday night’s 2024-25 Concacaf Nations League opener. Les Grenadiers turned the game around after head coach Sebastien Migné made two impactful halftime substitutions, leading to questions about his initial lineup choices.

Haiti’s all-time top scorer, Duckens Nazon, and rising star Louicius Don Deedson started on the bench but were subbed in at halftime. Both players found the net in the second half, alongside Danley Jean Jacques and Frantzdy Pierrot, who also scored.

Migné, criticized for his coaching decisions, assumed leadership of the Haitian team in March. His challenges include helping Haiti qualify for the men’s World Cup for the first time in 54 years and achieving promotion to League A in the Nations League. If it continues, Migné’s tendency to avoid starting his most potent lineup in competitive matches could hinder the team’s goals. Haiti’s history with coaches has been tumultuous, significantly affecting player performance.

First-half struggles

Migné initially placed Mikaël Cantave on the right side of the attack, though he is primarily a midfielder with just one goal in 21 games for Vancouver Football Club this season. Cantave last scored for Haiti in October 2023 but did provide an assist in a 3-1 win against Barbados in a World Cup qualifier in June. He missed a scoring opportunity in the 16th minute, hitting the crossbar from inside the box.

Pierrot also struggled to find the net in the first half, with a weak left-footed shot in a promising counterattack in the 18th minute. Puerto Rico’s goalkeeper, Joel Mercado, made an outstanding kick-save. Pierrot missed another chance in the 26th minute, shooting off-target after cutting inside the box.

Despite Pierrot’s impressive record of 24 goals in 46 appearances for Maccabi Haifa F.C. in Israel last season, he has faced difficulties in recent games with Haiti. Nazon, who scored once in two recent qualifiers, might have been a better starting option.

Puerto Rico capitalized on Haiti’s missed opportunities, taking a 1-0 lead in the 28th minute when Geraldo Díaz scored following a defensive mishap by Haitian goalkeeper Johny Placide.

Second-half turnaround

Danley Jean Jacques ignited Haiti’s comeback with a low volley five minutes into the second half, tying the game at 1-1. Pierrot then scored nine minutes later, deflecting a loose ball into the net to give Haiti the lead 1-2.

Substitute Deedson, unlike Pierrot, needed fewer chances to score. He controlled a pass from Dany Jean, dribbled into the box, and skillfully beat the keeper. Deedson, now Haiti’s Number 10, has shown potential but has not consistently started.

Nazon demonstrated his form with a solo effort, dribbling past two defenders to score in the 83rd minute, adding a crucial element missing from the first half.

Les Grenadiers will face Sint Maarten on Sept. 9 in the Nations League, offering Migné another opportunity to refine his lineup.

While Migné remains undefeated with a 3W-0L-1D record, the team’s performances against weaker opponents have been lackluster, mainly due to slow starts. Establishing a consistent starting lineup will be crucial for Migné as Haiti faces stronger opponents.

Future prospects

Migné’s decision to start 18-year-old Belmar Joseph in midfield was unexpected, yet Joseph performed well, showcasing his potential.

Les Grenadiers‘ upcoming match against Sint Maarten on Sept. 9 provides another chance for Migné to adjust his strategies and select in-form players. Despite being undefeated, the team’s inconsistent performances highlight the need for a stable and effective starting lineup to achieve future success.

The post Haiti crushes Puerto Rico 4-1, but questions linger about Migné’s starting 11 | ANALYSIS appeared first on The Haitian Times.

---

Haiti crushes Puerto Rico 4-1, but questions linger about Migné’s starting 11 | ANALYSIS was first posted on September 7, 2024 at 10:45 am.