'Huge disappointment' as Haiti knocked out of World Cup

PHILADELPHIA, United States — Haiti coach Sebastien Migne said there was "huge disappointment" as the Caribbean nation became the first to be eliminated from the World Cup following a 3-0 defeat by Brazil on Friday (Saturday, Manila time.) 

Back-to-back losses for Haiti, who are competing at their first World Cup in 52 years, mean they will finish bottom of Group C regardless of the result in their final game against Morocco.

"Tonight the disappointment is huge, even if it is Brazil," said Frenchman Migne. "You have to recognise the quality of the opponent and learn from situations like this to come back stronger."

"Coming back stronger will be in five days, against another big team, a semi-finalist at the last World Cup. We will have to rise to the occasion and make our fans proud," he added.

Although spirited and occasionally threatening going forward, Haiti were largely outclassed by the five-time world champions, who got two goals from Matheus Cunha and another from Vinicius Junior.

"We were outplayed, but not completely," Migne said.

"I want to congratulate the boys. They showed they deserved their place at this World Cup. Unfortunately today we were facing Brazil, and there was a difference in level."

Despite the early exit, Migne said he had fulfilled the "mission" set by the Haitian federation of returning the country to the World Cup.

"We cannot downplay this when it comes to Haiti. Today we were on the biggest stage in the world, against one of the best teams in the world," he said.

"I think we were brave opponents. Unfortunately it wasn't enough. We were missing a little something.

"I have a young group in terms of international experience. I hope this tournament helps them to progress - and in time, progress as a team and, above all, to try to qualify for the next World Cup."