FORT LAUDERDALE — This was the opposite side of bookends in regard to talent and skill on the soccer pitch.
Chile, a veteran of eight World Cup appearances including the most recent in Brazil against Haiti with only the 1974 World Cup to its credit.
Making it worse for Haiti was nine of Chile’s 11 starters Tuesday at Lockhart Stadium were on the teams World Cup roster. End result in the international friendly was a 1-0 victory in favor of Chile before a crowd of about 7,500 soccer fans.
Despite the discrepancies Haiti hung tough, especially in the early part of the second half when they were the better team. In doing so Haiti forced Chile keeper Johnny Herrera to make several needed saves.
But Chile needed only one goal.
Juan Delgado, just 21 years old, playing only his second game for the Chilean national team scored his first career goal for his country in the 21st minute. It was all Chile needed.
His goal was set up when Mauricio Isla sent pass in the box from the right wing. Haiti keeper Johny Placido’s attempt to prevent the ball from getting through was unsuccessful as it found the feet of Delgado.
Chile was seeking its first victory since defeating Spain 2-0, who at the time was the No. 1 time in the world, at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Chile advanced to the Group 16 before losing to Brazil in penalty kicks. They played their first match since the World Cup this past Saturday in Santa Clara at Levi’s Stadium, finishing in a scoreless draw with Mexico.
After Chile’s impressive showing in Brazil, they moved up in the FIFA world rankings two spots to No. 12.
Haiti was playing its first match since March 5 when they played Kosovo to a scoreless draw. Haiti last played Chile in Jan. 2013, losing that match 3-0. Haiti came in ranked No. 117 in the world.
Haiti’s chances in the first half were few. The best came late as Kervens Belfort’s header was on target, but was saved by Herrera.
Prior to that shot Haiti’s offense had been stagnate until coming out after the break.
Haiti kept pressing totaling seven shots in the second half, forcing Herrera to make three saves in all.
Perhaps Haiti’s best chance came in the 56th minute as Belfort had another solid shot on goal after receiving a nice crossing pass form Pascal Millen.
In the waning moments, Chile nearly got a gift from an own goal by Haiti, but Placido made an acrobatic save to keep the score at 1-0.
Chile has no more scheduled games for the remainder of this year before it begins preparations for the 2015 Copa American tournament they will host in July.
Strikers on Haiti
Fort Lauderdale Strikers forward Fafa and midfielder James Marcelin each had been called up to the Haitian team, but only Marcelin was available on Tuesday.
Fafa, who leads the Strikers with eight goals, was scratched form the roster just before game time due to an injury, while Marcelin was list as a substitute, entered the match in the 78th minute replacing Jermone Jean Jaques.
For Marcelin is was his 23 cap for Haiti, since making his first appearance in 2007.
Both Marcelin and Fafa have been regular starters for the Strikers during NASL Fall Season.
No Bravo
Chile goalkeeper and captain Claudio Bravo was not on the teams roster against Haiti. Had he played he would have set the Chilean team record with 85 caps.
Bravo has played the his national team since 2004
He is currently tied with Leonel Sanchez, who played for the team from 1955-67.
