Our Sports of the Times columnist makes a case for Haiti.

With the Women’s World Cup now in full flight, most consideration has gone to the venerable groups like France, Brazil and Germany. And, in fact, to the two-time defending champion United States.

Hats off to all these groups, every talent-blessed and well-funded by their nationwide soccer federations and by business conglomerates.

My coronary heart is with and my eyes are on the scrappiest, most resilient underdog on this match. That could be Haiti. Les Grenadiers, because the group is affectionately recognized. The Soldiers.

Les Grenadiers signify a nation that has lengthy struggled to heal the deep wounds left by colonialism and slavery. In giant half due to the burdensome debt levied by France in alternate for its freedom, Haiti is the poorest nation within the Western Hemisphere. Over the final 13 years, its residents have endured lethal, devastating earthquakes and floods. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, vigilantes have taken up arms towards gangs, and democracy has crumbled. In March, the United Nations known as for a global peacekeeping power to assist restore order.

Such instability compelled Les Grenadiers to stay and play exterior Haiti throughout World Cup qualifying rounds. No matter. The group wove round each thorny roadblock and in February beat Chile, 2-1, to make it to the match in Australia and New Zealand.

There isn’t any company assist for this group. Yet hardship has a manner of making steely, tenacious spirit.