Emmanuel Sanon (June 25, 1951 - February 21, 2008)
Emmanuel Sanon is considered one of Haïti's most celebrated footballers. He starred on the national team during its venture into the 1974 FIFA World Cup, in Germany (although they would have qualified for the 1970 edition were there aggregate rules for playoffs as it is today).
1974 FIFA World Cup
Having qualified by first knocking out Puerto Rico in a play-off, then topping the final group in the capital Port-Au-Prince, they were drawn into a difficult group featuring two-time champions Italy, future champions Argentina, and Poland, who managed third place in the tournament. While they predictably finished last in the group with three losses and a -12 goal difference, Emmanuel Sanon scored both goals for the country in the tournament.
He scored against Argentina in the last game of the group, but by far the most famous goal occurred against Italy.
Emmanuel Sanon scored both goals for the country in the tournament
The Azzuri had not let in a goal in 19 games prior to the World Cup, thanks to goalkeeper Dino Zoff (who, incidentally, stayed along to guide Italy to the their 1982 world championship).
However, in the opening of the second half, Sanon shocked the Italians with the go-ahead goal. Unfortunately, unlike another famous Haïtian goal (Joe Gaetjens for the United States that led them to the 1-0 victory over England in the 1950 World Cup), this lead didn't hold as Italy went on to win 3-1, but by the time Haïti was ignonimously tossed from the tournament after losing 0-7 to Poland and 1-4 to Argentina, Sanon had cemented his place in history.
Emmanuel Sanon, one of Haiti's most celebrated soccer players, died in his sleep from pancreatic cancer on February 21, 2008. The Orlando resident was 56.
Emmanuel Sanon scored both goals for the country in the tournament 