For the Haitian community, Saturday’s match against the Spanish national soccer team is more than just a game. It’s a chance to show the world the spirit of a nation.
Highway billboards can be seen across South Florida advertising the match which takes place at Sun Life Stadium at 4 p.m.
Bacheler Jean Pierre used to play soccer at Barry University and said he can’t wait for the match.
“People are excited, a lot of people think that they’re not ready to play a team such as Spain with all the big stars, but I think it’s a big step” Jean Pierre said.
And now futbol -- Haiti’s national sport -- is boosting the morale of a country devastated by the earthquakes of 2010.
Ernst "Nono" Jean Baptiste is Haiti’s ambassador of sports and said this is how Haiti will bounce back.
“We can show people that Haitians are all over the world and we are a good nation, a strong nation," Jean Baptiste said. "We can really shock the world like we're going to do to Spain.”
He said more than 40 thousand Haitians from all over the world have made their way to Miami to witness one of the greatest games in their country's history.
One player from Spain said even he was impressed with watching Haiti on tape.
Peguero Jean Philippe is the team's forward and he said this game is a dream come true for him.
“We’re preparing in a big way for this match," Jean Philippe said. "This means so much to so many. The energy level is high and we are taking this very seriously.”
Jean Pierre said the chances of Haiti winning this match are slim, but Haitians are resilient.
“I thinks it’s another way for them to showcase where they can come from and turn a negative into a positive," Jean Pierre said.
Their goal this weekend is to send a clear message.
“Haiti is alive and is about to take off,” Jean Baptiste said.
Photo Credit: NBC 6 South Florida