Heartbeat of a troubled nation

"Soccer is hope and love. It inspires pride and passion," said Salome Sandler Tally, founder and coach of the women's section of Aigle Noir AC, a professional club based in the Haitian capital.

"Qualifying for the World Cup is something special for a country that loves soccer so deeply."

The Grenadiers, as Haiti's team is known, made their only previous appearance at the Finals when it was held in West Germany in 1974.

"It is incredible to have achieved this 52 years later," Tally said.