Emmanuel Sanon

Emmanual Sanon (born June 25, 1951) is considered one of Haïti's most celebrated footballers. He starred in the Haïti national team during its venture into the 1974 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

1974 FIFA World Cup

Emmanuel Sanon scoring against Dino Zoff

Having qualified by first knocking out Puerto Rico in a play-off, then topping the final group in the capital Port-au-Prince, Haïti was 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. The Azzurri 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. With 13 goals scored in international games, he is still the best scorer in the Haiti national team history.

Haiti squad - 1974 FIFA World Cup
1 Françillon • 2 Piquant • 3 Auguste • 4 André • 5 Ducosté • 6 Bayonne • 7 Vorbe • 8 Désir • 9 Antoine • 10 François • 11 G. Saint‑Vil • 12 Jean‑Joseph • 13 Racine • 14 Nazaire • 15 R. Saint‑Vil • 16 F. Leandré • 17 J. Leandré • 18 Barthélemy • 19 Austin • 20 Sanon • 21 Louis • 22 Joseph • Coach: Tassy

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