Cuba claims first Caribbean Cup title
ST. JOHN´S, Antigua - A Marcel Hernandez goal in the 22nd minute of extra time lifted Cuba to a 1-0 victory over eight-time champion Trinidad & Tobago and its first-ever Caribbean Cup crown on Sunday at the Antigua Recreation Ground.
The 23-year-old midfielder fired a 40-yard rocket that Trinidad goalkeeper Jan Michael Williams managed to get a hand on, but couldn´t prevent from crossing the line.
Cuba earned the trophy, winning its last four games by a combined score of 5-1, following a 1-0 loss to Martinique in its opener.
In a match marked by its tactical nature, Carlyle Mitchell almost put the Soca Warriors ahead in the sixth minute with a header that hit the post off a corner kick.
The close call caught Cuba´s attention and it increased the urgency of its attack in response. Alberto Gomez, 10 minutes later, shot inches wide after the midfielder electrified the crowd with an impressive display of dribbling.
In the 40th minute, Trinidad´s Atullah Guerra was set-up beautifully by Kevon Carter for a clear shot at the top of the Cuban 18-yard box, but he failed to control the ball cleanly.
Five minutes after the break, Keyon Edwards tried to get the Soca Warriors on the scoreboard through an ambitious 20-yard attempt that caused goalkeeper Odelin Molina to produce a diving save.
The Lions of the Caribbean should have gone ahead in the 61st minute, when Williams tackled Hernandez in the box and referee Valdin Legister pointed to the penalty spot. Cuba´s joy was temporary, as Jaine Colome Valencia blazed his shot over the crossbar.
That agonizing miss, though, faded to memory in extra time, overshadowed by the euphoria of Hernandez´s game-winner with eight minutes left on the clock.
The game was a rematch of the 1999 final, which Trinidad won 2-1 at home in Port of Spain.
Cuba, Trinidad, Haiti and Martinique - the tournament´s top four finishers, respectively - will represent the Caribbean at the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Haiti takes third place at Caribbean Cup
ST. JOHN´S, Antigua - Leonel St. Preux scored in the fifth minute of extra time and Haiti defeated Martinique 1-0 in the Caribbean Cup´s match for third place on Sunday at the Antigua Recreation Ground.
In an all-French affair, Martinique started in its familiar attacking style, making every attempt to strike for an early goal against Haiti goalkeeper Frandy Motrevil. Kevin Parsemain was his usual dangerous self, menacing the Haitian defense in combination with Fabrice Reuperne and Steeve Gustan.
Haiti, though, had the best chance in the first half, when Olrish Saurel´s free kick was pushed over the crossbar by Loic Chauvet.
Following the break, Haiti immediately went on the offensive and could have taken a 50th minute advantage, but an unmarked Fritznel Lois shot wide from inside the 18-yard box with only Chauvet to beat.
Afterwards, Jean-Philippe Peguero had two opportunities - just minutes apart -- to give the 2007 Caribbean champion a lead. He saw Chauvet save an attempt from close range and then had another effort rattle the Martinique crossbar.
A Daniel Herelle free kick just before the end of regulation almost gave Martinique the win, however, a diving Motrevil did well to keep the ball out of his net.
Haiti finally cracked Martinique´s armor in extra time with St. Preux flicking home an exquisitely delivered 40-yard pass from Wiselet Saint Lois.
Trinidad & Tobago will meet Cuba in the championship later in the day.
Brasil: Flamengo, Vasco, Fluminense, Botafogo (100% Carioca) Rio > Säo Paulo
MENGÃO TRI DA AMÈRICA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RlVt8zJhXQ