Haiti thump New Zealand 4-0 in Harsh lesson before World Cup

The 82nd-ranked Caribbeans opened the scoring in the 12th minute through Ruben Providence, before substitute Lenny Joseph doubled the advantage six minutes after the halftime restart.

Frantzdy Pierrot grabbed a third goal with a header just after the hour-mark, and Markhus Lacroix finished the demolition job with a spectacular late, long-range rocket in the 87th minute.
Haiti's buildup to the match was complicated by visa troubles for midfielder Woodensky Pierre, who was unable to play because his visa was not approved by U.S. authorities in time. Pierre landed at Miami airport around half-time alongside Haitian soccer officials, hoping to catch the last part of the game after finally receiving clearance to enter the country.

All Whites skipper Chris Wood became his nation's most-capped player with 89 appearances, moving one past Ivan Vicelich, but found little to celebrate despite an early bicycle kick being saved on the line. New Zealand goalkeeper Alex Paulsen and center back Finn Surman struggled, with both being culpable in the opening goal as Providence wriggled free in the area and chipped from a tight angle.

Shell-shocked All Whites coach Darren Bazeley described the loss as a harsh lesson, expressing surprise at his team's lackluster performance after spending a week acclimatizing in Florida. New Zealand's defensive struggles continued in the second half under replacement goalkeeper Max Crocombe, who conceded three goals as the All Whites' backline collapsed completely.

Haiti will face Scotland, Brazil, and Morocco upon their return to the World Cup for the first time in 52 years, while New Zealand concludes their preparations against England before facing Iran, Egypt, and Belgium.