FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) – With just over a week to go before the official start of the World Cup, fans packed the stands to watch two countries face off in a friendly match in Fort Lauderdale, Tuesday night.<\/p>\n
In a preview of World Cup action, Haiti and New Zealand took the pitch at Inter Miami CF Stadium for a friendly.<\/p>\n
The energy inside of the stadium was electric as many members of South Florida\u2019s Haitian community came out to support their country in the international match.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m a second generation Haitian. My mom was born in Haiti and, you know, we\u2019ve been rooting for our country for a long, long time,\u201d said a Haitian fan. \u201cWe\u2019re glad to see them, glad they made the World Cup, we\u2019re excited for a good game.\u201d<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s World Cup is just the second time Haiti competes while New Zealand makes their third appearance on the world stage.<\/p>\n
Haiti hasn\u2019t competed in the World Cup since 1974 while New Zealand\u2019s two previous appearances happened in 1982 and 2010.<\/p>\n
One fan who attended Tuesday\u2019s game remembered the last time Haiti qualified in the World Cup when she was just a child decades ago. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt means more now because I really understand. I was so young then, but now I really understand what is going on so I\u2019m very, very excited,\u201d said a Haitian fan.<\/p>\n
While Tuesday night\u2019s game serves as a warmup for players ahead of the world tournament, both teams remain locked in.<\/p>\n
It also gave fans a taste of the excitement that comes with the international soccer tournament.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m so happy to see my country play today,\u201d said a Haitian fan.<\/p>\n
Many fans who spoke with 7News shared utmost confidence that their team can win it all.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll the way. If you don\u2019t believe then what\u2019s the point? All the way,\u201d said a Haitian fan.<\/p>\n
When the big tournament kicks off, Hard Rock Stadium, which will be known as Miami Stadium for the duration of the event, will play host to seven matches.<\/p>\n
The transformation at the stadium is well underway.<\/p>\n