With a population just smaller than that of Bristol, the overseas region of France that was first discovered by Christopher Columbus in November 1493 seems an unlikely source of talent. However, had it been an independent country eligible to play in FIFA competitions, they could have fielded a wonderful team of players either born or with parental links to the country.
It could have selected a strike-force consisting of former Arsenal and Barcelona star, Thierry Henry, Chelsea striker, Nicholas Anelka, former Manchester United forward, Louis Saha, and French World Cup winner, Sylvain Wiltourd. Truly, a front line that would strike fear into any defence.
And speaking of defence, their backline would be pretty solid as well. They could call upon former Juventus and Barcelona defender, Lillian Thuram. Former Chelsea and Arsenal defender, William Gallas would be another option. Two other defenders that have played for Barcelona, Eric Abidal and Philippe Christanval, would also be eligible. Looking around the Premiership throws up a few further names. Arsenal’s Gael Clichy, Blackburn’s Pascal Chimbonda and Wolves’ Ronald Zubar would all be able to represent Guadeloupe. Further afield, Werder Bremen’s Mikael Silvestre and up-and-coming Bordeaux defender, Michael Ciani, would also be options.
For a small island, it is a frightening list of talent. In the French starting XI in the 2006 World Cup final, four of them would have been eligible to represent Guadeloupe. In total, eight members of that squad were either born or had parental links to this small island.
Even without those players, Guadeloupe remains one of the strongest sides in the Caribbean. As part of France, Guadeloupe is not a FIFA recognised country, and so cannot play in any FIFA tournaments. As a result, they would be ineligible to ever appear in either the World Cup or the Confederations Cup.
However, they are a member of CONCACAF and can therefore play in any CONCACAF tournaments, including the Caribbean Cup and the Gold Cup. They have finished in third place in three Caribbean Cups, most recently in 2008.
It is in the Gold Cup where they have surprised many people though. They reached the quarter-finals of the 2009 edition, where they were beaten by Costa Rica. However, they were the most successful Caribbean side in the competition, including a victory over Canada.
Back in 2007, having qualified for their first ever major international tournament, they were even more successful. Again, having beaten Canada in the group stage, they then stunned Honduras in the quarter-finals before giving the Mexicans a real scare in the semi-finals. They were eventually eliminated by a 70th minute goal from Pavel Pardo, but came out of the tournament with great credit.
They are currently impressing again in this year’s edition of the Caribbean Cup. They strolled through the first group stage with maximum points, following wins over Grenada, Puerto Rico and Saint Kitts and Nevis, and will be strong favourite to progress from the second group stage along with Jamaica.
Indeed, many observers feel that Guadeloupe would have qualified for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa had they been given the opportunity. Under the guidance of Roger Salnot, Guadeloupe are turning into a serious side in the Caribbean, even without the players who have left to seek success in France.
There are suggestions that Guadeloupe could potentially become a FIFA member in the future if France were willing to permit it. Whether FIFA would allow this without further devolution of the two is uncertain, but if it were ever to happen, it would surprise nobody to see Guadeloupe making a greater impression on the world stage, and who knows, maybe we may see them in a World Cup at some stage in the future.
DW
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