Leeds United forward Joel Piroe was devastated as his Suriname were knocked out of World Cup playoffs last week by Bolivia.
The international break is not quite over this evening with a final round of games taking place early this week to determine who is heading to the World Cup.
Gabriel Gudmundsson will be hoping his Sweden side have enough to make it through. But for our Welsh quartet and Suriname striker Joel Piroe, the World Cup dream is over.
Leeds United’s Joel Piroe spurns big chance as Suriname knocked out of World Cup playoff
Against Bolivia, Piroe started in attack with the view of helping Suriname through the playoff semi-final, therefore within one game of the World Cup this June.
At 0-0, the Leeds finisher had a golden chance to open the scoring when a square pass put the ball on a plate for him 12 yards out. Normally, Piroe would finish that sort of chance with his eyes shut, but he fluffed his lines as the shot went wayward.
Suriname did end up taking the lead just after half-time, only for two quickfire goals from Bolivia to end their World Cup hopes. Piroe with some fine link-up helped start the move that was scrambled in for 1-0, only for goals in the 72nd and 79th minute to peg them back.
Noa Lang reacts to Joel Piroe setback with confident message for Leeds United man
Piroe took to Instagram to react to the crushing blow of missing out on a dream trip to the World Cup with Suriname.
“A proud moment, but not how we envisioned it. Received and felt so much love. We will come back stronger,” Piroe wrote.
Amongst those wishing Piroe well after that defeat to Bolivia was Netherlands winger, and former Leeds target Noa Lang.
The 26-year-old was a former Netherlands youth teammate of Piroe’s, and expects big things from Piroe with Suriname.
“You’re going to be a national hero,” Lang commented.
Joel Piroe’s World Cup dream pushed back to 2030
It’s gutting to see that Piroe won’t be heading to the World Cup, as this looked a huge opportunity for him and Suriname.
Although, this isn’t going to be his last campaign in a bid to qualify for the tournament during his career.
The vastly expanded World Cup format means nations like Suriname are going to have opportunities every four years to qualify.
And, as Lang points out, there’s chance for Piroe to become a national icon by helping Suriname get there for the first time.
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