Curacao coach Dick Advocaat said the Caribbean side hopes to “steal some points” from four-time World Cup winners Germany as the team prepares for its tournament debut on Sunday in Houston. The 78-year-old Dutchman, who will become the oldest coach in World Cup history, is leading a third different national team at the World Cup after previous spells with the Netherlands and South Korea. Speaking before the match, Advocaat said Curacao’s team spirit is the strongest he has ever experienced and credited the unity of a nation of about 160,000 people for helping the team reach football’s biggest stage.
Advocaat acknowledged that Curacao enters Group E as the underdog. The island nation will also face Ecuador, which finished second in South American qualifying, and Ivory Coast, one of Africa’s strongest teams. He said Germany would be the dominant side in the opening match, but insisted Curacao would compete with a clear plan and try to take opportunities in a fair way. For Advocaat, simply participating at the World Cup is a remarkable achievement, especially for a country with limited footballing resources compared with the world’s traditional powers.
The team has attracted attention for its upbeat and relaxed spirit, including a viral social media video showing players singing and dancing bare-chested on the team bus. Captain Leandro Bacuna said Curacao enjoys celebrating and keeping a joyful atmosphere, even while preparing for a serious challenge on the field. Bacuna, who like many of his teammates was born in the Netherlands, said the squad remains deeply proud of its Curacaoan identity and sees its World Cup appearance as a source of pride for the island.
Bacuna also addressed the idea that some outsiders question the players’ connection to Curacao because many were born abroad. He said their families had searched for opportunities that were not always available at home, but emphasized that they are still Curacaoans and love the island. The team’s journey to the World Cup has become a symbol of national pride, and its players and coach say they want to represent the island with dignity, commitment and belief.
For Curacao, the World Cup debut is about more than results. It is a chance to show resilience, unity and identity on the global stage. Facing Germany first, followed by Ecuador and Ivory Coast, the team knows the road ahead is difficult, but Advocaat and his players believe their spirit and organization can help them compete against much larger opponents.
