Dick Advocaat has praised the emotional impact Curacao’s historic World Cup appearance has had on the small Caribbean nation, describing the experience as one of “unprecedented joy” for the island’s people ahead of their Group E clash with Ecuador.
Curacao, ranked 83rd in the world, suffered a heavy 7–1 defeat to Germany in their opening match in Houston, leaving them with a difficult path to the knockout stages. They now prepare to face Ecuador in Kansas City, a side ranked significantly higher and fresh from a strong South American qualifying campaign where they finished behind reigning champions Argentina.
Speaking ahead of the match, the 78-year-old Dutch coach emphasized the pride and emotional significance of Curacao’s participation on football’s biggest stage.
“Unprecedented that we get to participate in such a big tournament. They will never forget this for the rest of their lives,” Advocaat said. “And it will probably never happen again. So in that regard, let’s be proud that we made it.”
However, he also urged realism about the challenge ahead, acknowledging the quality gap between Curacao and their opponents.
“We want it very badly, but you’re playing against teams of higher quality than yourselves,” he said. “You can compensate a little by working harder, playing sharper, and being more compact. But this is simply one of the toughest groups.”
Advocaat, the oldest coach in World Cup history, also reflected on the difficult conditions he inherited when he first took charge in 2024, including limited funding and poor logistics.
“Sometimes we had no money to fly, coaches had to pay for flights themselves… facilities that belong to a national team simply weren’t there,” he explained. “So much has changed for the benefit of the island and the squad.”
He added that the experience of playing at the World Cup remains priceless for his players: “They end up in stadiums they normally drive past. Now they get to play there – a wonderful experience.”
Curacao will conclude their Group E campaign against Ivory Coast on June 25.
