Curacao Can Trouble Any Rival After Ecuador Draw, Advocaat Says

Curacao's manager Dick Advocaat believes his team can pose a significant threat to any opponent, following their impressive 0-0 draw against Ecuador in the Copa America. Despite Ecuador dominating possession and creating more opportunities, Curacao's resilience, particularly goalkeeper Eloy Room's record-breaking performance, secured a valuable point.

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I think that the draw was the right outcome, although they had more opportunities. But it does mean that we can make life difficult for any opponent.

Room made an astonishing 15 saves during the match, the most ever recorded in a World Cup finals game that did not go into extra time. Advocaat, a veteran Dutch coach, acknowledged Ecuador's chances but emphasized that the draw was a fair result and demonstrated Curacao's potential to make life difficult for their rivals. "But it does mean that we can make life difficult for any opponent," Advocaat stated.

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We showed against Ecuador what we're able to do. That we don't only defend, but we also found the right moments to attack, and we'll do the same tomorrow.

The 78-year-old coach also highlighted Curacao's ability to create dangerous moments on the counterattack, suggesting they are not solely a defensive team. "We showed against Ecuador what we're able to do. That we don't only defend, but we also found the right moments to attack, and we'll do the same tomorrow," he said, looking ahead to their final group match against Ivory Coast.

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My impression is that they're doing fine, that they're fit, and that they're not tired either. Because when I look at them during the training sessions, there's a lot of energy there, and we'll need that tomorrow evening.

Despite the demanding defensive effort, Advocaat assured that his squad has sufficient energy for their upcoming challenge. He observed a high level of fitness and energy during training sessions. Meanwhile, Curacao-born player Tahith Chong stressed the team's unity, stating that players born in the Netherlands are considered brothers and that the external perception of the team does not affect their collective spirit. Chong also mentioned Advocaat's return to management after stepping down to care for an ill daughter.

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Personally, I get tired of explaining it time and again because I see the 25 other players as my brothers. We want to make a great performance as a team, as one group. So I see all of them as the players of Curacao.