Curacao have nothing to lose on World Cup debut, says Advocaat

Tiny Curacao is poised to make its World Cup debut against Germany, with coach Dick Advocaat expressing confidence that his team will be "disrupters" at the finals. Despite being the smallest nation by population and size to ever qualify for the tournament, Curacao harbors ambitions beyond mere participation.

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We are a small country compared to Germany, but we will make life difficult for them and be a tough team to play.

Advocaat, who will become the oldest coach in World Cup history at 78, stated that his team feels no pressure. "We have nothing to lose," he told reporters. "The expectation is not that high outside of us as a squad, because we think we can surprise people." He outlined a tactical approach focused on responding to Germany's dominance and utilizing the space created when the German team attacks.

"We are a small country compared to Germany, but we will make life difficult for them and be a tough team to play," Advocaat said. He drew parallels to domestic Dutch football, where "sometimes it happens that small teams, amateur teams, beat much bigger sides."

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It sometimes happens that small teams, amateur teams, beat much bigger sides.

The atmosphere within the Curacao squad is exceptionally positive, which Advocaat described as "something I have never experienced before." He highlighted the pride in achieving this milestone for the island, emphasizing that "Just being here is great for the players and the country, but we also have to show people what we are made of."

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We have nothing to lose. The expectation is not that high outside of us as a squad, because we think we can surprise people.

Advocaat confirmed that all players are fit and available for the match against Germany, which also includes Ecuador and Ivory Coast in Group E. The coach conveyed his pride in the team's accomplishments and the strong bond within the squad.

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Just being here is great for the players and the country, but we also have to show people what we are made of.