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

Curacao, the smallest nation by population and size to ever qualify for a World Cup, is set to make its debut against Germany in the 2026 tournament. Coach Dick Advocaat, who will become the oldest coach in World Cup history at 78, believes his team has nothing to lose and can surprise opponents.

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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 plans for his team to be "disrupters" and use the space Germany creates when attacking. "We are a small country compared to Germany, but we will make life difficult for them and be a tough team to play," he told reporters. He noted that "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 squad, which draws heavily on players from the Dutch diaspora, has a strong team spirit, which Advocaat described as "something I have never experienced before." He added, "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.

All players are fit and ready for the match against Germany, which also features Ecuador and Ivory Coast in Group E. Advocaat expressed pride in the team's achievement and the positive atmosphere 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.