Curaçao Scores Historic First World Cup Goal Against Germany, Ultimately Loses 7-1

Livano Comenencia ran towards the corner flag, unsure of what else to do. The FC Zürich midfielder rarely scores, even in training. Yet, he had just netted Curaçao's first-ever goal at a World Cup, equalizing against four-time champions Germany. As Tahith Chong of Sheffield United chased after Comenencia, he thought of his father's generation, who could never have dreamed of their small Caribbean island competing on the world stage. He also thought of the younger generation, now living that dream.

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It wasn't intended. But everything that wasn't intended still happens here.

Moments later, Chong leaped onto his teammate. For a brief period, a stunning upset seemed possible, a historic match akin to the United States' victory over England in 1950 or North Korea's over Italy in 1966. However, the game ultimately slipped away, ending in a decisive 7-1 defeat for Curaçao.

NRC followed the smallest participant in World Cup history (158,000 inhabitants) in the weeks leading up to their inaugural tournament match. The team's journey included training camps in Noordwijk and Florida, culminating in their match against Germany. Players shared their realization that they were writing history, irrespective of the final scores.

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It might sound strange, but we do not have the quality that other European countries have. So, we have to devise our own plan.

During a training session in Noordwijk, despite instructions to keep fans off the field, children of forward Bradley Kuwas joined their father for a game. Fans sought autographs and photos, with some kicking a ball around with players. A staff member observed with a smile, "It wasn't intended. But everything that wasn't intended still happens here." The team's World Cup preparation began at amateur club SJC's field and in the rooms of the Huis ter Duin hotel, with hundreds of fans and a brass band present for the first training, attracting global media attention.

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We take it one game at a time. First, we practice against Scotland, then against Curaçao against Aruba. It sounds strange too: that match might be...