Curazao celebrates historic first World Cup appearance despite limited success

Curazao may have finished their first World Cup with a single point and only one goal scored, but the "Blue Wave" is celebrating a historic achievement. The small Caribbean nation of 160,000 people experienced the pride and joy of competing on the world's biggest football stage in the 2026 North American tournament.

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I am very happy with what these boys have done. They have worked very hard. You have to give them all the credit. They fought for Curazao, they gave everything, they were proud.

Coach Dick Advocaat, a veteran of three World Cups, lauded his team's effort. "I am very happy with what these boys have done. They have worked very hard," he said. "You have to give them all the credit. They fought for Curazao, they gave everything, they were proud."

The team's journey included a 7-1 loss to Germany, a memorable 0-0 draw against Ecuador where goalkeeper Eloy Room made a remarkable 15 saves, and a final 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast. Defender Livano Comenencia scored Curazao's first-ever World Cup goal.

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A point in a World Cup is history.

For players like Comenencia, it was a "history-making" moment. Fans echoed this sentiment, with 38-year-old Sue Vandaalen calling their World Cup presence "one of the most beautiful opportunities to put the island on the map." The team also enjoyed cultural experiences, visiting the Miami Marlins and Miami Dolphins. Goalkeeper Eloy Room dedicated his performance against Ecuador to a late teammate, Jarzinho Pieter, holding up a shirt with his photo and the message "Pure Love!"

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Everyone is crazy, crazy, crazy, enjoying, because this is one of the most beautiful opportunities to put the island on the map.

Advocaat expressed a desire for the team to return to the World Cup, but his own future with the squad remains uncertain after a long career.

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This is for you! Pure Love!