World Cup newcomers Curacao face a daunting challenge on Sunday when they take on four-time champions Germany in their Group E opener.
The spotlight will also be on Curacao coach Dick Advocaat, who at 78 is set to become the oldest manager in World Cup history.
The veteran Dutchman has enjoyed a remarkable journey with the Caribbean nation, guiding the tournament debutants to qualification after an impressive campaign that saw them score 28 goals in 10 matches — the highest among CONCACAF teams.
Advocaat briefly stepped away from the role earlier this year to care for his ill daughter but returned in May to lead Curacao at their historic first World Cup.
With a population of just 156,000, Curacao are the smallest nation ever to reach football’s biggest stage.
“I consider qualifying the smallest country in the world for the World Cup one of the highlights of my career,” said Advocaat.
While Germany enter the tournament on a nine-match winning streak, Advocaat believes his side can spring a surprise.
“We are not the favourites, but teams that are not favourites can surprise,” he said.
Germany, seeking to restore their World Cup reputation after failing to progress beyond the group stage in both 2018 and 2022, will rely on stars such as Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sane and captain Joshua Kimmich.
Curacao’s hopes of a famous upset could rest on striker Gervane Kastaneer, who scored five goals during qualification and will be tasked with troubling the German defence.
Despite the odds, Curacao arrive determined to make their historic World Cup debut a memorable one.
