WILLEMSTAD, THE HAGUE – Former Dutch national team coach Dick Advocaat, who took charge of Curaçao’s national football team last year and led it to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is the subject of a new documentary set to air later this month.
Journalist Jim van der Deijl traveled to Curaçao on behalf of Omroep West to produce the documentary “Dick Advocaat; the Hope of Curaçao.” The film will premiere on Saturday, December 27, at 8:00 p.m. Dutch time on Omroep West’s YouTube channel and will be broadcast on TV West on Sunday, December 28, at 8:00 p.m. It will also be available online after the television airing.
Van der Deijl spent October and November in Curaçao and Jamaica, documenting the journey of the national team under Advocaat’s leadership and capturing key moments behind the scenes. According to Omroep West, the documentary tells the story of a community daring to dream beyond its size, resulting in a colorful yet deeply moving portrait of the island and its people.
The film highlights the prominent role played by what Omroep West describes as “the Hague enclave,” with Dick Advocaat at the center, supported by Cor Pot, Kees Jansma, and Raymond Mulder. Alongside the tactical and organizational aspects of the team’s success, the documentary also reflects the strong sense of belief and spiritual influence present on the island throughout the qualification campaign.
“Dick Advocaat; the Hope of Curaçao” offers viewers an intimate look at how football, faith, and national pride came together in one of the most significant sporting achievements in Curaçao’s history.