WILLEMSTAD – World Cup debutant Curaçao now knows what lies ahead. The team coached by Dick Advocaat has been drawn alongside Germany, Ecuador, and Ivory Coast—three formidable opponents—in the group stage of next year’s FIFA World Cup. Curaçao will open its historic campaign against Germany, a matchup that has raised questions in the German media about the Caribbean island’s team.
Just weeks ago, the small island nation made history by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time ever. On June 14, Curaçao will play its first World Cup match, facing Germany in a landmark moment for football on the island. In Germany, however, there is still uncertainty about what to expect from Curaçao.
German Media Focuses on Advocaat
Germany’s leading tabloid BILD has paid particular attention not to Curaçao’s players, but to its coach. “The star is the coach: the Dutchman Dick Advocaat (78),” the newspaper wrote in a striking assessment.
Eventually, the publication did highlight one Curaçao player familiar to German audiences: “The Caribbean team, featuring Jordi Paulina (21) of Borussia Dortmund II, is ranked 82nd in the FIFA world rankings.” BILD also pointed out the island’s modest size, noting that Curaçao has just under 150,000 inhabitants—fewer than the German city of Regensburg.
Confidence in Germany, Caution from Nagelsmann
German daily Der Tagesspiegel appeared unconcerned by the draw, suggesting that the tournament will only truly begin for Germany after the group stage and the first knockout round. “The first serious opponent awaits in the round of 16,” the paper wrote confidently.
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann admitted in an interview with MagentaTV that he does not yet know much about Curaçao, but emphasized that his team will prepare thoroughly. “Curaçao will be interesting to analyze,” Nagelsmann said. “But we will not make the mistake of underestimating them.”
Chance for a Surprise?
Former Dutch international Hedwiges Maduro, who has roots in Curaçao, believes there could be opportunities for Advocaat’s side. Speaking to Dutch media, Maduro suggested that underestimation by opponents could work in Curaçao’s favor. “There could easily be some underestimating by another team,” he said.
Despite acknowledging that Germany may be too strong, Maduro expressed regret that Curaçao faces the world powerhouse immediately. “Germany are simply very strong. It’s a pity they meet them right away. An opening match is always about feeling things out, so you’d rather play Ecuador or Ivory Coast first.”
Even so, the former international stressed that Curaçao enters the tournament with nothing to lose—a mindset that could lead to an unexpected moment on football’s biggest stage.