Curaçao ready for World Cup debut as the smallest nation in history | OneFootball

Curaçao make their World Cup debut on Sunday at 19.00 against Germany, arriving as the smallest nation ever to play the tournament by area and population. The island spans 444 square kilometres and has about 150,000 people.

El Periódico Mediterráneo reports that qualification was clinched in November with a draw in Jamaica, where a 94th-minute penalty was overturned by VAR.

Federation president Gilbert Martina called it a dream and said a tiny staff of nine to 11 people carries major pressure. He added they have entered Guinness World Records, and said day-to-day logistics still pile up.

Curaçao became a country in 2010 within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. All but one of the call-ups were born in the Netherlands, many with youth caps, and most recent coaches have been Dutch. Dick Advocaat, 78, will be the oldest World Cup manager.

Martina set the aim of being among the best third-placed teams to reach the second round, stressing respect for every opponent. In the group they face Germany, Ecuador and Côte d'Ivoire.

Frenly Servania of Jong Colombia said the nation is captivated. He works as an air-conditioning technician alongside football in a largely non-professional league where modest bonuses, for example 35 florins per win and seven per training, supplement day jobs.

He described qualification as unbelievable, with tears on the streets and a quiet next morning at work. Servania also sees a tourism boost, and says he is grateful to witness what his grandparents never could.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo