Tiny Curaçao pulls off historic World Cup qualification feat, defying odds with remarkable coaching hire.
The tiny Caribbean island nation of Curaçao has achieved a monumental feat in qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, becoming the smallest country by land area and population to participate in the tournament. With a population of just 156,000 people, Curaçao has set a new record, surpassing even Iceland's impressive feat just last year.
The mastermind behind this incredible achievement is Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, who brought his wealth of experience to the job at the ripe age of 78. This makes him not only the oldest coach in World Cup history but also a candidate for the oldest coach ever, surpassing Otto Rehhagel's record by several years.
Advocaat's coaching style has been a key factor in Curaçao's success, as he has instilled a strong team ethos and emphasized the importance of avoiding defeat at all costs. This approach has paid off, with the team finishing top of group B after a thrilling campaign that saw them come from behind to win their final match against Jamaica.
The team's players are overjoyed at their achievement, with winger Kenji Gorré describing it as "an impossibility made possible." When asked about Advocaat's influence on the team, Gorré credited him for bringing a sense of experience and leadership that has helped to elevate the squad to new heights.
The team's success is not just due to Advocaat's coaching, however. The players themselves have also played a significant role in Curaçao's history, with many having previously represented Netherlands at youth level or playing in top-tier leagues across Europe.
Curaçao's journey to the World Cup has been long and arduous, but the team's perseverance and determination have ultimately paid off. As Kenji Gorré noted after their final match, "This is destiny. This is meant to be."
The tiny Caribbean island nation of Curaçao has achieved a monumental feat in qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, becoming the smallest country by land area and population to participate in the tournament. With a population of just 156,000 people, Curaçao has set a new record, surpassing even Iceland's impressive feat just last year.
The mastermind behind this incredible achievement is Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, who brought his wealth of experience to the job at the ripe age of 78. This makes him not only the oldest coach in World Cup history but also a candidate for the oldest coach ever, surpassing Otto Rehhagel's record by several years.
Advocaat's coaching style has been a key factor in Curaçao's success, as he has instilled a strong team ethos and emphasized the importance of avoiding defeat at all costs. This approach has paid off, with the team finishing top of group B after a thrilling campaign that saw them come from behind to win their final match against Jamaica.
The team's players are overjoyed at their achievement, with winger Kenji Gorré describing it as "an impossibility made possible." When asked about Advocaat's influence on the team, Gorré credited him for bringing a sense of experience and leadership that has helped to elevate the squad to new heights.
The team's success is not just due to Advocaat's coaching, however. The players themselves have also played a significant role in Curaçao's history, with many having previously represented Netherlands at youth level or playing in top-tier leagues across Europe.
Curaçao's journey to the World Cup has been long and arduous, but the team's perseverance and determination have ultimately paid off. As Kenji Gorré noted after their final match, "This is destiny. This is meant to be."
Curaçao's historic World Cup qualification is a true David vs Goliath story. The tiny island nation's population of 156k is laughably small compared to the global football powerhouse that is the FIFA World Cup 
. But what's even more impressive is how they've done it with a coach who's basically a legend in his own right, Dick Advocaat being 78 years young and still going strong 
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. And let's give credit where credit is due: the players themselves have also played a huge role in this achievement. Many of them have had top-tier experiences in Europe or represented Netherlands at youth level, which has given them a level of maturity and understanding that's helped take Curaçao to new heights 
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️. So here's to Curaçao: you're a national pride and an inspiration to us all! 
Curaçao making history by qualifying for the world cup at 156k population is just mind blown! Dick Advocaat's coaching style is genius , he's like a wizard or something . the team's spirit and determination are truly inspiring 
kenji gorre's quote "an impossibility made possible" is so true 
. And Dick Advocaat at 78 years young, coaching like a boss 
. And let's give it up for Kenji Gorré, he's speaking truth 
. It's gonna be wild to watch them at the World Cup! 
. I mean, a 78-year-old coach taking the helm and leading them to victory? That's just too convenient 
. What's really going on here? Is Dick Advocaat being paid off or is he actually that skilled at coaching? 
. I think there's more to this story than meets the eye. Maybe Advocaat has some secret connections or knowledge that we're not aware of? 
. I need more evidence before I start jumping on the bandwagon. Curaçao may have pulled off an impressive feat, but I still think there's a conspiracy at play here 
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. And 78-year-old coach Dick Advocaat leading them? That's just pure genius 
. I love how he's all about avoiding defeat and building that team ethos - it's like he's got some secret sauce 
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. They've been through so much to get here, and it's amazing they can still celebrate 
. Curaçao's story is a real inspiration - who would have thought a tiny island nation could pull off something like this? 
I mean, can you even believe it? Curaçao qualifying for the World Cup is like something out of a movie 
. I'm seriously impressed by Dick Advocaat's coaching skills at 78 years old! 
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. I mean, we can all learn from their underdog spirit 
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, bringing so much experience and leadership to the team. the fact that kenji gorre calls it "an impossibility made possible" is so true 
Curaçao winning the World Cup is defo a dream come true for them! Who knew that 156k ppl could make such an impact? 
. The team's spirit and determination are infectious, and I love how they've come from behind to win matches. 
. But at the same time, Dick Advocaat's like, a total legend for taking on the job at 78 years old 
... wait, isn't that kinda old? 
Anyway, his coaching style might be unorthodox, but hey, it seems to be working for them 
️. It's almost as if they've got this crazy team ethos going on, where losing is just not an option 
... which sounds pretty cool, actually 
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. A 78-year-old coach? That's just crazy talk! How does an old dude like that manage to whip a team of 156,000 people into shape and get them to the World Cup? And what about all the players who have represented Netherlands at youth level or played in top-tier leagues across Europe? It sounds like they're just getting a free ride. Where's the proof? I want some stats, not feel-good stories 
. Curaçao's success might be impressive, but let's keep things realistic here 
. The team's spirit and teamwork are what really made this possible. It's an incredible story of perseverance and believing in oneself 
. i mean, the team's strategy of avoiding defeat at all costs might sound weird to some, but if it's working for them, who am i to question it 
. and can we talk about kenji gorré's quote "an impossibility made possible" 
? so true, i'm loving this underdog story 
!