Curacao can shock Germany on World Cup debut, says Advocaat / Photo: Molly Darlington - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
-
'Glad it's over': Kim powers to Games gold and military exemption
-
India beat arch-rivals Pakistan to win Asian Games cricket gold
-
After 11 World Cups, football finally comes home for one Indian fan
-
Ethiopia's Tigray rebels abandon regional capital as govt advances: journalist
-
Marc Marquez wins sprint at Japan MotoGP, Martin grabs pole
-
Tom Kim powers to Games gold and exemption from military service
-
Alcaraz fends off Arnaldi to reach Japan Open quarters
-
Split loyalties for Indian football fans at Brazil friendly
-
Antonelli tops times in final practice at Bahrain GP
-
India-Pakistan blockbuster brings cricket fever to Japan baseball field
-
Gauff digs deep to beat Osorio in China Open second round
-
Wong waiting on Rafa after winning Asian Games tennis gold
-
Fresh protests to hit Spain after housing measures defeated
-
With Russia next door and rising costs, Latvia goes to the polls
-
'He's here with me': Japan cycle queen dedicates gold to late brother
-
Penalty hero rues empty seats as Games hosts Japan win football gold
-
Japan Olympic chief says 'lot more' athletes at Games than expected
-
North Korea fires ballistic missile after Seoul's apology demand
-
Asian carmakers besting US rivals at home, China poised to strike
-
US regulator finds Boeing 737 MAX software bug 'not a safety concern'
-
Widgets & Web Offers All-Inclusive Investor Relations Websites for Public Companies, IPOs and SPACs
-
Ohtani 'managing' injuries as Dodgers launch MLB post-season
-
Adams named new US captain to 2030 World Cup
-
Botched US execution leaves murderer unconscious on ventilator: lawyers
-
China a better influence in Latin America than US: poll
-
Cornell rape case exposes sexual violence at US colleges
-
Judge pauses construction of border project in Texas national park
-
France held by Italy in Zidane's homecoming after Olise stunner
-
Belgium's De Bruyne fires double to sink Turkey, France held by Italy
-
Ethiopian pro-government militia claims Tigray airport as regional tensions spike
-
US jobs data boosts stocks as oil prices dip
-
Ohtani shaking off injuries as Dodgers launch MLB post-season
-
US Supreme Court to hear high-stakes climate case
-
Sea levels to rise in California as coastal wave surges up west coast
-
Trump expected to name intel chief Clayton as AI czar: reports
-
New rallies urged in France as protests disrupt over 730 schools
-
Argentina unveils passports-for-investment scheme
-
Djokovic survives China Open scare, Sabalenka starts strong
-
Brazil election debate chaos sparks censorship row
-
King Charles to evoke colonial 'darkest days' on Caribbean tour
-
England's Carse charged by cricket body over nightclub incident
-
Tesla shares jump after global car sales top estimates
-
Amazon vows $1 bn for data center towns, decries 'myths'
-
DR Congo Ebola outbreak killed more than 4,000: official figures
-
Oil prices drop on G7 fuel release, US jobs data boosts stocks
-
Djokovic survives China Open scare against wildcard world no. 104
-
G7 agrees deal to ease global energy supply concerns
-
Lula, Bolsonaro trade blows in final scramble for votes in Brazil
-
Spain's government dealt blow as lawmakers reject housing bills
-
New clashes erupt as protests disrupt over 560 French schools
Curacao can shock Germany on World Cup debut, says Advocaat
Curacao coach Dick Advocaat believes the tiny Caribbean island can "steal some points" from four-time winners Germany on their tournament debut on Sunday.
The 78-year-old Dutchman will also become the oldest coach in World Cup history and will take charge of a third different nation at a World Cup after the Netherlands and South Korea.
Despite his vast experience in both the club and international game, Advocaat said the team spirit that has carried a nation of just 160,000 to the World Cup is the best he has seen.
"The team spirit in this team is something I've never seen before. As a country we will give everything to win for the island, but we're not the favourite," Advocaat said at his pre-match press conference on Saturday.
"When you are participating with the Netherlands or a bigger team, you are one of the favourites. Now it is just amazing to be a part of this.
"We would like to show them what we can do and what we're worth. And for the island of Curacao, it is amazing what we have shown the people over the past two years."
A daunting task awaits Advocaat's side.
As well as facing Germany in Group E, they will take on an Ecuador side that finished second in South American qualifying and African powerhouses Ivory Coast.
"I think we will have to steal some points, but in a legitimate way. We want to show them that we have a good plan," added Advocaat
"Germany will be the dominant team and that is normal."
Curacao's carefree attitude has already won admirers online with players singing and dancing bare-chested on the team bus in a viral social media post.
"We are a nation that we love to have a little bit of a party as well," said captain Leandro Bacuna. "We love to have fun."
Bacuna, like most of his team-mates, was born in the Netherlands but is proud of his heritage and the achievement of putting Curacao on the map.
"People sometimes say I'm not really from Curacao. But these are people, my parents, who had been looking for opportunities and these opportunities are not always present on Curacao," added the former Aston Villa midfielder.
"But we are Curacaoans and we love Curacao!"
N.Walker--AT