Curaçao Make History With World Cup Spot
Curaçao have become the smallest nation since World War II to qualify for the World Cup after topping group B, finishing one point ahead of Jamaica in the Concacaf final round.
The team, coached by former Netherlands manager Dick Advocaat, secured their place with a goalless draw away to Jamaica on Tuesday.
Advocaat, 78, could become the oldest coach to appear at a World Cup.
Curaçao, a constituent country of the Netherlands with a population of about 156,000, defeated Bermuda 7-0 at the Flora Duffy Stadium last Friday.
Most of the squad were born in the Netherlands, including all 11 starters in the decisive match in Kingston, and several have represented Dutch age-group teams.
Among the squad with top-level experience are defender Armando Obispo, who plays for PSV Eindhoven, and former PSV and Brighton & Hove Albion forward, Jürgen Locadia.
Three of the squad play in the English Football League, including the former Manchester United midfielder Tahith Chong, the only squad member born on the island, who moved to Sheffield United from Luton Town in August.
