"The delay in Dick Advocaat becoming Curacao's head coach might have been ominous but instead was the foundation for glory. Frustrated by the national federation's financial problems, he deferred starting until January 2024, when the issues were resolved and players paid, paving the way for a historic World Cup qualifying campaign. Curacao will be the smallest nation by land area and population to play at the 2026 World Cup after their 0-0 draw in Jamaica on Wednesday."
"Advocaat initiated contact with Curacao about the job, knowing that by the time the tournament came around he would be 78. That could be another bit of history because Advocaat may become the oldest coach in the tournament's history, surpassing Otto Rehhagel, who was 71 years and 317 days old when he oversaw Greece's third and final group game in 2010. Although Romania's coach Mircea Lucescu is hoping to make it through the playoffs and take charge in North America at the age of 80."
"Literally, it's an impossibility that is made possible, says the winger Kenji Gorre from the team hotel in Jamaica after two hours' sleep. It's literally impossible for such a small island, such a small 150,000 population, and now to go to the biggest pinnacle of football is unbelievable."
Dick Advocaat postponed taking the Curacao job until January 2024 because of the national federation's financial problems; he began after the issues were resolved and players were paid. Under his leadership, Curacao achieved a historic World Cup qualifying campaign, clinching qualification with a 0-0 draw in Jamaica. The Caribbean island, with a population of about 156,000, becomes the smallest nation by population and land area to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Players and supporters celebrated the unprecedented achievement, and Advocaat could become the tournament's oldest coach at age 78.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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