What is the secret of Curaçao?
Room: ,, We just form a very close team, because we have known each other for a long time. It feels like a family and that gives us a lot of strength and trust. At our clubs that is often different, because you have a business bond there with many fellow players. Our strength at Curaçao is the collective. We are difficult to beat. ”
Dick Advocaat Stunt during Gold Cup with Curaçao against Canada
How great is the influence of Dick Advocaat?
,,Big. He is a coach who has experienced a lot in various countries and at large clubs. You notice that in very small things. How he coaches and manage things. It is nice to have a coach who, because of his experience, remains calm in all situations. The collaboration with the group is good. His vision is clear, he stands for that and it helps us to take steps. And because of his name alone, beautiful things also come to Curaçao: sponsoring and a lot of media attention. ”
Can you describe his working method?
,, He is straightforward. What is good is good and what is bad is bad. And very clear. Everyone knows what is expected from him in our playing method. The national coach can sometimes be very hard. But that works well with us. There must be structure and it is now normal. ”
What reactions from Curaçao did you receive after the stunt against Canada (1-1)?
,, We have received many messages from family members and other fans in Curaçao. Our matches are broadcast live there and we even got videos from people who had watched Canada Curaçao in a cinema. It is nice to see that so many fans are busy with our performance. There was a feeling of pride, because Canada was the big favorite and even a good contender to win the Gold Cup. Everyone thought we actually deserved to win. “
Eloy Room and Etienne Vaessen are warming up with Curaçao and Suriname for dreams dreaming: ‘I study hard on the national anthem’
How special would it be to achieve the quarterfinals and why?
,, That would be great, because I was able to experience it once in 2019, after we won against Honduras. If we can match that, it would give a huge boost in the run-up to the World Cup qualification. ”
What do you think of your own performance so far?
,, I think it is fairly stable. With my experience I try to help the team. Of course there are always points for improvement, but in the matches against El Salvador and Canada I did my thing. It is important that we only have one goal against it, because if I keep the zero, it will often be fine. We get opportunities every competition. “
Has it already led to interest? You look like a good wine: the older, the better. And you are transfer -free.
,, There are some things in different countries and different competitions, but I leave that to my agent, because I now want to focus entirely on Curaçao. Then I see what will happen. I feel mentally and physically very fit and that is important. Many clubs benefit from an experienced keeper. “
What competitions do you prefer?
Laughing: “The Premier League.” Seriously: “No, no, no, I am open to every option.
How much confidence does this Gold Cup participation for the World Cup qualification?
,,A lot. This was a test, because we also come across some of these countries in qualifying. It is up to us to reach the level of against Canada every time. Then we can get far. We now show that we belong at this level. “
Is it difficult that you are the favorite for the first time against Honduras?
,, I don’t know if we are the favorite, because Honduras remains a good football country. And every opponent here is very tough and difficult. We have shaken Honduras through our result against Canada. Let us focus on ourselves and the match, because it will be a completely different duel as against Canada. We can wet our chest. “