Suriname is currently first in the qualifying group, which entitles you to direct placement. But the difference with the other countries is small. They have all won one of the four matches played so far. Suriname has the same number of points (6) as number two Panama, but is in the lead based on goals scored.
Tension and pressure
Both countries have to play against El Salvador and Guatemala this week. El Salvador is scheduled for Suriname tonight at 11 p.m. Dutch time.
Despite the small differences, Menzo calls the chance for Suriname to qualify as ‘real’: “We have already won against El Salvador and we drew against Guatemala. You just have to play them, that’s what it’s all about. There are other things involved, such as tension and pressure, for example.”
The fact that Suriname is now close to placement ensures that the team is popular among Surinamese, both in Suriname itself and in Amsterdam. Menzo also gets a lot from all that World Cup madness. “I can’t close myself off to it and I wouldn’t want to. I want to enjoy it and I think it’s nice to experience it. But I, or we, have to stay focused on what we are doing.”
‘Dutch raised’
The match against Guatemala awaits on Wednesday and then we will know whether Suriname has qualified. Will it be a big party? “I haven’t thought about that yet,” says Menzo, “but I do think it will be very big, because Surinamese people love to party. This would be a unique moment in the history of Surinamese football.”
“But we were raised in Dutch and very down-to-earth,” says Menzo. “Let’s make sure we get to that point first.”
If Suriname finishes second, an intercontinental play-off tournament will follow, involving countries from all over the world. Six countries participate in that tournament; there are two tickets to distribute.