Curaçao managed to qualify for the World Cup by drawing 0-0 away with Jamaica and became the smallest country in the history of the tournament. The previous record belonged to Iceland, which was a finalist in 2018, but Curaçao has a much smaller area and population. Although the island country has a population of only 156 thousand, it has achieved one of the biggest surprises of modern football.
FORMER FENERBAHÇE ADVOCAAT MAKES HISTORY
The team’s coach, Dick Advocaat, did not take part in the match due to personal reasons, but he is preparing to make history. The experienced coach will become the oldest coach of the World Cup by performing in the tournament at the age of 78. This title belonged to 71-year-old Otto Rehhagel, who coached Greece in 2010.
Curaçao was undefeated in 10 matches and showed a stable image by winning seven of them. However, the final moments of the Jamaica match took our breath away. In the fourth minute of extra time, El Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton showed the penalty spot because Jeremy Antonisse fouled Isaac Hayden.
Just when it was thought that everything would be over, VAR stepped in. Barton reviewed the position and reversed his decision. Thus, the island country managed to step onto the biggest stage of world football with its first World Cup ticket in its history.