06/13/26 08:06:00
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06/13 20:04 CDT Curaao embraces historic World Cup debut against Germany
Curaao embraces historic World Cup debut against Germany
By GRACIE FISHER
Associated Press
BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) --- Curaao is preparing for its historic World Cup debut
against four-time champion Germany with a sense of excitement and pride.
On Sunday, the island nation of 150,000 people will become the smallest country
ever to compete at the World Cup.
Coach Dick Advocaat has done his best to keep his players focused and relaxed
as they navigate this unprecedented experience.
"Just be yourself, and don't be nervous," defender Shurandy Sambo said Advocaat
told them, just before the team left its Florida base camp for Houston. "Of
course everybody is excited, but just be yourself, show yourself, because this
is the biggest stage."
The Curaao players have worked hard to ensure they are prepared for their
debut. Germany, making its 21st appearance in the World Cup, is a heavy
favorite.
"We've watched a lot of clips of Germany. How they play, what they can do,"
Sambo said.
Curaao's squad is representing a country that rarely has a chance to have
moments as big as this on international sports stages.
Due to its strong Dutch ties, Curaao is not recognized in the Olympics as its
own nation, and despite its impressive per-capita production of professional
baseball athletes, Curaao players represent the Netherlands at the World
Baseball Classic.
"We are not here to just be here," midfielder Ar'jany Martha said. "We want to
show ourselves and get good results."
Despite the country's small population, Curaao will have plenty of supporters
to cheer them on as they make history. Sambo said his own family will be
attending, as will 21 families of other players.
"I (would describe us) as one big family," defender Livano Comenencia said. "If
you see us on the bus or outside the bus, in the hotel, we are always with
music, always happy. Everybody is around each other."
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Gracie Fisher is a student in the University of Georgia's Carmical Sports Media
Institute.
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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup
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