Curacao is one point away from becoming the youngest country ever to qualify for the World Cup.
The small island nation defeated Bermuda 7-0 on Thursday, strengthening its position at the top of Group B in the CONCACAF qualifiers with 11 points from five matches.
Just one point in their final World Cup qualifier against second-placed Jamaica on November 19 will be enough to write World Cup history.
How small is Curacao?
The World Cup and underdog dramas go hand in hand.
I believe Iceland became the youngest country to qualify for 2018, Cape Verde also secured its place in the 2026 tournament just last month or even Trinidad and Tobago’s only World Cup appearance in 2006.
But in the Concacaf qualifiers, there is an amazing story brewing, as Curacao, a country with a population of just 156,115 and an area of 444 square kilometres, smaller than the Isle of Man, finds itself just one match away from overtaking Iceland and becoming the smallest country ever to qualify for a World Cup finals.
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Where is Curacao located?
Curacao is located in the Caribbean Sea north of Venezuela, a South American country. However, they are competing against CONCACAF rivals and not against South American nations.
It consists of two islands – mainland Curacao and “Little Curacao” which are uninhabited.
Curacao only became its own independent country in 2010 when changes were made to the Netherlands Antilles.
Dutch, English and Papiamento are spoken in Curacao.
What Premier League links does Curacao have?
Dick Advocaat, the former Rangers and Sunderland coach, is the head coach of Curacao.
Despite its small population, Curacao notably boasts a number of former top-flight players with former Rangers and Birmingham City player Juninho Bacuna playing in midfield alongside his brother Leandro Bacuna who played in the Premier League with Aston Villa.
Current Borussia Dortmund striker Jordi Pulina scored a brace in the win over Bermuda. Middlesbrough’s Sonte Hansen was also on the scoresheet in the 7-0 win that put Curacao on the brink of the World Cup.
Manchester United academy graduate Tahith Chong, currently at Sheffield United, also featured for Curacao during the qualifying campaign.
Information from ESPN research was used in this report.
