It would be a sensation: on the last match day of World Cup qualifying, the tiny country of Curacao has its fate in its own hands. An old acquaintance plays in the forward line. Jürgen Locadia has not had a club since last summer. But his services are still in demand in the Curacao national team. No wonder: the country has a population of just 150,000. Forwards of Locadia’s quality are rare.

For the first time, the Curaçao national team can qualify for a World Cup – and as the smallest country in World Cup history. To do so, “The Blue Wave,” as the national team is known, needs only a draw against Jamaica on the night of Wednesday, November 19, German time.

Ahead of the decisive match for a ticket to next summer’s World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, Curaçao has one point more than Jamaica, coached by former England national coach Steve McClaren. The euphoria surrounding the capital Willemstad with its colorful houses is therefore huge.

An old acquaintance plays in the forward line: Jürgen Locadia. The former VfL Bochum striker has played in four qualifying matches. He also scored his first goal in the 2-0 first-leg victory against Jamaica with an assist. He was only absent from the 7-0 away win against Bermuda.

Locadia spent the second half of the 2021/22 Bundesliga season at VfL Bochum. However, after 13 games, two goals, and one assist, his time there came to an end in the summer of 2022 and he moved on to Persepolis in Iran. Now he is dreaming of the World Cup with Curacao.

Meanwhile, another internationally renowned man stands on the sidelines: Dutch soccer globetrotter Dick Advocaat. The 78-year-old coach, who once spent a lot of money for little success in Gladbach, took over the national team of the country that once belonged to the Netherlands Antilles at the beginning of last year and put it on the road to success with his vast experience.

But the architect of this success will be missing from what is arguably the most important game in Curaçao’s soccer history. Advocaat has flown back to the Netherlands for family reasons, as confirmed by the association. “It’s a very difficult decision to have to leave the boys here. I made the decision with a heavy heart, but family is more important than soccer,” said Advocaat.

Even without him, the team is now set to secure its World Cup ticket against Jamaica and replace Iceland as the smallest participant in a World Cup to date. If this sensation is achieved, Advocaat will finally become a national hero on the Caribbean island. The association president has already promised a monument for the Dutchman, but Advocaat wants nothing to do with it. “If we make it to the World Cup, then they should erect a monument with all the players.”