Dick Advocaat believes Curaçao have laid the foundations for long-term success after their historic FIFA World Cup debut, but insists the next step depends on strong leadership off the pitch.
The veteran Dutch coach saw his side bow out of the tournament following a 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast in their final Group E fixture, ending an impressive campaign that included a memorable goalless draw against Ecuador after an opening defeat to Germany.
Although Curaçao failed to reach the knockout stage, Advocaat believes the nation has every reason to be optimistic about the future.
Speaking after the match, the 78-year-old outlined what he believes should be the immediate priority for Curaçao as they seek to build on the biggest achievement in the country’s football history.
“We have to make sure that the president stays,” Advocaat said.
“That’s a very important role for the Curaçao Football Association. I hope that he decides to continue. The Curaçao Football Association really needs that.”
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Beyond administrative stability, Advocaat believes the squad itself also needs strengthening if Curaçao are to compete more consistently against the world’s elite.
“I see the future positively,” he said.
“But a few positions have to get better. So we have to try to find those, so we can play easier.
“You have to work so hard to get results. You can see that from the opponents—they all play easier. But we have to improve that.”
Dick Advocaat has urged Curaçao’s football federation president to remain in office, describing the role as vital as the Caribbean nation looks to build on its historic FIFA World Cup debut.
The former Netherlands, South Korea and Russia manager also revealed plans to continue expanding the player pool by attracting more eligible footballers to represent Curaçao.
“You have to try to exploit this by getting even better,” he explained.
“See if we can find more players who would like to play for Curaçao.”
Despite exiting at the group stage, Advocaat believes the experience of facing Germany, Ecuador and Ivory Coast has accelerated the development of his players.
“The team has surpassed itself,” he said.
“They played against real world teams Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Germany. They played with full enthusiasm and a lot of courage. I think that was very important.”
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The veteran coach also dismissed suggestions that he would have approached the tournament differently, insisting his tactical decisions were justified despite the elimination.
“I don’t think so,” he said when asked if he would change his starting lineup.
“I thought they played very well. We just played against a world team.
“We were not modest. We played defensively and forward, but you have to be lucky to score from one of those attacks. We had the same number of attacks as the opponents, and they scored. That’s the difference.”
Advocaat also admitted he has not yet considered whether the defeat to Ivory Coast could prove to be his final match in charge.
“To be honest, I didn’t think about it for a minute,” he said.
“You are busy with a game like this and you try to get the best result possible with the staff we have. Maybe later, when I leave, I’ll think about it.”
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Advocaat believes Curaçao leave the United States with far more positives than disappointments having qualified for their first-ever World Cup and competed bravely against three established football nations, the Caribbean side have given themselves a platform they hope will lead to even greater achievements in the years ahead.
