Curaçao and Dick Advocaat Deserve Recognition After World Cup Adventure: 'Now is the Time to Build'

Despite Curaçao's group stage exit, a sense of pride resonates among the players and the island's residents. Their World Cup participation has put Curaçao on the map, a crucial step for its development, as Maduro emphasizes.

When asked if Curaçao and Dick Advocaat deserve a celebration on the island, he unequivocally agrees. "Everyone now knows where Curaçao is. That's the most important thing. They are proud of that. They know everyone is talking about Curaçao. That wasn't the case before." Robert Maaskant concurs, finding it logical. "This is one of the biggest stories of the World Cup so far," he states, referring to the media attention garnered by the small debutant.

Maduro hopes this exposure will significantly impact the future of football in Curaçao. Improving it, however, requires substantial effort. "For future generations, it's vital that young boys can dream of playing in a World Cup. They all need to get into football," Maduro dreams aloud.

"What happened here at the World Cup has a much greater impact on the future than just achieving results now," he explains. "You shouldn't feel like this was a one-off success and leave it at that. The focus must shift to the future. Now is the time to build on this."

So, what does building on this entail? "There must be an intention to grow. That also applies to football clubs in Curaçao. Better coaches are needed, better training, and similar improvements. While there's a league now, the level isn't very high. It's also about placing good coaches with the teams. These young players, at the very least, need proper training because the talent is certainly there," Maduro knows from experience.

Maaskant then highlights another crucial aspect for Curaçao, which can now be addressed due to the increased attention. "It also has everything to do with finances. Curaçao was, of course, in disarray for years before the current sponsor Corendon stepped in. If that support disappears, the entire foundation collapses. If there's no money, players won't come, and you can't train coaches. Then you won't have facilities," he warns.

The key figure behind this achievement is Dick Advocaat. Everyone remains uncertain whether he will continue as Curaçao's national coach. The pundits on the panel are also hesitant to make predictions when it comes to Advocaat. "As far as I'm concerned, he should remain the national coach," says Maduro. "But I think he might say that at 78, it's been a good run."

Maaskant is no longer willing to bet on it. "I find it amazing to see what a true enthusiast he is. The way he coached from the sidelines in this match, with such passion. I think he's a great example for all Dutch coaches."

In the latest episode of the Sportnieuws.nl World Cup football podcast, Robert Maaskant and Hedwiges Maduro discuss the recent match involving the Dutch national team. Alongside host Damian Vlottes and reporter Rick Kraaijeveld, they talk about the upcoming fixture against Morocco and who will be the favorite.

They also reflect on Curaçao's World Cup departure. After a valiant effort, they leave the tournament with one point and their heads held high. Will Dick Advocaat remain Curaçao's national coach? The men make their predictions. All this and more in the new episode of the Sportnieuws.nl World Cup football podcast. Available daily on your favorite podcast app, or watch on YouTube.