WILLEMSTAD - Excitement and pride are running high across Curaçao as the national football team prepares for its crucial World Cup qualifying match against Jamaica. Friday night’s game at the Ergilio Hato Stadium — affectionately known to fans as Kueba di Pantera Negra — has been sold out for days.
Team captain Leandro Bacuna said during a press conference that he feels the island’s energy. “I can’t wait. Of course, there are nerves, but this is what we play for,” he said. “I’m going to give everything I have to win for Curaçao.”
The experienced midfielder, a key player for years, also faced Jamaica in 2019, when a goal from Juriën Gaari helped Curaçao reach the quarterfinals of the Gold Cup for the first time in history.
Advocaat Remains Unbeaten at ‘Kueba di Pantera Negra’
Since head coach Dick Advocaat took charge in 2024, Curaçao has won all five home matches played at Ergilio Hato Stadium. Under his leadership, the team has scored 20 goals and conceded only four.
The winning streak began with a 4-1 victory over Barbados, followed by dominant performances against Saint Martin (5-0) and St. Lucia (4-1 and 4-0). The most recent home match — against Bermuda — ended in a 3-2 win.
With eight consecutive home games unbeaten, Curaçao has become a formidable opponent on home soil. Still, Advocaat urges his players to stay grounded. “These guys have played in big matches before,” he said. “We have to go out there and prove we’re better — but most importantly, stay calm and focused.”
New Energy and Confidence
The Dutch coach also expressed enthusiasm about the addition of PSV defender Armando Obispo, who joins the national squad for the first time. “It gives me a good feeling to see how well he’s been welcomed by the group,” Advocaat said. “The atmosphere is excellent, and the training sessions have been of a very high standard.”
Curaçao currently sits second in its group, behind Jamaica, with four points from two matches. The upcoming home fixtures will be decisive in keeping the island’s World Cup dream alive.
“We’re in a group where the teams are very close,” Advocaat added. “Jamaica and Trinidad are strong opponents, but at home, we are very hard to beat.”
