'Former South Korea coach' Dick Advocaat leads the way, Curacao achieves 'first-ever World Cup points' with population of 150,000... draws 0-0 with Ecuador

*This content was translated by AI.

Dick Advocaat (79, Netherlands), who previously led the South Korea national football team, has led Curacao to a historic new milestone: their first-ever World Cup points.

Under the guidance of coach Advocaat, Curacao drew 0-0 with Ecuador in the second group stage match of the 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup held at the Kansas City Stadium in the United States on the 21st (Korean time). FIFA rankings show Curacao at 82nd and Ecuador at 23rd. Notably, Ecuador was considered the tournament's biggest dark horse after finishing second overall among 10 teams in the South American qualifiers for this North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup.

Curacao, which holds the record as the nation with the smallest population among all teams to ever reach the World Cup finals due to its population of only 150,000, had previously scored its first goal in its World Cup debut against Germany. This time, it secured its first-ever World Cup points in the match against Ecuador.

Advocaat, a Dutchman born in 1947, not only set the record as the oldest head coach in World Cup history but also wrote new chapters in Curacao football history. He previously coached the South Korea national team from 2005 to 2006 and led them at the 2006 Germany World Cup.

Despite being objectively outmatched, Curacao maintained a tight 0-0 balance. After allowing its first shot from Enner Valencia (Pachuca) just three minutes into the first half, Curacao repeatedly faced pressure from Ecuador's attacks.

However, goalkeeper Eloy Room (Miami FC) made spectacular saves that repeatedly frustrated Ecuador's attacking players. Curacao did not focus solely on defense; after the midway point of the first half, it also sought opportunities to strike back with counterattacks led by Juninho Bakuna (Volendam).

Frustrated by the scoreless first half, Ecuador launched a relentless offensive throughout the second half. Shots from Moises Caicedo (Chelsea), Gonzalo Plata (Flamengo), Valencia, and Kevin Rodriguez (Royal Union Saint-Gilloise) poured toward Curacao's goal.

However, Curacao's goal, guarded by Room, remained difficult to breach. Although Ecuador unleashed more than 20 shots in the second half, it failed to convert any into goals. Curacao, which also sought a decisive counterattack, was unable to shake the net.

When the referee's final whistle blew, the two teams experienced sharply contrasting emotions despite the draw. Curacao, with only 25% ball possession (Ecuador 63%, 12% contested) and significantly fewer shots (10-27), secured its historic first point.

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*This content was translated by AI.