Curaçao thrash Aruba 4–0 in World Cup send-off, group stage awaits

Curaçao sign off in style

4–0 against Aruba in the send-off match. A permanent explosion of joy, as the local press put it. Dick Advocaat's side dominated from start to finish in what was the final test before heading to the United States. The squad travels with a fantastic feeling (2).

The group: Germany, Ivory Coast, Ecuador

Your team lands in Group C alongside Germany, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador. Curaçao is the smallest nation ever to qualify for a men's World Cup – roughly 160,000 people. Nobody expects anything. That's exactly how Advocaat likes it. The squad, affectionately called "Advocaat and his nephews" back home, has a tight-knit group identity and a clear tactical plan. Germany is the opener in Houston (1).

Fan reactions

Fans are already planning their trips. One supporter on Reddit is heading to Houston with his mom for the Germany match and asking about the best way to get a jersey signed or snap a picture with a player. The excitement is real – and so is the disbelief that this tiny island nation is actually here. See the thread