WILLEMSTAD - Curaçao will have to face its most important match in history — the decisive World Cup qualifying game against Jamaica — without head coach Dick Advocaat. The veteran Dutch coach is returning to the Netherlands due to family circumstances, the Curaçao Football Federation confirmed.

Under Advocaat’s leadership, Curaçao stands on the verge of a historic World Cup qualification. A draw on Tuesday evening in Kingston would be enough for the island to achieve the remarkable feat. Advocaat will follow the team’s preparations and the match itself from a distance.

In his absence, assistant coaches Dean Gorré and Cor Pot will take charge of the squad on the touchline in Jamaica. The technical staff will remain in close contact with Advocaat throughout the match.

“It’s a very difficult decision to have to leave the boys here,” Advocaat said. “It breaks my heart, but family is more important than football. From the Netherlands, I’ll stay in close contact with the staff, and I have complete confidence in this group of players.”

The announcement was made on Saturday afternoon, when Advocaat personally informed the coaching staff and players of his decision to return home.

Team captain Leandro Bacuna also addressed the squad shortly after the news.

“Let this be an extra motivation for all of us,” said the experienced midfielder. “We have to show that we are one family. We’re not just playing for ourselves or for our island — we’re playing for our coach as well.”

Curaçao now heads to Kingston with determination and unity, knowing that a historic achievement — the nation’s first-ever World Cup qualification — is within reach.