PHILADELPHIA – Curaçao's historic FIFA World Cup journey has earned praise from the highest level of world football, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulating the Blue Wave after the team's inspiring debut on the sport's biggest stage.
Following Curaçao's 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast on Thursday, which ended the island's dream of reaching the Round of 16, Infantino took time to recognize what the team had accomplished.
Infantino (m) sitting next to Prime Minister Pisas during the Ivory Coast - Curaçao match
"You have made us and your country proud," the FIFA president told the players and coaching staff.
Infantino highlighted the extraordinary achievement of a nation of just over 155,000 people qualifying for the World Cup.
"With a population of 155,000, you are the smallest nation ever to participate in a FIFA World Cup," he said. "Your supporters in the stands were also fantastic."
The recognition from football's governing body comes after Curaçao captured the attention of fans around the world during its first-ever World Cup appearance.
Although the Blue Wave finished with one point in Group E, the tournament produced several historic moments. Curaçao scored its first-ever World Cup goal against Germany before earning its first World Cup point with a memorable goalless draw against Ecuador. The result left the island with a chance of qualifying for the knockout stage heading into its final group match against Ivory Coast.
Following the tournament, defender Juriën Gaari praised head coach Dick Advocaat for leading Curaçao to football's biggest event.
"Dick Advocaat should be very proud of what he has achieved with Curaçao," Gaari said. "We've worked with him for two years. Despite his age, his energy has always been incredible. We had a great connection, and we're proud of him too."
Speculation immediately arose over whether the match against Ivory Coast would be Advocaat's final game as national team coach. The 77-year-old Dutch manager, however, said he had not yet considered his future.
"I haven't thought about it for a single minute," Advocaat told reporters after the match.
Gaari, who made his international debut for Curaçao ten years ago, described the World Cup as one of the most emotional experiences of his career.
"When I heard the national anthem before the matches against Germany and Ecuador, I almost cried every time," he said.
The defender also credited the team's close bond for its remarkable achievements.
"We all see each other as brothers. We're one family, and that's what made this so special," Gaari said. "We've shown the children of Curaçao what is possible. I hope we can be an example for them."
While Curaçao's World Cup campaign ended in the group stage, the Blue Wave leaves the tournament having inspired an entire nation and earned worldwide respect. For many on the island, the praise from FIFA President Gianni Infantino is further confirmation that Curaçao's historic debut will be remembered long after the final whistle.