PHILADELPHIA – Curaçao head coach Dick Advocaat says his team is ready to take on Ivory Coast in Thursday's decisive FIFA World Cup group-stage match, expressing confidence that the Blue Wave can once again compete with one of football's traditional powerhouses.
Following Curaçao's impressive draw against Ecuador, Advocaat believes his side has shown it can stand toe-to-toe with higher-ranked opponents and insists his players will not adopt an overly defensive approach against the African giants.
"We're going to play to our strengths," Advocaat said during a pre-match press conference in Philadelphia. "We have to stay well organized, but we also need to pose a threat going forward. If you only defend, you know it becomes very difficult."
Joining the coach at the press conference was forward Tahith Chong, who spoke about the emotional impact of the overwhelming support the squad has received from fans back home after earning a point against Ecuador.
"All the players have seen the videos and messages from our families and supporters," Chong said. "The support we're getting is incredible. Even after difficult matches, the fans continue to stand behind us. It's really special to see."
The press conference also touched on the high cost of attending the World Cup. With many people in Curaçao living below the poverty line and match tickets starting at around US$500, many supporters have been unable to travel to the United States to watch the national team in person.
Advocaat acknowledged the concerns, noting that the issue had been raised previously.
"That was already known," he said. "People with money can go, while those without cannot—that's the reality. But when you see how much joy this team is bringing to Curaçao, that's something truly wonderful."
The veteran coach said the team's success has strengthened the sense of unity across the island since Curaçao made its historic World Cup debut.
"The reaction after the draw against Ecuador was unbelievable," Advocaat said. "It's a very special experience."
Thursday's match against Ivory Coast carries enormous significance for Curaçao. A positive result would keep alive the island's hopes of advancing to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in its history.
Advocaat remains optimistic that his players can produce another upset.
"We have to be proud that we're playing against countries like this," he said. "If we can reach the same level we showed against Ecuador, we're heading in the right direction."