WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao's national football team, the Blue Wave, will face Panama in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Nations League, with a place in the Final Four and qualification for the CONCACAF Gold Cup at stake.
Head coach Dick Advocaat has selected a 23-man squad for the two decisive encounters, which will take place on November 12 and 15.
Curaçao will host the first leg on Thursday, November 12, before traveling to Panama City for the return match on Sunday, November 15.
The winner of the two-legged tie will advance to the Nations League semifinals and secure a place in the Gold Cup.
Advocaat's squad includes several familiar faces, with Jordi Paulina and Godfried Roemeratoe returning to the national team.
However, striker Jürgen Locadia has not been included in the selection for the upcoming matches.
Key players, including the Bacuna brothers, goalkeeper Eloy Room and defender Armando Obispo, remain part of the squad as Curaçao prepares for another important international challenge.
The quarterfinals represent an opportunity for the Blue Wave to continue strengthening its position in Caribbean and CONCACAF football.
Panama is expected to provide strong opposition, making the home encounter particularly important for Curaçao before the team travels to Central America for the decisive second leg.
With qualification for two major competitions at stake, Advocaat will be looking for his players to deliver strong performances in both matches.
The Curaçao Football Federation (FFK) has scheduled a press conference for Monday, November 9, during which further details about the squad and preparations for the matches are expected to be announced.
The upcoming encounters will give Curaçao another opportunity to demonstrate its progress on the international stage as the Blue Wave seeks to secure a place among the final four teams in the CONCACAF Nations League.