It has been an emotionally turbulent few months for legendary football manager Dick Advocaat, who was unable to contain his feelings ahead of Curacao's World Cup debut against Germany on Sunday.
The 78-year-old has managed the Netherlands, Rangers, Sunderland and Belgium, among numerous other clubs and national teams, over a managerial career that began all the way back in 1980. He made history by leading Curacao to the world's biggest international competition.
The Dutch Caribbean island, which is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is the smallest nation ever to compete at the World Cup finals. With a population of under 200,000 people, it is a truly extraordinary story.
Dick Advocaat's Curacao Tears Explained
The tiny nation were handed an extremely tough task on the opening day of their 2026 World Cup campaign, facing four-time champions Germany. Julian Nagelsmann's side took an early lead before being stunned by yet another historic moment.
In the 21st minute, Livano Comenencia blasted the ball past Manuel Neuer in the Germany goal to become his country's first-ever World Cup scorer. The scenes inside Houston Stadium were incredible.
They may have gone on to be comfortably beaten by die Mannschaft, but it was still a surreal moment for those wearing blue on the pitch and in the stands. One man who certainly felt the emotions of the occasion was the manager.
It is not hard to understand why. After all, he stepped down as the national team manager after successfully guiding Curacao to the World Cup in order to care for his ill daughter.
He walked away from the touchline, but thanks to an improvement in his daughter's condition, he stepped back in to take charge. In doing so, he has now become the oldest manager in World Cup history. It is safe to say it has been a roller coaster of emotions for the iconic Dutchman in recent months.
Advocaat Went Into Historic World Cup With Optimism
Ahead of his side's heavy defeat against Germany, Advocaat spoke about how Curacao had to make it difficult for the opposition to play against them. "We are a small country compared to Germany, but we will make life difficult for them and be a tough team to play," he said (per The Sun).
The 34-year-old was denied the opportunity to become the first from his nation to officiate a World Cup this summer, but has been paid handsomely.
His pride was evident as he pointed out they have achieved something special just by qualifying. He added: "We have nothing to lose. The expectation is not that high outside of us as a squad, because we think we can surprise people. Just being here is great for the players and the country, but we also have to show people what we are made of."
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