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Rutten backs Curacao to spring a World Cup surprise

Curacao coach Fred Rutten insists his team are not travelling to the World Cup merely to participate, stressing that the Caribbean nation’s fighting spirit gives them a real chance of causing an upset on their tournament debut. With a population of just 156,000, Curacao battled impressively through qualifying and now prepare to face Germany, Ivory Coast and Ecuador in Group E.

Speaking in Melbourne, Rutten said his players will approach all three matches with belief, beginning with their opener against Germany. Ranked 82nd, Curacao meet Australia in Rutten’s second match since replacing Dick Advocaat, following a 2–0 defeat to China. The coach expects improvement now that the squad has acclimatised after their long journey. Rutten has avoided major changes out of respect for Advocaat, who stepped down to care for his unwell daughter but remains emotionally connected to the team. For Rutten, Curacao’s unity is their greatest strength heading into the finals.

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