Curaçao at Gold Cup 2025: 'We want to prove that we are not a team to be taken lightly'
Curaçao at Gold Cup 2025: 'We want to prove that we are not a team to be taken lightly'
The 2025 Gold Cup is underway, and Curaçao kick off their latest adventure as they face El Salvador in their Group B tournament opener at San Jose's PayPal Park. Before then, we at GBeNeFN wanted to learn more about a team who are looking to continue a trailblazing era.
Located in the southern Caribbean Sea, the scenic island nation of Curaçao has an understated relationship with football, especially given its population of less than 200,000 people. The national team have featured at the premier CONCACAF competition six times. Three of these appearances, including this upcoming chapter in the USA, have come after their separation from the Netherlands Antilles in 2010.
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While a connection with the Netherlands continues to run through the team, with Dick Advocaat in the dugout, and a plethora of Dutch-born players turning out, Curaçao have undoubtedly managed to curate some exciting moments to move them firmly into an infamy of their own.
A recent upshift in form has seen the rejuvenated Familia Azul unbeaten in their last seven matches. They are also still deep in the running for a momentous first World Cup appearance, and ahead of this summer of football, they have climbed up to 90th in the FIFA world rankings.
At the last two Gold Cups they played in, Curaçao went out at the group stage in 2017, but then bettered that with a quarter-final finish two years later. We spoke to Tito at Curaçao Football News in order to get some expert insight on the team and their style, and just how they've turned heads within their federation.
Hi Tito, Curacao's football seems to be back on the rise. What's the general vibe running up to this Gold Cup? What are your memories of the tournament?
The vibe is great right now! Fans are happy that we are back in the Gold Cup, and we want to prove that we are not a team to be taken lightly, just like we did in 2019.
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As for my memories from the Gold Cup, my all-time favourite actually came from 2017. It was the match against Mexico. Despite losing 2-0, the scoreline really didn't reflect the match.
From the first whistle to the last, we went toe to toe with Mexico. We were good defensively and created so many chances and even hit the post twice. That was the first time we really turned heads in the region.
How do you feel about the current selection? Who would you say are some of your stand-out players in this current group? Who should we be looking out for?
I'm happy with the squad, although in the centre-back position, we're kind of thin with only three of them getting called up. There are two players you should be looking out for. One is Jearl Margaritha. He plays on the right wing and also plays club football for Phoenix Rising FC in the USL Championship. In 12 caps for Curaçao, Jearl has five goals and five assists. He is such a good dribbler and has so much flair.
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The other one to look out for is Livano Comenencia. He is a 21-year-old midfielder who plays for Juventus Next Gen in the Serie C. He is tall, strong, fast, and a good dribbler. He has quickly become a fan favourite and has consistently performed for the team since his arrival in October of 2024.
You face El Salvador, Canada and Honduras in the group stages. How do you feel about this draw? Are all eyes on the Canada fixture in particular? Is there the potential opportunity to cause an upset?
I'm happy with the draw. These teams will really test the level of our current group of players. While the Canada game will be the toughest, all eyes are on the opening game against El Salvador.
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We have over 80 years of history against them, dating back to when we were the Netherlands Antilles, and we've never beaten them. In our modern history, from 2011 to now, we have faced them seven times with 0 wins, three draws, and four losses. So the hope is to finally get one over on them.
What would you say is the best way to describe Curaçao's style of play? How would you say Dick Advocaat has influenced the team?
Before Dick Advocaat joined we played a very passive possession-based style of football. But since his arrival, he has had the team playing very aggressively when in possession. The forwards are constantly moving and trying to find space.
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When out of possession, we press hard. Our midfielders and forwards are constantly running, trying to force mistakes, and they have shown an ability to compete physically with other teams.
In a recent game with Haiti, Jürgen Locadia pressed their defenders, which led to a back pass to the keeper, Johny Placide. Locadia held his run and stole the ball, leading to an easy tap-in for Kevin Felida to give us a 4-1 lead.
With a mix of predominantly second and third-generation players, has that played on the national conscience at all?
Despite all of the players being born and raised in the Netherlands, the people here in Curaçao have been happy with them.
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Of course, every now and then, there is somebody who thinks we should add more local players, but no one really cares about that.
What would be your dream tournament? Any fixtures you'd enjoy in particular in an ideal world?
Something I would love to see in the future is a friendly tournament between Curaçao, Aruba, Suriname, and Indonesia in the Netherlands. It would be fun.
GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield | Curaçao Football News
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