Dick's different World Cup: Advocaat's camp is definitely the happiest one
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 23.06.26. | 23:51
The 78-year-old has opened the doors to players' families as Curacao chase a historic knockout place
Most World Cup managers spend their time trying to eliminate distractions. Dick Advocaat has embraced one.
As Curacao continue their remarkable debut appearance on football's biggest stage, the veteran Dutch coach has allowed players to share rooms with their partners and families throughout the tournament - a decision almost unheard of at an elite international level.
It is hardly the most conventional World Cup story. Then again, there is very little that is conventional about Curacao.
With a population of barely 150,000 people, the Caribbean island became the smallest nation ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup. They arrived in the United States as overwhelming outsiders, suffered a painful 7-1 defeat against Germany in their opening match, yet responded by claiming a historic first point with a heroic goalless draw against Ecuador.
Now, with a slim chance of reaching the knockout stages still alive, Curacao are doing things their own way.
Team doctor Suzanne Huurman revealed that Advocaat and the federation decided to cover accommodation costs for players' partners and children, allowing families to stay close to the squad during the tournament.
"It's something quite unique in national-team football," Huurman explained.
"Curacao is a small country with a warm, family-oriented culture. In such a long tournament, having family around helps reduce homesickness and brings tranquillity."
The policy represents a stark contrast to the methods traditionally employed at major tournaments.
Former England manager Fabio Capello famously imposed strict curfews during the 2010 World Cup and heavily restricted contact between players and their partners. Many national teams still operate under similar rules today, believing isolation helps maintain focus.
Advocaat, however, appears to view things differently.
At 78 years old, the former PSV, Netherlands, South Korea, Serbia and Sunderland manager has seen enough football to know that not every squad responds to the same formula. For Curacao's players, many of whom do not compete regularly at the highest level of the European game, family support can be every bit as important as tactical preparation.
"Some players would probably be worried or stressed if their families weren't here," Huurman added.
Curacao sit two points behind second-placed Ivory Coast heading into the final group match.