Advocaat: ‘Family plan’ drives Curaçao’s WC quest

At 78, Dick Advocaat remains Curaçao’s bondscoach and insists the team can still reach the World Cup knockout stage. They face Ivory Coast tonight (22:00 CET) in Philadelphia needing a giant upset to progress. Advocaat, who called leading Curaçao to the World Cup his “greatest coaching achievement,” reflected on the journey from financial ruin to the global stage. “When we started two years ago there was literally nothing,” he said. “The federation was under FIFA administration and drowning in debt.” Chairman Gilbert Martina and Atilay Uslu of Corendon Travel ensured financial stability, a condition Advocaat set before accepting the role. “If the money is sorted, I’ll do it,” he said. “The dream of reaching a World Cup is huge for such a small island.” The 78-year-old admits his approach has softened with age. “I let things slide that I never would have tolerated before,” he said. “In the past I’d have reacted immediately. Now I sometimes let it go.” He cited allowing families into the team hotel as a change. “These players are millionaires compared to the people back home,” he said. “They’re living something unique and their families should be part of it. I wouldn’t have allowed that years ago.”

Advocaat: ‘Family plan’ key as Curaçao chase last-16 spot

Advocaat also recalled a 7-1 defeat to the United States in Houston. “After the game I saw all those fans in blue shirts dancing on the stands,” he said. “To be here at this level is incredible.” He contrasted his public image with his private self. “People think I’m brash but I’m actually shy,” he said. “At the 1994 World Cup I tried to sneak past Jack Charlton and he grabbed my arm and said ‘Dick, are you ignoring me?’” On Robin van Persie, who assisted his Feyenoord staff in the final weeks of the season, Advocaat defended the former striker. “He prepared training sessions brilliantly and worked himself to the bone,” he said. “I think he deserved better than to be told he could leave without proper evaluation.” Despite a 7-1 loss and a 0-0 draw with Ecuador, Advocaat insists Curaçao belong. “It’s not normal for us to win here but it can happen,” he said. “We’ll give everything tonight against Ivory Coast.”

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He closed by joking about his workload: “First I’ll call Arshavin back for that coffee, then we’ll see.” Advocaat: “I let things slide that I never would have tolerated before.” Curaçao face Ivory Coast tonight (22:00 CET) in Philadelphia needing a win to keep their World Cup hopes alive.