A dramatic clash in Kingston between Jamaica and Curaçao settled the fate of both teams in Group B of the CONCACAF zone of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
The National Stadium in Kingston, the home ground of the Jamaican National Football Team, was packed with fans and home supporters, who were expecting a Jamaican win and an automatic qualification to the World Cup. But a tiny island nation was not prepared to let go, and showed exemplary defiance to thwart Jamaican dreams in a sensational 0-0 draw.
Curaçao thus became the smallest country by population to qualify for the FIFA World Cup to be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico next year. With just over 1.56 lac people, Curaçao eclipsed the record held by Iceland, which they qualified for in 2018, having a population of just 3 lacs.
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The draw at Kingston left Curaçao at 12 points, just 1 more than Jamaica, who ended their campaign with 11 points. Needing a win to top the group and qualify, Jamaica were ruthless in their approach to the game and threw everything at the ‘ Blue Waves ‘ ( Curaçao team’s nickname). The Jamaicans hit the woodwork at least 3 times in the second half, but just couldn’t score.
As the match went into stoppage time, Jamaica secured a penalty, but the Curaçao Team protested. The VAR ruled in Curaçao’s favour, and the Jamaicans were left high and dry. The Blue Waves held on magnificently to snatch a point and book their place for the World Cup.
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Dick Advocaat, the Dutch Manager of Curaçao, was absent from the match due to pressing personal reasons, but his team fought bravely, showed a lot of heart and character and held on to reach the World Cup.
Curaçao won 3 crucial games and drew 3 in their World Cup Qualifying Campaign in Group B. The Blue Waves pulled off a terrific victory against Jamaica on 11th October in a critical encounter at the Ergilio Hato Stadium, which propelled them to the top position in the group.
Victories over Bermuda and two draws against Trinidad and Tobago had held Curaçao in good stead. However, despite the victory against Jamaica, the Blue Waves had to salvage a draw at least in their return fixture. A loss would have led Jamaica to the World Cup. It was an overwhelming occasion, but the Curaçao players displayed exceptional grit, had a bit of luck, and qualified, undefeated from Group B.
A tiny island country with a big heart believed in its ability, made true a fairytale and made history.
Nothing is impossible to achieve if you set out in search of the impossible with complete devotion, which is a lesson learnt.
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