The draw between Curaçao and Ecuador this Saturday (20) was celebrated as a victory for the people of Curaçao and for tourists who watched the game in Willemstad, capital of the Caribbean island.
The celebration began late in the afternoon, well before departure. While in Kansas City (USA) the Curaçao players were preparing to take the field, the fans formed a true “blue wave”, as the Caribbean team defines itself.
Regardless of nationality, tourists joined the Curaçaoans and took to the streets dressed in blue t-shirts, flags and caps to support the team, one of the debutants in this World Cup.
Little by little, the Wilhelminapark square, where a large screen was installed, became filled with fans. Many brought their own chairs to sit on. Others sat on the floor or stood up. The important thing was to participate in another historic moment.
The first was the unprecedented goal scored on his debut, against four-time world champion Germany, which, however, technically far superior, won 7-1.
And so it was. In addition to cheering, they wanted to show the world that a small island with almost 160 thousand inhabitants has big dreams.
The atmosphere was festive in the square. And there was no shortage of reasons to celebrate. Even after the defeat to Germany, the population wanted to continue celebrating their unprecedented participation in the World Cup. Despite the setback due to a large score, the feeling was one of victory.
For businessman Clif Maduro, 42, the fact that Curaçao is in the World Cup already represents a victory. “Scoring a goal in Germany was already a victory for us. Even though we lost the game, we won just by being in the World Cup,” he said.
Administrator Julmarie Pieternella, 29, shares the same sentiment. For her, the pride of participating in the World Cup has a greater meaning than a simple victory.
“The goal in Germany meant a lot to us, even though we lost the game. We will continue to support our team” she said, who had blue braids in her hair, a “blue wave” team t-shirt and a whistle to cheer up the crowd.
Tourists were also moved by the enthusiasm of the Curaçaoans during the game against Ecuador. Live on the island, the Brazilian couple Bethânia Cavalcanti, 46, and Eros Cavalcanti, 50, made a point of watching the game in the square.
“We can’t even describe the energy tonight. People are excited about the game, we get into the spirit and cheer with them”, said Bethânia.
And while there was no goal to celebrate in the match against Ecuador, the fans were thrilled with the saves of goalkeeper Eloy Room, 37, who secured a 0-0 draw with Ecuador.
After the final whistle, the entire square was moved by the result of the game, which guaranteed Curaçao’s first point in a World Cup.
“We are very happy. It’s like we won the game,” said Julmarie.
