From rout to celebration: how Curaçao fans experienced their World Cup debut

Curaçao fans woke up the next morning still feeling the impact of the 7-1 defeat to Germany in the team's World Cup debut on Sunday. Even so, the result did not dampen the enthusiasm or celebration for the small Caribbean country's first participation in the tournament.

Curaçao is the smallest country in terms of population and territory to qualify for a World Cup and faced a difficult challenge against an efficient German team. Despite the rout, fans remained in the stands after the final whistle, applauding the players, singing and celebrating the historic participation.

During the first 38 minutes of the match, Curaçao managed to balance the match and kept the score at 1-1 thanks to a goal from Livano Comenencia, who scored the first goal in the country's history in World Cups. After that, Germany took control of the game.

"I'm very proud because we are the smallest island, the smallest country, and we managed to score against Germany. We are very happy and very proud," fan Otmar Cornelia told Reuters.

For other supporters, Curaçao's presence on football's biggest stage could inspire a new generation of players, both at home and among descendants living abroad.

"The children who watch this game know exactly that the future has no limits", said fan Sandy Martina after the match.

"I'm honored, happy and grateful. I celebrate Curaçao. We're on the world map again. We scored our first goal in a World Cup. I'm proud and it means a lot to me and my nation."

Caroline Sluys traveled from Curaçao with her son to watch the match.

"This is really fun. It's the first time Curaçao has reached the World Cup and we're just a small island with 150,000 inhabitants. It's incredible," he said.

Curaçao returns to the field next Saturday, when they face Ecuador, in Kansas City. The team ends its participation in the group stage against Ivory Coast, in Philadelphia, on June 25.

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Source: CNN