Curacao just a draw away from World Cup after dominating Bermuda 7-0

WILLEMSTAD--Curaçao’s World Cup dream is very much alive. National team coach Dick Advocaat’s side crushed Bermuda 7-0 on Thursday night (Friday morning Dutch time) and is now one draw away, away to Jamaica, from winning the group and qualifying directly for the 2026 World Cup. The last step to the World Cup will not be easy as Jamaica is expected to be inspired and motivated after their country went through hurricane Melissa.

If Curaçao loses in Kingston, it will still be in a strong position. With eleven points, it would be well placed to finish as one of the two best runners up from the three groups. That route would send Curaçao to the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026.

Curaçao started well in Bermuda. After a smooth attack, Kenji Gorré tried his luck with a shot that was blocked by the slightly raised arm of defender Dante Leverock. Despite loud protests from the Bermuda coach, who argued it was not a handball, referee Tori Penso pointed to the spot. Leandro Bacuna stayed calm, sent goalkeeper Dale Eve the wrong way and then hurried the ball back to the centre circle, focused on boosting the goal difference: 0-1.

Curaçao immediately went hunting for a second goal against a Bermuda side that was clearly weaker than Advocaat’s team. At first the chances were limited to a rising attempt from Gorré and a deflected free kick by Juninho Bacuna. Sontje Hansen also found himself in a good position but rushed his effort and shot over.

Curaçao grew into the game and Juninho Bacuna in particular caused constant problems. Bermuda could not get a grip on the mobile Gaziantep FK midfielder. On a pass from his older brother Leandro, Juninho doubled the lead in style. He wrong-footed Keziah Martin with a feint, created space for his real shot and fired into the top corner via Eve’s glove: 0-2.

At the start of the second half Advocaat brought on debutant Jordi Paulina. Less than two minutes later the striker from Odijk won a penalty when Eve brought him down. Remarkably, Paulina was allowed to take it himself, only three minutes into his first cap. The 21 year old Borussia Dortmund II forward converted with confidence: 0-3.

Curaçao pushed on and almost made it 0-4 through Leandro Bacuna, who shot just wide. After that, Paulina came close to his second international goal on a pass from Hansen, but he could not quite sort out his feet and slid the ball wide.

The next attack produced a flowing team goal. Leandro and Juninho Bacuna combined freely before Juninho drilled the ball across goal for Hansen, who finished firmly. Curaçao kept pressing. Hansen laid the ball off to Juninho Bacuna, whose shot forced a save from substitute goalkeeper Detre Bell. Paulina reacted quickest to the rebound and tapped in for 0-5.

In the closing stages Hansen showed a poorer side of his game. Trying to tease his direct opponent, he stood on the ball and was then hacked down, drawing loud boos from the stands. After another heavy challenge on Hansen, Curaçao was awarded a free kick. Ar’Jany Martha stepped up and curled the ball into the top corner: 0-6.

The best goal of the night may have come in stoppage time. Roshon van Eijma tried his luck from long range and his shot flew past the stunned Bell for 0-7.

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