Curaçao Coach Rutten Confident Team Can Cause Upset at World Cup

Rutten noted that Curaçao, the Caribbean country with just 156,000 residents, showed real grit during the qualifiers, which suggests they could do well in the tournament running from June 11 to July 19 in North America. In Group E, they face matches against Germany, Ivory Coast and Ecuador.

'We get three opportunities, starting with Germany,' he explained to journalists in Melbourne on Monday.

'That means our tournament does not end after the opening match for us.

'In world championships or European ones, upsets happen every time.

'So why could it not be our turn this year?

'Our squad consists of real battlers who refuse to quit.'

The team, ranked 82nd globally, takes on world number 27 Australia in a friendly at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Tuesday. This marks Rutten's second outing as head coach, following his appointment after experienced Dutch coach Dick Advocaat.

His debut ended in a 2-0 loss to China during a friendly in Sydney last Friday.

Securing a victory against Australia on home soil would send a powerful message ahead of the World Cup trip, and Rutten anticipates improved play from his charges now that they have adjusted following the lengthy travel to Australia.

He added that he avoided significant alterations to the lineup after replacing Advocaat, who became a celebrated figure in Curaçao for leading them through the qualification process.

Advocaat, aged 78, left the role a month back to care for his ailing daughter, yet Rutten revealed the veteran remains involved with his former squad, which he views as an extended family.

'He sent his best wishes to the group, seeing it as a close-knit family,' Rutten commented.

'He belonged to that family and continues to feel connected.'