Dick Advocaat is preparing for a match against Ivory Coast: “We’re going to play with our strengths.”

After a historic point for Curaçao against Ecuador (0-0), the setup of national team coach Dick Advocaat, with among others PSV defender Armando Obispo, still has a chance of reaching the second round of the World Cup in North America. At 10 p.m. Dutch time, The Blue Wave plays Thursday evening in Philidelphia against number 2 Côte d'Ivoire.

Curaçao must beat the Africans in order to qualify for the next round and then has to hope that Ecuador does not win against Germany. Die Mannschaft is already guaranteed first place in Pool E thanks to wins over Curaçao (7-1) and Ivory Coast (2-1) and can still play a major role when Curaçao knows how to win against Ivory Coast.

Advocaat is at least full of good spirits heading into the match against the African country. ''We should be proud that we’re allowed to play against this kind of countries. If we achieve the same level as against Ecuador, we’re heading in the right direction'', says the national team coach at the press conference, as quoted by VoetbalPrimeur.

Just as against Ecuador and Germany, the coach is planning not to adjust to the opponent. ''We’re going to play with our qualities. Be well organized, but also keep our own threat going forward. If you only defend, you know it’s going to be difficult,'' Advocaat says in response.

Despite the high ticket prices, the former PSV coach is of the opinion that the World Cup creates connection among football fans. “The rich people can of course go and the poor people cannot, that’s how it is. But when you see how much joy this team brings to Curaçao, then it’s amazing to experience that,” Advocaat concludes.