Curaçao is preparing for its historic World Cup debut against Germany on Sunday. With a population of 150,000, the island nation will become the smallest country ever to compete in the tournament. While Germany enters the match as a heavy favorite making its 21st appearance, Curaçao coach Dick Advocaat stated his team has “everything to win and nothing to lose.” Advocaat told his players to remain relaxed and “be yourself” as they transition from their Florida base camp to Houston. He described Germany as a “towering contender” but expressed confidence that Curaçao will be an “unpleasant team to play” and will “make life very difficult for them.” Defender Shurandy Sambo noted that the team has spent time watching clips of Germany to understand their style of play. The Curaçao squad is representing a nation that rarely sees such large international sports stages. Due to strong Dutch ties, Curaçao is not recognized as its own nation in the Olympics, and its baseball players represent the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic. Midfielder Ar’jany Martha stated the team’s goal is to “show ourselves and get good results.” The team maintains a close-knit atmosphere, with defender Livano Comenencia describing the group as “one big family” that stays happy and together with music during travel. Supporters will be in attendance to watch the debut, including Sambo’s family and 21 other families of the players.