With a population of just 150,000, Curacao has smashed Iceland's record as the country with the fewest inhabitants (350,000) to reach a World Cup. Curacao covers an area of roughly 440 square kilometers (171) square miles, making it about six times smaller than Rhode Island, the smallest US state.
Curacao is best known for its beaches and diving spots, as well as a liqueur named after it. Baseball, not football is the top sport on the island, which has sent around 15 players to the Major Leagues in the United States. Probably their most famous is Andruw Jones, who after spending 17 seasons in the majors was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York this year.
"Football used to be much bigger here. From the 1960s through the 80s, everyone watched it," Curacao sports reporter Carl Ruiter told DW.
Ten teams compete in Curacao's top football league, the Prome Divishon. A domestic cup competition was established last year.
Undefeated in qualifying
