Kingston, Nov 19 (NationPress) The minuscule Caribbean island of Curacao has made history on Tuesday by becoming the smallest nation ever to secure a spot in the FIFA World Cup.

A crucial 0-0 draw against Jamaica in Kingston was all that the Blue Wave required to clinch their place, igniting jubilant celebrations among the island's mere 156,000 inhabitants.

For 90 intense minutes at the National Stadium, Curacao faced relentless Jamaican assaults. The Reggae Boyz, backed by a fervent home crowd, dominated possession and had numerous chances in the second half. However, Curacao’s defensive resilience — a hallmark of their remarkable qualifying journey — stood strong once more. Each tackle, block, and clearance felt monumental, especially as the final moments approached.

As the final whistle blew, Curacao’s players collapsed in a wave of joy, realizing they had accomplished what many deemed impossible. Their goalless draw secured them the top position in Group B with 12 points from six matches, finishing just one point ahead of Jamaica. Their campaign was characterized not by star players or extravagant resources, but by meticulous organization, unwavering belief, and a collective determination to stand firm.

With the World Cup expanding to 48 teams next year, new opportunities have arisen for emerging football nations, yet Curacao’s achievement remains exceptional. They have now surpassed Iceland, which qualified in 2018 as a nation of 350,000, a story once regarded as the ultimate underdog tale. Curacao has rewritten that narrative.

The progression from a modest footballing structure to the global arena has spanned a decade. Investments in youth training, diaspora scouting, and coaching stability have steadily propelled Curacao up the CONCACAF hierarchy. Yet, even with this advancement, a World Cup spot felt like a distant dream — until now.