Curaçao secured their first victory in the decisive phase of World Cup qualifying in North and Central America on Tuesday night. Tahith Chong led the way for Dick Advocaat’s team against Bermuda. Voetbal International recap the events in this 3-2 win.
Curaçao began the final round of CONCACAF’s World Cup qualifying series last week with a draw against Trinidad & Tobago and, thanks to their home victory over Bermuda, are still on track for a spot in Group B, which also includes Jamaica.
The top team in the group advances directly to the World Cup, while the second-placed team plays in the play-offs. Advocaat saw his team get off to a flying start in Willemstad as Chong scored twice in half an hour in his second international match for Curaçao.
First, the Sheffield United attacking midfielder was in the right place to pounce on a rebound from Juninho Bacuna’s shot, before he scored after being assisted by Jearl Margaritha. That said, the dominant Curaçao quickly surrendered their lead, as Bermuda pulled back to 2-2 with goals from Kane Crichlow and Djair Parfitt-Williams.
The home side rallied in the second period, and 15 minutes before the final whistle, they finally managed to push to victory. Chong was invaluable this time with an assist and set up substitute Tyrese Noslin for his first international goal.
With the win, Curaçao now moves to four points from two matches and two points behind league leaders Jamaica. Jamaica will face them next month (on the 11th of October) in Willemstad.
