Football players from the smallest team competing in the World Cup have been encouraged by their medical team to share rooms with their partners in order to receive “emotional support”.
Curacao, an island nation with a population of just over 150,000 have only scored one goal so far in this summer’s competition.
Although the tiny team only achieved their first point in a 0 – 0 draw with Ecuador this weekend, Curacao still have a chance of reaching the knockout stages.
One way that the team’s bosses have encouraged players to keep spirits up is by staying active in the bedroom.
Record-breaking goalkeeper Eloy Room and manager Dick Advocaat. Credit: AMA/Getty Images
The team’s manager, former Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat, has allowed players to share rooms with their partners, according to team doctor Suzanne Huurman, who said the arrangement helps the squad stay calm at their Florida base.
Social media users were quick to point out the pun in Curacao’s team manager’s name. One person wrote on X: “Guess the name of the manager? Dick Advocaat. A dick ‘advocaat’ for a reason!!!”
Why are players encouraged to share their bedrooms?
According to The Sun, the only female head of medical staff at the World Cup this year said: “Players can stay with their teammates in the same room and, when there are children, the family receives an additional room.
“It’s something quite unique in national team football. Curacao is a small country with very cheerful, warm, and family-oriented people, something that reminds me a lot of Brazil.
“Yes, I believe sex helps, but perhaps more on the emotional side than for a direct physiological effect.
“In such a long tournament, having the family around reduces homesickness a little and brings tranquillity.”
Goalkeeper Eloy Room, who made 15 saves during Curacao’s 0-0 draw with Ecuador in Kansas City, the most by any goalkeeper in 90 minutes of a World Cup match since records began, has been joined by his Serbian influencer wife Zorana at the tournament.
Curacao have received their first point in the tournament. Credit: Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images
Why is being allowed to share a bed during the tournament such big news?
The arrangement has attracted attention because many national teams place restrictions on players spending time with partners during major tournaments.
The Caribbean island nation’s team being allowed to share a room with loved ones breaks a long tradition that keeps loved ones separate to spare players the distraction.
