'Hopefully' - Sheffield United ace Tahith Chong shares Curaçao target ahead of second World Cup fixture
Curaçao will be looking to secure a positive result against Ecuador to boost their chances of qualifying for the first knockout round at the World Cup.
Sheffield United winger Tahith Chong is targeting more history with Curaçao as they prepare for their second group game at the FIFA World Cup against Ecuador.
Curaçao were well beaten by Germany on their World Cup debut last Sunday, losing 7-1 at the Houston Stadium. They became the smallest nation to ever appear at the World Cup finals after qualifying for the tournament last November.
Although they were put to the sword by Germany, who are strong favourites to win Group E, Curaçao, following Felix Nmecha’s opener for Julian Nagelsmann’s side, did equalise with 21 minutes on the clock via a deflected effort from Livano Comenencia.
It was a historic moment for the Blue Wave, who are currently ranked 83rd in FIFA’s world rankings, but it was ultimately not enough to earn them a share of the spoils, conceding a further six goals. They found themselves 3-1 down by half-time before Germany added another four goals to their collection after the break.
Having lost their opening game in such damaging fashion, Curaçao will be going in search of their first World Cup point(s) when they take on Ecuador at the Kansas City Stadium at 1am BST on Sunday. Ecuador were also beaten in their tournament opener, losing 1-0 to the Ivory Coast, meaning they will be determined to get off the mark and boost their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.
Having previously described the defeat to Germany as a “learning experience”, Chong, who could leave Bramall Lane in this summer’s transfer window, is targeting a positive result against Ecuador.
Chong told teleSUR English: “I know for Curaçao, obviously, it’s wonderful. We’ve made history in terms of being here.
“But I think also, as we have said many times, we didn’t come here just to make history and come on a holiday. This isn’t why we are here. That isn’t the goal.
“Obviously, like I have said, I think it’s compliments to Germany, the way they played the first game. They are obviously a great team. But we are looking forward to the second game and hopefully we can pick up something from that second game.”