'So much pride' - Sheffield United winger Tahith Chong shares emotional message after World Cup exit
Tahith Chong and Curaçao exited the World Cup at the first hurdle after failing to win any of their three group games.
Sheffield United winger Tahith Chong has hailed Curaçao’s supporters, both the United States and back at home, following their exit from the World Cup.
Curaçao, who became the smallest nation to ever qualify for the finals, exited the competition at the first hurdle after losing 2-0 to the Ivory Coast at the Philadelphia Stadium on Thursday evening. Two goals from former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pépé got the job done for the African outfit, sealing their place in the round of 32.
Unfortunately for Curaçao, it meant they finished bottom of Group E after amassing just one point from their three matches. After drawing 0-0 with Ecuador in their second group game, they went into the clash with the Ivorians knowing a victory would have seen them progress to the first knockout round.
Unfortunately, it was not meant to be for Dick Advocaat’s side. Nevertheless, they exited the competition in the knowledge that they had secured a first-ever World Cup point, kept a clean sheet and experienced the thrill of drawing level against Germany before going on to be beaten 7-1 in their opening game.
With qualification an achievement in itself, Chong refused to be too downbeat, taking to social media after his nation’s exit from the tournament was confirmed to pay tribute to the supporters.
Chong posted on Instagram: “See, I wasn’t planning to post anything because of the disappointment that was felt after the final whistle, but that would do an injustice to the fans that came out to support us.
“All the people back at home that have supported us and never stopped. I also think about the six-year-old me that would be looking up with so much pride.”
Chong, who could leave Bramall Lane in this summer’s transfer window as part of manager Chris Wilder’s plan to shake up his squad, started each of Curaçao’s three games at the tournament but only completed the full 90 minutes in the defeat to the Ivory Coast.
Having sampled the taste of a first World Cup appearance, Curaçao will be eager to become regulars at the tournament, starting in 2030.