Curacao’s head medical officer, Dr Suzanne Huurman, became only the third woman to lead a men’s World Cup squad after the island’s unbeaten qualification. The 158,000‑strong team topped a historic group, scoring its first goal against Germany before falling 7‑1.

Huurman, a former Real Madrid and PSV staffer, noted the gender split in medical roles. FIFA’s new rule, mandating a female medical member, sparked an all‑female support crew at the Curacao‑Germany match, signalling a shift in elite sports culture.

Despite the setback, Curacao’s players remain upbeat. Huurman stresses that proving competence overrides doubt, urging more women to join football medicine. The island will next face Ecuador and Ivory Coast, aiming to lift its goal tally in the final group stage.