The World Cup of surprises: the smallest team touches the sky

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An old bus from the 60s, the kind that takes children to school, was arriving at the Florida Atlantic University campus, in Boca Raton. Inside the vehicle, music was playing at full volume. Rhythms of soca , tumba or seú . The rhythms that play on the Caribbean island of Curaçao. The smallest selection in World Cup history debuted in the final phase, being thrashed 7-1 by Germany, but they haven't lost optimism. "The mere fact of being here is already a success. We will enjoy every minute," said player Leandro Bacuna before playing their second match against Ecuador. The players once again used this bus, which they have painted blue, like the national team's jersey. Inside, they have placed palm leaves, decorating it in a tribute to the buses you can find on the island, rundown second-hand vehicles bought by the local government. It has brought them luck, as they have drawn against Ecuador in a match where they had some clear goal-scoring opportunities. The hero, however, has been the veteran 37-year-old goalkeeper Eloy Room, who has become the goalkeeper with the most saves in a World Cup match, with 15 meritorious performances.