One step closer: Curaçao and Suriname reach next round of World Cup qualification | OneFootball

Curaçao and Suriname grabbed important victories on Friday night in the continued hunt for World Cup qualification.

Curaçao, led by Dick Advocaat, won 4-0 against St. Lucia, while Stanley Menzo’s Suriname edged past Puerto Rico, 1-0. Both countries have therefore reached the next round of the World Cup’s CONCACAF qualifying tournament.

Advocaat’s side saw a slew of familiar faces, as old acquaintances Eloy Room, Joshua Brenet and captain Leandro Bacuna all had a starting place. Curaçao’s Gervane Kastaneer, currently playing for the Indonesian Persib Bandung, was worth his weight in gold with a hat trick before Juninho Bacuna made it 4-0.

This victory means that Curaçao remain at the top of Group C after three matches and is assured of a place in the third qualifying round for next year’s World Cup.

In Paramaribo, Jaden Montnor (Aris Limasol) scored the winning goal for Suriname, ensuring a 1-0 win inside the final 10 minutes. Suriname, like Curaçao, are still unbeaten in group F. Menzo’s team lead with nine points.

FC Groningen goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen started for Suriname, while Ridgeciano Haps, Kenneth Paal and Gyrano Kerk also featured.

In the next round, the six group winners and the runners-up from the CONCACAF zone will play in three groups of four. The three group winners will qualify directly for the World Cup. The two best runners-up will have a chance to win a ticket via a play-off tournament.

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield