Curacao continues into 3rd round wC Qualifiers after 1-1 draw with Cuba in Havana

The Curacao National Selection made it to the 3rd round of the CONCACAF Qualifiers for WC   2018. The first match on June 10 on Curacao ended in 0-0, which meant that the Curacao team had to score but a draw  in the return in Havana would be enough to secure a ticket to the next round.

Curacao dominated in the first half, even though the team had to suffer a goal contra in the 5th minute. Fifteen minutes later Papito Merencia scored: 1-1. Just before the break the Cuban goalkeeper torpedoed Curacao striker Gino van Kessel in scoring position and was given a red card.

During the half-time break however, Cuban skies broke and heavy downpours and thunder and lightning forced a 2 hour delay. The match continued on a pitch better suited for mudfighting, bur Curacao managed to safeguard their advantage and claimed a well-earned spot in the third round.