Suriname, Curaçao supporters set for late night as teams chase first-ever World Cup spot

Fans of Suriname and Curaçao living in the Netherlands are staying up late for the final World Cup qualifiers. In multiple venues, the matches will be broadcast on big screens as supporters watch to see if both teams can make history by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time. The games kick off at 2 a.m. on Wednesday.

Suriname are top of Group G ahead of Panama. Both sides have nine points but Suriname has a three times better goal difference. Both sides face teams that are already eliminated from qualifying in Guatamala and El Salvador. Suriname would need to ensure that they at least equal Panama's result and also that Panama does not beat their opponent by three goals more then Suriname. Curaçao face Jamaica away, a draw is enough for them to qualify for the World Cup.

The matches featuring Jamaica and Curaçao will be broadcast on large screens at Villa Thalia and ’t Fust in Rotterdam, and at De Mansion in Dordrecht. Edson Rafael, a Curaçao native and organizer of the event at De Mansion, expects about 50 fans to attend. He says both games are generating massive excitement among Curaçaoans in the Netherlands. "Everything is turning blue. Everyone’s talking about it. It’s the first time we get to witness this."

Rafael notes that Curaçao is primarily famous for baseball. "What the team is accomplishing in football right now is legendary." He adds that the team is even more motivated to win because national coach Dick Advocaat cannot attend due to personal reasons.

Supporters will also watch the Suriname match together, including at Real Sranang football club in Amsterdam-Oost. A staff member there is unsure how many people will show up.

Fans are also gathering in Duivendrecht and at The Extra Mile in Zuidoost, organized by Suriname-born Ray Semmoh. So far, 50 to 60 people have registered, which is required. He says the late hour is no deterrent. "How often will Suriname have the chance to qualify for the World Cup? If you don’t stay up for this, you’re not a true football fan."

Semmoh, who runs his own football school, admits he’s very excited. "It won’t be easy," he says. "But judging by their strong performance on Thursday, I hope they can keep that momentum going."

He is also a fan of the Dutch national team and attended the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Monday when the Netherlands secured World Cup qualification. If Suriname advances and faces the Netherlands, however, he will cheer for his country of birth. "The motherland comes first."