Advocaat welcomes Bergraaf and Thomas to Curaçao squad for Panama tie

Curaçao coach Dick Advocaat says he is pleased to have AZ prospect Jerolldino Bergraaf available for the Nations League play-off against Panama, while ADO Den Haag forward Nigel Thomas has been recalled and is hoping to make his international debut.

Bergraaf is available for the first time. Advocaat described the two players as “two very good additions” and said: “Good that they chose Curaçao.” He called Bergraaf “a real striker”, although the youngster usually plays on the right wing for AZ, and added that he needed to become more aggressive.

Curaçao will reach the tournament’s Final Four for the first time if they beat Panama over two legs. Victory would also secure a place at the 2027 Gold Cup.

Advocaat warned that Panama are a strong, well-organised side. The first leg is in Curaçao, with the return match scheduled for Sunday evening local time in Panama. He said the first match would be important and noted that away goals count double in the competition. “We’d better just win 1-0 at home, or by more,” he said.