Curaçao can trouble any opponent.

Dick Advocaat says Curaçao showed against Ecuador that they can make life difficult for any team, as his side prepare to face Ivory Coast in their next World Cup fixture.

The experienced coach called it a great stage for Curaçao to play against high-level opposition and pointed to the draw with Ecuador as evidence that his team can do more than sit deep and defend.

Advocaat said the match was a fair result, even if Ecuador created more chances, and added that Curaçao found the right moments to counter-attack. He said the same approach will be needed again on Thursday.

Curaçao remain in contention to progress, although they will probably need an unexpected win. The team also have a record to their name from the Ecuador game, with Eloy Room's 15 saves setting a World Cup benchmark for the most stops in a match without extra time.

Advocaat also insisted his squad are fresh enough for another intense outing. He said they look physically ready in training and will need that energy again against Ivory Coast.