The first vindication for him came in October 2010, when his country gained its autonomy. It was a 56-year effort to break free, along with other small Caribbean islands, from the name Dutch Antilles. It is still part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands but that is another story. On November 19, 2025, Rinaal Francisco was vindicated for the second time. Curacao got a 0-0 draw in Kingston against Jamaica and secured their first ever World Cup final appearance. It was his turn to smile wryly at those who had challenged him. The “Blue Wave”, as Curacao is nicknamed, will face Germany on June 14 in Houston in the first of three Group 5 matches in the top competition.

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