MELBOURNE (DA) — Curaçao completed its final training session in Melbourne on Monday ahead of its second FIFA Series 2026 match against Australia, with coach Fred Rutten saying the squad is motivated and eager to push for a victory.
Before training, Rutten and press chief Kees Jansma held a news conference at AAMI Park, where Tuesday’s match will be played.
Rutten said there is not much difference between his methods and those of former coach Dick Advocaat, while also praising the work done under Advocaat. He said the extra time in Melbourne helped the team settle in better before facing what he described as a more difficult opponent than in its previous match.
The coach also said he is working on a basic structure for the team and now has a clearer picture of his players after two training sessions and one game. He added that major changes are difficult after only two practices, but confirmed he plans to use all of his players in the final FIFA Series 2026 match against Australia.
Rutten also addressed the 2026 World Cup and said surprises are possible in a three-match group stage.
“There is opportunity for surprise,” Rutten said.
After the news conference, the Curaçao squad held its last training session in Melbourne.
Curaçao is scheduled to face Australia on Tuesday at 5:10 a.m. Curaçao time at AAMI Park, a stadium with a capacity of 30,000 fans.