Hansen has highlighted the challenge posed by Germany’s leading talents, naming Florian Wirtz, Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, Joshua Kimmich and Antonio Rüdiger.
Musiala was singled out for particular praise, with Hansen describing him as “um jogador muito bom” before adding of Kimmich and Rüdiger: “Também Kimmich e Rüdiger, porque ele é maluco!”
Those comments underline the gap Curaçao must try to bridge. Germany possess the individual quality to punish mistakes, while their experience of major tournaments gives them an obvious advantage.
Yet Hansen appears determined to turn Curaçao’s outsider status into a source of energy rather than pressure.
“Eu só vou aproveitar e torcer para que a gente vá bem”, he is quoted as saying, reflecting the excitement surrounding the country’s first appearance at the World Cup.
He also pointed to the contrast between Curaçao and their more established opponents: “Nós somos do Caribe e eu cresci na Holanda. A diferença é que nós não temos nada.” The reference to Saudi Arabia’s famous upset of Argentina captures the belief that a disciplined performance, a moment of inspiration and some fortune can change the script.
Germany are only the first challenge in a difficult Group E, with Ecuador and Côte d’Ivoire also standing between Curaçao and a place in the knockout phase.
For Hansen, the priority is to embrace the moment. The response against Germany will set the tone for the rest of the campaign-and could define Curaçao’s World Cup story.