Despite the scoreline against Germany, the result still felt like a victory to many supporters who traveled for the tournament.
Julian Diaz De Pool, who was born in Colombia but moved to Curaçao at age five, said the lone goal against Germany was a defining moment.
We were together and we were one, one big family crying. At that moment, with that goal, we really felt we won.
His partner, Barbara Van den Bosch, who moved to Curaçao 10 years ago, said the island's identity runs deeper than soccer.
It's not only one culture dominating the whole bunch. It's a lot of culture.
Van den Bosch said Kansas City reminded her of home.
It is smaller. I think it's more friendly and that's how Curaçao is as well. So I feel more at home in Kansas City than in Houston.
Jensley Trapenberg, who was born and raised in Curaçao, said the World Cup has put the island on the map.
It's just crazy. So for a small country like ours to be in such a big, great event, it's crazy. It's a party for us. Even when we lost the game last week. A lot of people in the states or around the world never heard of Curaçao. And now they have heard of Curaçao.
Tinfong Wong, 77, also born and raised on the island, said landing in Kansas City felt surreal.
We never expected this. It never, ever happened, and we never, ever thought it would happen, but it's just such a surprise and so nice, it's just great.
Wong said the emotion back home has been overwhelming.
The island is entirely blue.
Curaçao spans 171 square miles, smaller than Kansas City, Missouri. For fans like Mick Bosman, who has lived in Curaçao since age 14, the island feels transformed.
No one would have thought that this was like possible, and now we are here. The island has completely changed. Everyone is together.
Marlon Barton, the bus driver for the Curaçao national team when they play at home, made the trip to Kansas City and said the team has one goal in mind.
The team is here to win.
Sharyde Anne, born and raised in Curaçao, said the World Cup has changed how the world sees her country.
It's something out of this world. We're celebrating. All of Curaçao is dressed in blue. Everyone, all the countries, now know Curaçao. They know who they are.
Diaz De Pool said the exposure goes beyond the scoreboard.
Because we already won. We already won. We are here. We won.
