Curacao's Team Doctor Defends Pre-Match Intimacy Policy
Curacao's team doctor, Dr. Suzanne Huurman, has defended the decision to allow players to engage in sexual activity with their partners before FIFA World Cup matches. The policy, implemented under Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, permits partners to stay at the team hotel in Florida, a move Huurman says provides crucial emotional support.
Emotional and Psychological Benefits Highlighted
Dr. Huurman explained that intimacy and family time help players adjust to life away from home, reducing homesickness and stress. 'Players can stay with their teammates in the same room and, when there are children, the family receives an additional room,' she said. 'It's something quite unique in national team football. Curacao is a small country, with a very cheerful, warm and family-oriented people, something that reminds me a lot of Brazil.'
She added: 'Yes, I believe sex helps, but perhaps more on the emotional side than for a direct physiological effect. In such a long tournament, having the family around reduces homesickness a little and brings tranquillity.'
Financial Support for Players' Families
The Curacao Football Federation covers the cost of bringing partners and children to the tournament, recognizing that many players do not compete at the highest levels of world football and could not afford such expenses independently. 'Many of our players do not play at the highest levels of world football. For many families, it would be too expensive to travel and stay for weeks in the United States on their own. The federation decided to assume this cost so that the players can have their partners and children nearby,' Huurman noted. 'Some would probably be worried or stressed.'
Curacao's World Cup Performance
Curacao have taken one point from their opening two matches, drawing 0-0 with Ecuador before suffering a bruising 7-1 defeat to Germany. Despite the mixed results, the team's approach to player welfare remains a talking point.
