Jeremy Cross reports…
Curacao forward Gervane Kastaneer has fulfilled a lifelong ambition after reaching the World Cup.
But thanks to an emotional letter from his dad, it is also a triumph shared with the family who helped him overcome a dark and traumatic period in his career.
Back in 2017 Kastaneer was poised to join Mainz from ADO Den Haag.
But his dream switch to the German outfit was left in ruins when, during a game against PEC Zwolle, he was struck in the eye by a ball.
The incident caused him serious problems with his vision and left him stuck on the sidelines for several months.
Now the former Coventry City and Hearts forward is poised to line up for Caribbean minnows Curacao against the might of Germany, in their opening game of what will be a first ever World Cup campaign.
And his dad sent him a letter to praise his son for never giving up.
It said: “People only saw an eye injury, but we knew the reality behind it. The pain, the uncertainty, the fear, the tears, the endless drives to Germany.
“Week after week, just to be with you. Because we felt that you needed us. Because family stays close precisely when life suddenly turns dark.
“Together we cried, together we laughed. But giving up was never an option.
“Now you are going to the 2026 World Cup with our island, Curaçao. Who would have ever thought that?”
Gervane Kastaneer of Curacao(Image: Maddie Meyer – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)