Curaçao's third keeper Tyrick Bodak: never played a pro match, but ready for the World Cup At the World Cup, there's a player who has never played a professional match. Tyrick Bodak, Curaçao's third keeper, is ready for his chance. His last game for Curaçao was almost three years ago, but he keeps preparing.

How does a keeper prepare without playing time? Bodak (24) has played only thirteen official matches in his career, all in youth competitions. His last game was in February 2025 with SC Telstar's reserves. Yet he trains every day as if he's playing the next match. 'A backup keeper must always be ready,' he says. 'The first keeper can get sick, the second might find it too stressful. Then you have to be there.'

What does it mean for Bodak to be at the World Cup? Bodak was shocked when he met Manuel Neuer, the German keeper he used to play against in FIFA. 'I'm standing next to you,' he thought. 'You don't know me, but I know you.' Bodak enjoys every minute on the bench, especially during the match against Germany, when the wave rolled over the stands. 'I got goosebumps,' he says.

What's next for Bodak and Curaçao? Curaçao's last match was a 0-2 loss to Ivory Coast on June 25, 2026. With a form of 1W-2D-2L in the last five games, Bodak remains hopeful. 'We were there. And we belonged,' he says. 'That's what matters.'