Trinidad and Tobago coach Leo Beenhakker said he was proud of his side after a surprise 0-0 draw against Sweden on their World Cup debut.
"Sweden had the better chances, but it was a great performance by us," said the Dutchman, whose team played with 10 men for nearly all the second half.
"The way they fought and stayed alive during the game was fantastic.
Captain Dwight Yorke added: "It's brilliant, this is what footballing dreams are all about."
Trinidad and Tobago, the twin-island Caribbean nation with a population of just 1.3 million, is the smallest country ever to reach the World Cup finals.
But the Soca Warriors showed they deserved to be on the world stage after recovering from the dismissal of defender Avery John for a second caution just 35 seconds into the second half.
"We never stopped fighting and stayed alive until the end"
"To come up against a mighty footballing country of Sweden's status with obviously a tiny country like ours, it's a massive result for us," said the 34-year-old, who is now with Australian side Sydney FC.
It was a great achievement all round for Trinidad and Tobago's more experienced players.
West Ham's 37-year-old goalkeeper Shaka Hislop, called into the side after Kelvin Jack injured his knee in the warm-up, produced a series of fine saves.
"They (Sweden) have a little bit more talent than we have but we never stopped fighting and stayed alive until the end," said Beenhakker.
"I recognise the better chances went to Sweden. If you see their front line they have guys who play for Juventus, Anderlecht and Arsenal. We have guys who play for the smaller clubs in England."
Despite being down to 10 men, Beenhakker caused a surprise by bringing on Cornell Glen for fellow striker Collin Samuel after 63 minutes.
"We have given ourselves half a chance"
"They worked very hard. Everyone was more than 100 per cent focused on the game. We are very proud and happy."
Beenhakker appeared to be relishing the prospect of causing another upset against Group B leaders England in Nuremberg on Thursday.
"There are no small enemies. It's a very tough group," he said.
The draw leaves Trinidad & Tobago joint second with Sweden after England had earlier beaten Paraguay 1-0.
Yorke said: "We have put ourselves in a situation where we have given ourselves half a chance. Football is full of surprises."