Ivory Coast reached the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in their history after Nicolas Pepe scored twice in a 2-0 victory over Curacao to seal second place in Group E.
Pepe gave the Ivorians an early breakthrough after just seven minutes, finishing from close range after teenage talent Yan Diomande dispossessed Curacao’s defence before squaring the ball for the forward to score.
The former Arsenal player doubled the lead in the 65th minute, curling a left footed strike into the top corner beyond Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room to secure Ivory Coast’s second win of the tournament and their place in the round of 32.
The Ivorians, who progressed beyond the group stage for the first time after falling at the first hurdle in each of their previous three World Cup appearances. They also recorded two World Cup victories in a single tournament for the first time, finishing second in Group E with six points after Ecuador defeated Germany in the group’s other fixture.
Curacao, the smallest nation by population to compete at a men’s World Cup, produced another spirited display despite their elimination. Their best opportunity came shortly before half time when Juninho Bacuna broke into the penalty area but fired wide of the near post.
Although they finished bottom of Group E with one point from three matches, Curacao leave the tournament with their reputation enhanced, having claimed their first ever World Cup point in a draw against Ecuador and pushed stronger opponents throughout the competition.
Ivory Coast’s achievement also ended years of World Cup disappointment for a nation whose celebrated generation, led by Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure, never reached the knockout rounds despite multiple appearances.
After difficult group stage exits in 2006, 2010 and a heartbreaking late elimination in 2014, as well as failing to qualify for the previous two World Cups, the current squad finally ended the country’s long wait for a place in the knockout stage.
Ivory Coast will face the runners up of Group I, either France or Norway, in Arlington, Texas, on 30 June for a place in the last 16.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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