Ivory Coast wrote a new chapter in their football history, beating Curaçao 2-0 in Philadelphia to qualify for the round of 32 at a World Cup for the very first time. Veteran forward Nicolas Pepe scored both goals in Group E’s final round of matches.
A draw would have been sufficient to secure second place and advance, but Ivory Coast took no chances. They played aggressive, forward-pressing football from the opening minutes and were rewarded in the seventh minute when 19-year-old Yan Diomandé capitalised on an error in Curaçao’s defence, winning the ball back and laying it off to Pepe. The experienced forward finished with composure past goalkeeper Eloy Room.
Ivory Coast carried their advantage into half-time and continued to dominate after the break. In the 64th minute, Pepe doubled the lead with a powerful left-footed strike to make it 2-0. Three minutes later, the coach withdrew him from the pitch to ensure he is fresh for the knockout match on 30 June.
The victory confirms Ivory Coast as Group E runners-up. Their opponents in the round of 32 on 30 June will be the runners-up from Group I — either France or Norway.
For Ivory Coast, this represents a historic breakthrough. They participated in three consecutive World Cups — in 2006, 2010, and 2014 — without ever advancing beyond the group stage. After missing out for two editions, the Ivorians returned to the tournament this year and, at the first attempt since their return, they have cleared the hurdle that once seemed immovable.
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