Ivory Coast reached the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time after defeating Curacao 2-0 in their final Group E match at Philadelphia Stadium on Friday.
Nicolas Pepe starred with both goals, opening the scoring in the seventh minute before adding a superb second in the 64th minute from Ibrahim Sangare’s pass. Curacao pressed for a response but failed to break through Ivory Coast’s disciplined defence.
The victory secured second place in Group E, setting up a Round of 32 clash against either Norway or France. Curacao’s memorable maiden World Cup campaign ended with the defeat.