Nicolas Pepe’s double has sealed the Ivory Coast’s first-ever trip to the World Cup knockout phase in a 2-0 victory over Curacao.
The Ivorians needed just a point to reach the round of 32, having exited at the group stage in their three previous World Cup appearances.
Just seven minutes into the game, Curacao’s defenders were caught out at the back and dispossessed by Yan Diomande, who squared for Pepe to tap in. Then, in the 65th minute, former Arsenal forward Pepe – who was left out of the Ivory Coast squad for the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year – got his second as he slotted a left-footed strike into the top corner past Curacao keeper Eloy Room.
While it was a deserved Ivorian victory, Curacao – the smallest nation by population ever to play at a men’s World Cup – had their moments in the 44th minute when Leandro Bacuna sliced through three defenders into the left half of the penalty area, but sent his effort low and wide of the near post.
It means Ivory Coast finish second in Group E with six points, winning two matches at a World Cup for the first time.
