Ivory Coast reached the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history after Nicolas Pepe scored twice in a 2-0 victory over Curaçao on Wednesday.
The Elephants only needed a draw to qualify after winning one of their first two Group E matches. Instead, they sealed all three points to finish second in the group with six points.
Pepe gave Ivory Coast the perfect start in the seventh minute. Yan Diomande won the ball from Curaçao’s defence before setting up the former Arsenal winger, who calmly tapped into an empty net.
Pepe completed his brace in the 65th minute with a fine left-footed finish into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Eloy Room with no chance.
The victory also saw Ivory Coast win two matches at a World Cup for the first time.
Despite their exit, Curaçao produced another spirited display and created several chances. Their best opportunity came just before half-time when Juninho Bacuna broke into the penalty area but fired his shot wide of the near post.
Curaçao, the smallest nation by population to play at a men’s FIFA World Cup, finished bottom of Group E with one point from three matches. However, they leave the tournament with credit after earning their first-ever World Cup point in a draw against Ecuador.
Ivory Coast will now face the runners-up from Group I, either France or Norway, in the Round of 32 in Arlington, Texas, on June 30.
