Ivory Coast booked second spot in Group E after Nicolas Pepe struck twice in a dominant 2-0 triumph over Curacao in Philadelphia.
The Elephants made several changes to their starting line-up, and one of those decisions paid off almost immediately. Pepe opened the scoring after just seven minutes, meeting Yan Diomande’s cut-back with a composed finish to score his first World Cup goal.
Curacao attempted to respond through Jurien Gaari, whose effort drifted narrowly wide, while Ivory Coast missed an opportunity to double their advantage when Franck Kessie and Amad Diallo got in each other’s way inside the penalty area.
Emerse Fae’s side remained firmly in control throughout the first half, restricting Curacao to speculative efforts from distance. Leandro Bacuna came closest before the break, driving into the area before firing narrowly past the post.
READ: Ecuador Shock Germany 2-1 to Keep World Cup Dream Alive
The Caribbean side knew they needed at least two goals after the restart but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. Kessié almost increased Ivory Coast’s lead when his deflected shot flew just wide, while Sherel Floranus sent an effort over the crossbar at the other end.
Pepe settled the contest in the 64th minute with a moment of real quality. After collecting Ibrahim Sangare’s pass, he curled an excellent finish into the top corner to complete his brace and effectively end Curacao’s hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.
Tahith Chong forced Yahia Fofana into a late save, but Curacao lacked the cutting edge required to mount a comeback and bowed out of the competition despite an encouraging debut World Cup campaign.
Ivory Coast celebrated a second victory of the tournament, sealing a place in the Round of 32 for the first time in their history. They will now meet the runners-up from Group I, with either France or Norway awaiting them in Dallas.