Pepe Double Sends Ivory Coast Into Historic World Cup Knockout Stage
Match Report
Former Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe scored twice as Ivory Coast secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Curacao to finish second in Group E and reach the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history.
Emerse Fae’s men required only a draw to guarantee progression, but they wasted little time in asserting their dominance and took the lead within seven minutes.
Liverpool-linked winger Yan Diomande capitalised on a defensive lapse by Curacao, collecting a loose ball before squaring it for Pepe, who calmly slotted home into the bottom corner to give the Elephants an early advantage.
Ivory Coast could have doubled their lead before the midway point of the first half. Once again, Diomande created the opportunity, but Amad Diallo failed to convert, dragging his effort wide under pressure.
Despite falling behind, Curacao remained committed and attempted to respond through Jurien Gaari, Tahith Chong and Leandro Bacuna. However, their attacking efforts lacked real conviction, as reflected by their modest expected goals tally of just 0.13.
The Caribbean side showed greater urgency after the interval as they searched for a way back into the contest, but their hopes suffered a major setback shortly after the hour mark.
Ibrahim Sangare delivered a perfectly weighted pass into the box to release Pepe, who kept his composure, opened up his body and expertly guided his finish beyond goalkeeper Eloy Room to secure his brace.
The second goal effectively ended Curacao’s resistance, confirming Ivory Coast’s historic place in the last 32 and bringing the tournament debutants’ campaign to an end at the foot of the group standings.
For Fae’s side, it marked a memorable milestone as the Elephants advanced beyond the group stage of the World Cup for the first time, with Pepe’s clinical display proving decisive on a landmark evening.