By Kunle Solaja

Nicolas Pepe struck twice as Côte d’Ivoire secured a historic place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time with a convincing 2-0 victory over Curaçao in their final Group E match on Thursday.

The win ensured the Elephants finished second in the group, ending years of frustration after failing to progress beyond the group stage in each of their previous three World Cup appearances between 2006 and 2014.

Côte d’Ivoire will now face the runners-up from Group I — either France or Norway — in the Round of 32 on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas.

For Curaçao, the defeat ended a remarkable debut World Cup campaign. The Caribbean side, the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup finals, became the tournament’s eighth team to be eliminated, although their spirited performances had kept hopes alive longer than many had expected.

Pepe, who had endured a difficult spell with the national team after failing to score in five World Cup qualifying appearances and missing out on coach Emerse Fae’s most recent Africa Cup of Nations squad, rediscovered his scoring touch when it mattered most.

The forward opened the scoring after 19-year-old Yan Diomande capitalised on a costly Curaçao error while attempting to play out from the back. The youngster raced to the byline before cutting the ball back for Pepe, who rifled a first-time low finish through goalkeeper Eloy Room from close range.

The goal marked Pepe’s first in a competitive international match since October 2024.

Despite the scorching conditions, with temperatures hovering in the mid-80s Fahrenheit, Côte d’Ivoire maintained control and doubled their advantage midway through the second half.

Midfielder Ibrahim Sangare split the Curaçao defence with a perfectly weighted through ball, allowing Pepe to race into the area before curling a composed finish from 10 metres into the far corner for his second goal of the afternoon.

Although the Ivorians deserved their victory, Curaçao created several opportunities and could have found a way back into the contest.

Just before halftime, captain Leandro Bacuna weaved past three defenders into the penalty area but dragged his shot wide of the near post. After the break, Sherel Floranus also came close, firing narrowly over the crossbar.

The match may also have marked the end of 78-year-old Dick Advocaat’s tenure with Curaçao. The veteran Dutch coach, who was leading his third different nation at a World Cup, leaves having guided the island nation to an unprecedented appearance on football’s biggest stage.

There was a concern for Côte d’Ivoire when Amad Diallo, who scored the team’s opening goal of the tournament, was substituted at halftime, although it was not immediately clear whether the change was injury-related.

With confidence growing after finally breaking their World Cup knockout barrier, the Elephants now turn their attention to a much sterner challenge as they prepare to face one of Europe’s heavyweights in the last 32.

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Ecuador completed a remarkable escape from World Cup elimination with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Germany on Wednesday, booking a place in the Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

The South Americans entered their final Group E encounter needing nothing short of victory to keep their hopes alive, but their task became even more daunting after Germany struck just two minutes into the contest at the sold-out New York/New Jersey Stadium.

Already assured of top spot in the group, Germany took an early lead when Leroy Sané scored his first-ever goal at a major international tournament on his 15th appearance. Florian Wirtz’s quick thinking from a throw-in released Sané, who fired a left-footed effort past Ecuador goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez.

Ecuador protested that Aleksandar Pavlović had caught Pedro Vite with a high boot during the build-up, but referee Tori Penso allowed the goal to stand.

Rather than crumble, Ecuador responded in impressive fashion. Having failed to score despite 39 attempts in their opening two matches, they finally found the breakthrough with their 40th effort when Nilson Angulo curled a superb strike beyond Manuel Neuer in the ninth minute, sending thousands of Ecuadorian supporters into celebration.

The equaliser transformed the contest as Ecuador grew in confidence against a German side whose defensive frailties resurfaced. Germany, despite winning their opening two matches, have now conceded in all three group games.

The second half produced another flashpoint when Penso initially awarded Germany a penalty after Kai Havertz appeared to be brought down by Joel Ordóñez. However, following a VAR review, the referee overturned the decision after identifying a German foul earlier in the attacking move.

With the match finely balanced, Ecuador found the decisive breakthrough 13 minutes from time. Substitute Kevin Rodríguez flicked on a corner at the near post, allowing Gonzalo Plata to react quickest and stab the ball past Neuer, sparking wild celebrations inside the stadium.

The victory completed a stirring comeback for Ecuador, who had entered the match under immense pressure following a defeat to Côte d’Ivoire and a draw against Curaçao.

Germany still finished top of Group E with six points despite suffering their first defeat of the tournament. Côte d’Ivoire secured second place on goal difference after defeating Curaçao 2-0, while Ecuador advanced as one of the eight best third-placed teams, keeping their World Cup dream alive.

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By KUNLE SOLAJA.

Côte d’Ivoire head coach made four changes to his starting line-up for Thursday’s crucial FIFA World Cup Group E encounter against Curaçao, while the Caribbean side retained the same XI that held Ecuador to a draw in their previous outing.

Seeking to revive their campaign after a defeat to Germany, the Elephants reshuffled both their defence and attack for the must-win fixture.

Three defenders who started against Germany were dropped, with only Odilon Kossounou retaining his place in the back line. Emmanuel Agbadou, Ghislain Konan and Wilfried Singo all made way as Ousmane Diomande, Guela Doue and Christopher Operi were introduced into the defence.

There was also a change in midfield, where Christ Inao Oulai dropped to the bench to accommodate Nicolas Pepe, who joined Ange-Yoan Bonny in a more attack-minded line-up.

Experienced midfielders Franck Kessie and Ibrahim Sangare continued to anchor the centre of the park, while Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande provided additional creativity in support of the forwards.

In contrast, Curaçao coach Dick Advocaat resisted the temptation to alter a side that secured a valuable point against Ecuador. The Dutch tactician maintained his preferred 5-4-1 formation, with Juergen Locadia continuing as the lone striker.

Captain Eloy Room started in goal behind a five-man defence comprising Joshua Brenet, Jurien Gaari, Armando Obispo, Sherel Floranus and Deveron Fonville. The midfield featured Juninho Bacuna, Livano Comenencia, Leandro Bacuna and Tahith Chong, all tasked with supporting Locadia while maintaining the team’s defensive discipline.

The match carries significant importance for both nations. Côte d’Ivoire need a positive result to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive after their setback against Germany, while Curaçao are aiming to build on their encouraging draw with Ecuador and move closer to a historic place in the Round of 32.

Starting Line-ups

Curaçao: Eloy Room; Joshua Brenet, Jurien Gaari, Armando Obispo, Sherel Floranus, Deveron Fonville; Juninho Bacuna, Livano Comenencia, Leandro Bacuna, Tahith Chong; Juergen Locadia.

Côte d’Ivoire: Yahia Fofana; Ousmane Diomande, Christopher Operi, Odilon Kossounou, Guela Doue; Franck Kessie, Ibrahim Sangare, Yan Diomande, Amad Diallo; Ange-Yoan Bonny, Nicolas Pepe.

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