BY KUNLE  SOLAJA.

Belgium will aim to stretch their unbeaten run in international football to 16 matches when they face New Zealand, who have quietly developed a reputation for frustrating European opposition at the FIFA World Cup.

The Oceania side have drawn each of their last two World Cup matches against European teams, demonstrating their ability to compete with traditionally stronger opponents on football’s biggest stage.

Belgium enter the match in impressive form and will be confident of maintaining their consistency as they continue their pursuit of another deep World Cup run.

However, New Zealand’s disciplined defensive structure and determination could once again test European opposition as they chase another valuable result.

The clash promises to pit Belgium’s attacking flair against New Zealand’s resilience in what could become another closely fought encounter.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA

History suggests there may be little to separate Uruguay and Spain when the two football powers meet in another intriguing FIFA World Cup encounter.

Remarkably, their only two previous World Cup meetings came exactly 40 years apart and both finished level—an entertaining 2-2 draw in 1950 followed by a goalless stalemate in 1990.

Spain will look to impose their trademark possession-based football, while Uruguay are expected to rely on their traditional blend of defensive discipline, intensity and clinical finishing.

With the historical rivalry perfectly balanced, both nations will be determined to claim a first World Cup victory over the other and strengthen their hopes of progressing to the knockout phase.

Given their evenly matched history, another fiercely contested battle appears likely as two of football’s proudest nations renew acquaintances on the biggest stage.

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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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