The Ivory Coast national football team have made history by reaching the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time, securing a place in the round of 32 with a 2–0 win over the Curaçao national football team in their final Group E match.
Playing at the Philadelphia Stadium, Ivory Coast dominated from the start against the tournament newcomers. After taking the lead in the 7th minute, they sealed the victory in the 64th minute with a second goal from Nicolas Pépé, who was the standout performer of the match.
The win marks a historic milestone for Ivory Coast, who had previously exited at the group stage in their 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cup appearances. Returning to the tournament after two editions, they finished as group runners-up to progress to the knockout rounds for the first time.
Ivory Coast had begun their campaign with a 1–0 win over Ecuador national football team at the same venue. They then put up a strong fight but lost 2–1 to Germany national football team in their second group match. Meanwhile, Curaçao had kept their qualification hopes alive with a goalless draw against Ecuador after a heavy defeat to Germany, but needed a win in the final game to progress.
The opening goal came in the 7th minute following a brilliant move from 19-year-old Yan Diomandé, who capitalised on a defensive mistake before setting up Pépé for a simple finish past goalkeeper Eloy Room.
Pépé doubled his tally in the 64th minute with a superb left-footed strike, effectively sealing the result for Ivory Coast. He was substituted three minutes later to rest ahead of the knockout stage.
Ivory Coast will face either the runners-up of Group I—France national football team or Norway national football team—in the round of 32 on June 30 in the FIFA World Cup.
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