Ivory Coast reached the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history after Nicolas Pépé scored twice in a comfortable victory over Curacao.
The Ivorians needed only a point to secure a place in the Round of 32, having failed to progress beyond the group stage in each of their previous three World Cup appearances.
They made the perfect start, taking the lead in the seventh minute when Curacao’s defence was caught in possession. Yan Diomande won the ball before squaring it for Pépé, who tapped into an empty net.
Pépé, who was omitted from Ivory Coast’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, sealed the victory in the 65th minute with a superb left-footed strike into the top corner, leaving Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room with no chance.
The result sees Ivory Coast finish second in Group E on six points, while also marking the first time they have won two matches at a FIFA World Cup.
