The former Arsenal winger strikes twice as Faé’s side secures qualification. Curaçao bows out after making history with its first-ever World Cup point.
Curaçao’s unforgettable FIFA World Cup debut came to an end in Houston, where Côte d’Ivoire claimed a 2-0 victory thanks to a clinical brace from Nicolas Pépé and booked a place in the Round of 32 as Group E runners-up.
For the Caribbean nation, the dream is over, but not without leaving a mark on the tournament. The smallest country ever to qualify for a World Cup leaves the United States with its head held high, having earned a historic first point against Ecuador and having forced several established nations to work hard for every opportunity.
The Elephants, meanwhile, knew that only a victory would guarantee passage to the knockout stage, and they wasted little time asserting themselves.
Just seven minutes into the match, a costly defensive lapse by Curaçao allowed Pépé to pounce and calmly beat Eloy Room, giving Emerse Faé’s side the perfect start.
Curaçao tried to respond through Tahith Chong and the Bacuna brothers, but the Ivorians controlled possession and managed the tempo effectively. Franck Kessié dictated play from midfield, while Yan Diomande repeatedly caused problems down the flank with his pace and direct running.
Advocaat’s side showed plenty of determination and remained within touching distance for much of the contest, but the decisive moment arrived midway through the second half.
Again it was Pépé. The experienced forward found space inside the area and finished clinically to complete his brace and effectively end Curaçao’s hopes.
The final whistle confirmed Côte d’Ivoire’s qualification with six points, behind group winners Germany despite the Germans’ surprise defeat to Ecuador. The Elephants will now face the runners-up from Group I in the Round of 32.
For Curaçao, elimination cannot overshadow an extraordinary campaign. From being tournament debutants to collecting a historic World Cup point and pushing stronger opponents to their limits, Dick Advocaat’s players earned admirers around the globe.
Match Report
Curaçao 0-2 Côte d’Ivoire
Scorers:
7′ Pépé (CIV)
64′ Pépé (CIV)
Curaçao (5-4-1)
Room; Brenet (90′ Sambo), Gaari (77′ Kastaneer), Obispo, Floranus, Fonville (77′ Noslin); Chong, Comenencia (61′ Antonisse), L. Bacuna, J. Bacuna; Locadia (90′ Kuwas).
Coach: Dick Advocaat
Côte d’Ivoire (4-4-2)
Y. Fofana; Doué, Kossounou, O. Diomande, Operi; Amad Diallo (45′ Ounahi), Kessié (77′ Seri), Sangaré, Y. Diomande (67′ Touré); Pépé (67′ Wahi), Bonny (67′ Diakité).
Coach: Emerse Faé
Referee: Nyberg (Sweden)
Yellow Cards: Pépé, J. Bacuna, Kastaneer
Red Cards: None
Group E Final Standings
| Team | Pts | GD |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | 6 | +7 |
| Côte d’Ivoire | 6 | 0 |
| Ecuador | 4 | +1 |
| Curaçao | 1 | -8 |
Qualified: Germany, Côte d’Ivoire
Eliminated: Ecuador, Curaçao
