Former Arsenal ahead Nicolas Pepe scored twice as Ivory Coast secured second-place in Group E with a cushty 2-0 win over Curacao.
The consequence despatched Emerse Fae’s aspect into the World Cup knockout phases for the primary time in historical past and ensured the debutants completed backside of the pile.
Les Elephants solely wanted a degree to complete as runners-up, however they took management early on and went in entrance inside seven minutes when Liverpool goal Yan Diomande took benefit of Curacao failing to clear their strains to sq. for Pepe, who slotted well into the underside proper nook.
It ought to have been 2-0 earlier than the 20-minute mark however underneath strain, Amad Diallo scuffed one other Diomande cross vast.
Curacao didn’t lose spirit, with Jurien Gaari, Tahith Chong and Leandro Bacuna all managing pictures, however a mixed xG of simply 0.13 illustrated the shortage of definitive risk they carried.
Whereas they trailed by only one objective, Dick Advocaat’s aspect possessed the extra urgency of the 2 groups after the break – till their hopes suffered a hammer blow simply after the hour, when Ibrahim Sangare set Pepe free within the field with a wonderful ball.
He opened his physique and coolly fired a second previous Eloy Room that secured Ivory Coast’s historic development and broke Curacao hearts.
The important thing moments in Philadelphia
- 2: SHOT! Curacao’s Tahith Chong hits the sport’s first shot on course. Yahia Fofana saves.
- 7: GOAL! Ivory Coast’s Nicolas Pepe well tucks within the opening objective after a sq. ball from Yan Diomande.
- 18: CHANCE! Diomande picks out Amad Diallo, however he scuffs vast underneath strain.
- 44: WIDE! Leandro Bacuna darts between two Ivory Coast defenders, however lashes the flawed aspect of the put up.
- 55: OVER! Curacao’s Sherel Floranus causes a contact of panic as his shot whistles simply over the crossbar.
- 64: GOAL! Ibrahim Sangare’s pretty ball units up Pepe, who opens his physique and curls house for 2-0.
What the consequence means…
Evaluation: Finish of the street for Curacao
Sky Sports activities’ Dan Lengthy:
The Curacao heartbreak was evident after the ultimate whistle blew in Philadelphia. That shrill sound echoed across the stadium and signalled the top of the Blue Wave’s first-ever look at a World Cup.
After the goalless draw with Ecuador final day trip – throughout which goalkeeper Eloy Room made a report 15 saves – a win in opposition to the Ivory Coast would have secured development to the knockout phases. That that was even a risk for the second-lowest-ranked nation on the event was unimaginable.
Dick Advocaat’s aspect gave it every little thing, however Les Elephants by no means actually seemed uncomfortable. Nicolas Pepe scored with two of their three pictures on course; Curacao hit two, however Yahia Fofana was not made to work. And so their fairytale got here to a conclusion.
Not like many predicted, they didn’t shame themselves. Positive, a 7-1 defeat to Germany of their opening recreation was removed from superb, however they scored and have been stage for a time. Room’s exploits within the second have been a pleasure to behold, and within the third recreation, they held their very own for lengthy intervals.
The unhappiness on the finish illustrated the idea in themselves. Not disproportionate perception that they might have received the event, however perception that they might have continued to shock and quieten the doubters.
However they’ve had a style of the massive time now – and you’ll make sure they are going to be determined to return in 4 years’ time.
