Ivory Coast in World Cup knockout round for 1st time as Pépé scores twice in 2-0 win over Curaçao

PHILADELPHIA: (Jun 26)  Ivory Coast rejoiced as players dropped to their knees on the pitch for a team photo — peerless in national team history — and they all pointed one finger toward the sky.

One, for the West African team’s first-ever trip to the World Cup knockout round.

Why stop there?

The Ivorians needed just a point to reach the round of 32, having exited at the group stage in their three previous World Cup appearances. And they settled their nerves with a goal after just seven minutes as Curacao’s defenders were caught out at the back and dispossessed by Yan Diomande, who squared for Pepe to tap in. Then, in the 65th minute, former Arsenal forward Pepe – who was left out of the Ivory Coast squad for the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year – got his second as he slotted a left-footed strike into the top corner past Curacao keeper Eloy Room. It means Ivory Coast finish second in Group E with six points, winning two matches at a World Cup for the first time.