Ivory Coast Secure Last-16 Spot with Comfortable 2-0 Win Over Curaçao as Pepé Nets Twice

Ivory Coast clinched qualification for the Round of 16 with a controlled 2-0 victory over Curaçao at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia in Group E. Pepé was the hero with a brace, benefiting from creative assists by Diomandé and Sangaré respectively, as the West Africans advanced with a professional display.

Pepé Opens the Scoring Early
Ivory Coast took the lead in the seventh minute after Curaçao lost possession in their own half. The ball found its way to Pepé inside the box, who composed himself and slotted home to give his side an early advantage.

Curaçao Threaten but Fail to Convert
The visitors had their moments in the first half. Diallo twice went close, first firing wide after a clever run in the 18th minute, then hitting the crossbar with a powerful curling effort in the 23rd. Curaçao continued to probe after the break, with Florentius trying his luck from distance in the 55th minute, but his effort sailed over the bar.

Pepé Seals It with a Clever Run
Ivory Coast doubled their lead in the 64th minute through a well-worked move. Sangaré threaded a precise through ball behind the Curaçao defence, and Pepé timed his run to beat the offside trap before calmly sliding the ball home to make it 2-0.

Late Chance Goes Begging
Curaçao's Sané had a glorious opportunity to pull one back in the 75th minute, but his shot went straight into the goalkeeper's arms, summing up a frustrating evening for the Caribbean nation.

Group E Standings
Ivory Coast advance from Group E alongside Germany, with their second-place finish confirmed. Curaçao are eliminated at the group stage.