Ivory Coast reached the knockout stages for the first time in World Cup history thanks to a Nicolas Pepe double as they eliminated minnows Curacao.
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 the Ivory Coast finished second in Group E with six points, winning two matches at a World Cup for the first time.
“My message to fans would be to enjoy this historic qualification and celebrate it,” Ivory Coast manager Emerse Fae told his post-match media conference.
“Once we are done celebrating, please continue sending us positive vibes so we can go as far as we can in this tournament.
“I am very happy with this result. Not everything was perfect but not conceding is good for our morale. Now our group has to bask in this victory. It is easy to recuperate after a victory.
“This group is growing. They are all at their first World Cup but they are growing well – it is a team that sticks together. Even the players competing for similar positions are laughing together, always together. We have healthy competition which helps every player give their best.”
Curaçao, the smallest nation by population ever to play at a men’s World Cup, went down fighting as they created several chances to score.
Their best opening came shortly before half-time when forward Juninho Bacuna broke between two men and into the box but fired wide at the near post.
They leave the tournament with reputation enhanced from their performances against much larger football nations, including their first World Cup point earned from a draw against Ecuador.
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