COTE D'IVOIRE MAKE HISTORY WITH FIRST KNOCKOUTS APPEARANCE
CĂŽte dâIvoire booked their ticket to the World Cup knockouts for the first time after a 2-0 victory over Group E opponents Curacao.
Two goals from Nicolas Pepe put The Elephants in second place behind Germany, and they will face fierce contenders in either France or Norway next.
It was an electric start with attempts from both sides, but it would be Pepe who scored first just seven minutes into the match.
He capitalised on a split second of poor defending to slide the ball past keeper Eloy Room, who had produced a stunning clean sheet against Ecuador last week.
Curacao kept their heads up, keeping a good amount of possession to generate a few attacking moments. But they could not get into the final third to put much real pressure on Yahia Fofana.
Momentum from both teams steadily dropped into a lull before half-time, but the break seemed to shake them back into action.
Curacao came through with the first chance, a close attempt from Sherel Constancio Floranus that flew just over the bar.
Substitute Jeremy Antonisse nearly scored off the bench as a ball was played through, but he was just short of pace before Fofana took control.
Then in the 64th minute, Pepe would shine again as he sent a left-footed strike past Room to seal the win.
Despite increasingly urgent attacks from Curacao, including a strike from Tyrese Noslin that forced Fofana into a save, they could not find a way through The Elephantsâ defence.
Emotions were high as the final whistle blew, as Emerse Faeâs men made history in Philadelphia.
They will await the outcome of the game between France and Norway to see who their upcoming opponents will be, but for now they can celebrate a well-earned result.
NOT QUITE FOR CURACAO
Free kick in a great position for Curacao, but Leandro Bacuna's header goes over the crossbar. Cote d'Ivoire then make it into Curacao's half, but can't manage to get an attempt off.
Curacao attempt to counter, but hold onto the ball too long and are dispossessed.
Bad news for Scotland now as Ecuador have scored thanks to Gonzalo Plata. They shoot up to the top of the third place table.
CĂŽte dâIvoire booked their ticket to the World Cup knockouts for the first time after a 2-0 victory over Group E opponents Curacao.
Two goals from Nicolas Pepe put The Elephants in second place behind Germany, and they will face fierce contenders in either France or Norway next.
It was an electric start with attempts from both sides, but it would be Pepe who scored first just seven minutes into the match.
He capitalised on a split second of poor defending to slide the ball past keeper Eloy Room, who had produced a stunning clean sheet against Ecuador last week.
Curacao kept their heads up, keeping a good amount of possession to generate a few attacking moments. But they could not get into the final third to put much real pressure on Yahia Fofana.
Momentum from both teams steadily dropped into a lull before half-time, but the break seemed to shake them back into action.
Curacao came through with the first chance, a close attempt from Sherel Constancio Floranus that flew just over the bar.
Substitute Jeremy Antonisse nearly scored off the bench as a ball was played through, but he was just short of pace before Fofana took control.
Then in the 64th minute, Pepe would shine again as he sent a left-footed strike past Room to seal the win.
Despite increasingly urgent attacks from Curacao, including a strike from Tyrese Noslin that forced Fofana into a save, they could not find a way through The Elephantsâ defence.
Emotions were high as the final whistle blew, as Emerse Faeâs men made history in Philadelphia.
They will await the outcome of the game between France and Norway to see who their upcoming opponents will be, but for now they can celebrate a well-earned result.
NOT QUITE FOR CURACAO
Free kick in a great position for Curacao, but Leandro Bacuna's header goes over the crossbar. Cote d'Ivoire then make it into Curacao's half, but can't manage to get an attempt off.
Curacao attempt to counter, but hold onto the ball too long and are dispossessed.
Bad news for Scotland now as Ecuador have scored thanks to Gonzalo Plata. They shoot up to the top of the third place table.
