7M - Curacao 0-2 Cote d'Ivoire: Pepe double confirms knockout place for Ivory Coast with historic victory

Cote d'Ivoire secured a historic berth in the knockout stages of the World Cup after a 2-1 victory over Curacao at Philadelphia Stadium.

The African nation broke the deadlock in the seventh minute when Yan Diomande capitalized on a defensive miscue to slice down the flank and deliver a perfect pass to Nicolas Pepe, who expertly slotted home from close range.

Curacao, looking to continue their fairy-tale tournament run, squandered an equalizer before the interval as Leandro Bacuna dragged his attempt off target.

Pepe put the result beyond doubt midway through the second period by lacing a brilliant curling strike into the far corner. The victory cements second place in Group E for Cote d'Ivoire with six points, while Curacao bid farewell to their maiden World Cup campaign.