The Caribbean’s last hope of making it to the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup was squashed on Thursday when Ivory Coast defeated Curacao 2-0 to eliminate them at the group stage.
Nicolas Pepe netted a brace at Philadelphia Stadium to send the African country to the round of 32 for the first time in its history, having exited at the group stage in their three previous World Cup appearances.
With the result, Ivory Coast finish second in Group E with six points after winning two matches at a World Cup for the first time, while Curacao finish bottom of the group with one point from three matches. Needing a win to advance, Curacao found themselves behind after just seven minutes when their defenders were caught out at the back and dispossessed by Yan Diomande, who squared for Pepe to tap in.
The former Arsenal forward then doubled his side’s lead in the 65th minute when he slotted home a left-footed strike into the top corner past Curacao keeper Eloy Room.
Curacao, 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 their reputation enhanced from their performances against much larger football nations, including their first World Cup point earned from a draw against Ecuador.