The emphatic victory sealed by former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe, who grabbed a brace, saw Ivory Coast qualify for their first World Cup knockout appearance.
Pepe’s first goal came early in the match when winger Yan Diomande collected a loose ball on the edge of the Curacao box and sent a low cross into the penalty area.
An onrushing Pepe easily tapped home from close range, giving Ivory Coast a deserved lead and their fastest World Cup goal in the process. Ivory Coast went into the half-time break enjoying a 1-0 lead.
The Elephants scored the second when Ibrahim Sangare opened up Curacao with a fine pass to Pepe on the right, and the forward cut inside onto his left foot and curled a brilliant finish into the far corner, leaving the keeper no chance.
“Pride is the first word that comes to mind. We knew we could do it, and we also knew it was going to be difficult. We did it,” Fae told FIFA.com after the game.
“On top of that, we finished second. We’re happy and proud, but we’re looking even further ahead. We’re going to rest up well for our next match. Ivory Coast deserves this, can enjoy it, and can celebrate tonight.
“They can keep cheering us on so we can go as far as possible.”
By scoring a brace, Pepe became the second player from Ivory Coast to score twice in a World Cup match after Aruna Dindane, who bagged a brace in a 3-2 win over Serbia and Montenegro in 2006.
The Villarreal star also scored his country’s fastest-ever goal in the tournament with just seven minutes of the game. Pepe was named Player of the Match, and after the match, he credited teamwork for his two goals.
