Philadelphia, June 26 -- Ivory Coast booked their place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time in history with a convincing 2-0 win over Curacao in their final Group E match at Lincoln Financial Field here.
Nicolas Pepe starred with a brace, scoring in the seventh and 64th minutes, as the African side secured second place in the group and advanced to the Round of 16.
Ivory Coast made the perfect start when Yan Diomande capitalised on a defensive error before cutting the ball back for Pepe, who calmly slotted home from close range.
World Cup debutants Curacao responded positively and created a few openings before halftime. Leandro Bacuna and Tahith Chong came closest, but goalkeeper Yahia Fofana ensured Ivory Coast preser...