Curaçao's historic World Cup campaign ends in group stage after Ivory Coast defeat

Curacao were knocked out of the FIFA World Cup on Sunday after a defeat to the Ivory Coast. Dick Advocaat’s side ended the group stage with one point, finishing bottom of Group E. Two goals from Nicolas Pepe sealed the win for the Ivory Coast in the Philadelphia Stadium.

Curacao knew prior to the game that they would have to beat Ivory Coast to advance, no easy feat as many of the African’s side are established players at the highest level.

They then made the worst possible start, going behind after six minutes. A difficult pass from Jurien Gaari bounced off of Sherel Floranus in the box, leading to Yan Diomande picking it up and playing a low pass to Nicolas Pepe to sweep home.

Ivory Coast came close to a second goal around 10 minutes later, but some last-ditch defending prevented Amad Diallo from finding the net.

Dick Advocaat’s sides struggled to create anything of note. They were mainly reduced to long-distance efforts, with Gaari coming closest with a long drive. Juninho Bacuna dribbled past a defender before getting a shot off from inside the box, but it was nowhere near the goal.

Frank Kessie almost got his second goal of the tournament in the 53rd minute after the midfielder had found the net against Germany last week, but his effort went inches wide of the goal after a deflection.

Ivory Coast got their second goal in the 64th minute, and it was another for Nicolas Pepe. The winger, who plays for Spanish side Villarreal, received a magnificent pass by former PSV man Ibrahim Sangare, and his finish was as good, taking one touch before curling the ball into the far corner.

As was the case in the first half, Curacao simply lacked the attacking quality to trouble their opponents. Closest they came in the second half was a shot from Floranus, which went wide of the goal.

Curacao departed the World Cup with one point, a draw against Ecuador. They finish with -8 goal difference, although most of that was due to their 7-1 defeat to Germany in the first game.

The side’s future is uncertain, with Dick Advocaat seemingly having returned for the World Cup; it is unclear if the 78-year-old will continue in his position after the tournament.