Ivory Coast got goals from Nicolas Pépé in each half and advanced to the World Cup knockout round for the first time in the West African team’s history with a 2-0 victory over Curaçao on Thursday. Les Éléphants have crashed the party and made it out of their group for…

Ivory Coast have reached the World Cup knockout phase for the first time and will face either France or Norway in the round of 32.

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.

The government of Curaçao has granted civil servants and teachers the afternoon off on Thursday so they can watch the island's World Cup match against Ivory Coast. The measure was announced on Wednesday ahead of one of the biggest sporting events in Curaçao's history. As a result, schools will close earlier than usual, requiring parents to collect their children ahead of the afternoon kick-off local time.

Ivory Coast got goals from Nicolas Pepe in each half and advanced to the World Cup knockout round for the first time in the West African team's history with a 2-0 victory over Curacao on Thursday

Ivory Coast advances to the World Cup knockout stage, thanks to Pepe's two goals, eliminating Curacao from the tournament.

Ivory Coast advances to the World Cup knockout round for the first time in its history with a 2-0 victory over Curaçao.